Chief, Regional Desk Officer

Position Title: Chief, Regional Desk Officer

Job Code: VN 2023 476

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P5

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 08 November 2023

Context:

In support of the responsibility of the Executive Office to provide institutional guidance, set institutional goals and priorities, and maintain global oversight of IOM activities, the principal function of the successful candidate is to manage and supervise the Regional Desk Officer Unit and provide effective coordination, communication, and coherence between Headquarters (HQ), Regional Offices (ROs) and Country Offices.

Under the direct supervision of the Director, the Department of External Relations (DER), and in close cooperation with the Department for Strategic Planning and Organizational Performance (DPOP), Executive Office, other HQ Offices/Departments, and Regional and Country Offices, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Manage and supervise the Regional Desk Officer Unit by managing the work of the Unit and providing guidance and supervisory oversight of the Regional Desk Officers.
2. Provide substantive inputs and contributions to regional knowledge and expertise to the Executive Office by providing strategic advice to the Director General, the Deputy Directors General, and other HQ Offices and Departments, in coordination with Regional Offices and Country Offices on policy issues and strategic matters.
3. Oversee and manage briefings and background information on regional and national issues for meetings of the Director General and Deputy Directors General, including special reports as requested by the Executive Office.
4. Ensure that regional and country issues and concerns are identified, reflected, and advocated for in global forums and bilateral meetings.
5. Supervise the Regional Desk Officer Unit and ensure that Regional Desk Officers maintain regular liaison with Permanent Missions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, international organizations, regional institutions, and other relevant bodies, in Geneva and in the Region, in accordance with the interests and purposes of the organization.
6. Lead and identify matters of critical importance related to IOM Governing Bodies including liaising with Permanent Missions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, international organizations, regional institutions, and other relevant bodies in Geneva.
7. In support of DER, DPOP, Regional Offices, and Country Offices, ensure that Unit staff members contribute to regional expertise, regional consultative processes, and multilateral forums and foster intra- and inter-regional coherence and coordination.
8. Provide assistance and guidance to the Regional Desk Officers, as needed, to RegionalOffices and Country Offices including supervising the identification, promotion, and encouragement of strategic partnerships and new program activities.
9. Ensure interventions increase regional visibility and enrich IOM partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
10. Ensure that the Unit staff members coordinate cross-regional sharing of regional and country-level experiences, innovation, and good practices internally and with key partners at the global level towards ensuring IOM’s efficiency and effectiveness.
11. Provide overall guidance and oversight to further strengthen long-term policy capacities within the Region.
12. Provide advice to the Director General, the Deputy Directors General, and the Organization at international and regional conferences as well as internal/external meetings.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Business Administration, Migration Studies, International Relations, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in the above with twelve years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience participating and attending high-level international foras and meetings;
• Experience in international relations, migration, and in international development matters; and,• Extensive experience in fundraising and public relations, as well as in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions. Skills
• Knowledge and experience of regional issues is an advantage; and,
• Sound knowledge of the broad range of migration-related subject areas dealt with by the organization.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent, and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, and makes people feel safe, respected, and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – Behavioural Indicators level 3

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring, and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – Behavioural Indicators level 3

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example, and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p df

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.