Deputy Chief of Mission

Position Title: Deputy Chief of Mission

Duty Station: Bogota, Colombia

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: 12 June 2023

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

IOM started operating in Colombia in 1956. In accordance with its humanitarian mandate it provides assistance to the Colombian Government and civil society by promoting an orderly flow of migration that will guarantee humane treatment of the migrants and ensure their well-being.

IOM broadened and increased its activities associated with the priorities identified by the Colombian Government and civil society regarding displaced and vulnerable populations in the country. As the Colombian Government increases its commitment and financial capacity to assist groups affected by conflict, IOM’s role is increasing focused on institutional strengthening and addressing new challenges and opportunities, such as migration flows, land restitution, disaster risk reduction and migration in rural contexts, among others.

IOM has close partnerships with multiple international donors, and the United Nations Multi

Trust Fund for Post-conflict, as well as government agencies, such as the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, the Department for Social Prosperity, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Ministry of the Education, the Colombian Family Welfare Institute, the Victims Unit, among others.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM), the Deputy Chief of Mission will support the CoM to coordinate and manage the three pillars in the mission structure: resource management, programmes, and programmes’ support (planning, support and communications). Likewise, the successful candidate will supervise programme activities and budgetary implementation of programmes in the Country Office (CO) and its Sub-Offices, ensuring fluid coordination among programmes and among the aforementioned pillars. They will also mainstream the migratory approach in all the programmatic areas of the CO.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Upon delegation of the Chief of Mission (CoM), represent as required the Organization and strengthen high level relations with government authorities at ministerial and vice-presidential level, diplomatic missions, Donors, International Organizations, non — governmental organizations, the UN Country Team, private sector and public media.
2. Supervise and promote fluid information-sharing and coordination among programmatic, resource management and programme support teams.
3. Oversee development and implementation of programmes at national and regional level; identify potential and existing obstacles to programmes delivery, through continuous monitoring of new programme areas that reflects changes in host countries and donor priorities.
4. Upon delegation of the CoM, participate in the United Nations Country Team and coordinateIOM’s active participation in the inter-agency thematic groups including the Humanitarian Country Team, the security management team and different inter-agency working groups. Contribute to the shared planning tools for operational activities for humanitarian assistance and development such as the United Nations Development Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDCF).
5. Operationalize the development and supervise IOM Country Office Strategy and OperationalPlans including technical, budgetary, administrative, and security issues.
6. Identify and oversee the development at the strategic level of new programmes and strategy—level modifications to existing programmes to respond to changing host country and donor requirements. Lead interventions that position IOM in new developments especially the post-conflict scenario underway.
7. Analyse migration trends at National and Regional Level. Advise and provide technical cooperation to the Government of Colombia at different levels as well as different IOM Country Offices on migration policies and legislation through current high level working groups. Within this framework facilitate South-South Cooperation initiatives.
8. Coordinate IOM Colombia’s support within the framework of regional and international processes and/or dialogues on migration relevant to Colombia and provide technical assistance to the Colombian Government as part of the Government of Colombia’s participation in these processes.
9. Provide advice to high level Colombian authorities (Ministers and Vice Ministers) as well as donors on policies and approaches that make part of IOM Colombia’s portfolio including: reintegration of ex-combatants and disengaged children and recruitment prevention, peace and post conflict, assistance to internally displaced persons; reparation of victims, technical Cooperation on Migration, health and migration, diaspora engagement, assisted voluntary return and reintegration, labour migration, border management, Counter Trafficking, environment and migration, emergency response and preparedness.
10. Analyse political, social and economic trends and lead formulation, strategic analysis, planning and evaluation of programmes activities and provide policy advice for project management in a changing context of conflict.
11. Develop and maintain regular communication and negotiations with project partners, including central and local authorities, civil society, donors including USAID, Colombian Government, European Union and member states, PRM, Embassy of Canada, the World Bank, UN Agencies, among others. To facilitate a coordinated approach to project implementation, maintain a continuous dialogue with national and local authorities, other IOM Country Offices, the Regional Office of Buenos Aires, Office of the Special Envoy for Refugees and Migrants from Venezuela in Panama and different Departments and Units in Headquarters.
12. Coordinate IOM financial and administrative units to facilitate interdisciplinary and inter-programme support within IOM in planning and execution.
13. Supervise the preparation of key monthly implementation and periodic reports to donors on program delivery, including required reports to donors and Headquarters (HQ) on budgetary expenditure and results and final reports, as well as internal country office reports.
14. Facilitate knowledge generation and management through the identification of best practices and lessons learned to ensure more comprehensive and efficient delivery. Coordinate the Country Office’s intra-programmatic knowledge products development and knowledge service delivery. Facilitate learning through organization of competency advancement training initiatives.
15. Supervise and build capacity among programme staff, comprising a multidisciplinary technical team including advisors and consultants and field officers. Oversee personnel management including improvements to staff structures, improving lines of communication and accountability, resolving tensions in reporting lines and seeking opportunities for staff development.
16. Participate at the strategic level on the design of databases and other information systems that produce information on Country Office caseloads, programme implementation and internal procedures.
17. Perform periodic field visits to create relationships with local authorities, represent IOM at events and meetings and monitor programme activities in conflict impacted and other areas of Colombia where IOM operates.
18. Identify and promote programme opportunities, lead the development and negotiation of new Country Office programmes and stimulate project development in Colombia through comprehensive fundraising activities.
19. Upon delegation of the CoM, serve as Officer in Charge (OiC), and upon request by the same, represent the Country Office in donor briefings, high-level meetings and events, visits to project sites and media presentations as necessary.
20. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Law, Economics or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in conflict/post-conflict assistance (i.e. reintegration of ex-combatants, comprehensive assistance to victims – including IDPs, returnees and former child combatants), emergency response and rural development;
• Specific work experience in integrated assistance programs for vulnerable groups;
• Previous experience working in project development in developing countries necessary, and in Latin America with governmental or international organisations advantageous; familiarity with USG donor procedures is essential.

Skills

• Familiarity with programme regulations of the UN and other donors is desirable;
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports; supervise staff (large and inter-disciplinary teams)and to coordinate financial, administrative and program support activities;
• Good level of computer literacy is required, in particular good knowledge of MS Office.

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English and Spanish is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French 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, 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.pdf

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. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

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.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.