International Organization for Migration | Chief Data Officer | Geneva Switzerland

Position Title: Chief Data Officer

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: 07 January 2024

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; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; 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 recognizes the importance of data in its service delivery and decision-making processes. It is the primary source of migration and displacement data, providing essential insights and foresight for action. IOM collects, stores, analyzes, shares, and applies disaggregated data and evidence across the mobility continuum. Leveraging AI, IOM transforms this data into predictive insights and operational intelligence. Its rich data repositories and research are the backbone of evidence-based policy and practice, affirming data’s pivotal role in the internal decision-making and management of the organization.

Under the direct supervision of Chief Information Officer/ Director, ICT, the Chief Data Officer

(CDO) will lead the Strategic Data and Business Intelligence Unit within the Information

Technology Department (ITD). The ITD enables IOM to achieve its mission of safe and orderly migration in a sustainable way by delivering transformative information and technologies to its staff working in over 580 locations. The ITD shapes its strategy in response to changing business priorities and leverages new technologies to achieve three high-level business outcomes: business enablement, empowerment & effectiveness, and accelerated delivery of solutions.

The CDO is the strategic leader and principal architect for the organization’s data capabilities, including the integration of artificial intelligence. The CDO pioneers the development of state-of-the-art analytical tools and AI-driven systems that enhance data extraction, analysis, and insight generation, addressing complex analytical challenges with innovative solutions.

The CDO operates under the guidance of the CIO/Director of ICT and is the driving force behind IOM’s data-driven vision. By engaging intimately with core business stakeholders, the focus is squarely on steering IOM to anticipate and master disruptive data and technology trends, including the adoption and integration of AI, securing our position as a data-forward organization in an increasingly digital future. The CDO is tasked with orchestrating a digital transformation centred around data and artificial intelligence, optimizing existing data processes, and making strategic investments in AI and other emerging data technologies. Central to this role is the advocacy for widespread data literacy, the formulation of a comprehensive data transition roadmap, and the provision of robust support for colleagues in the adoption of AI-enhanced data-centric change and digital practices.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Data Strategy Formation and Execution:

• Develop an integrated data strategy aligned with the organization’s business objectives.
• Create a strategic roadmap for the systematic deployment and integration of essential data capabilities, including AI and ML.
• Design a governance roadmap that prioritizes data quality, data management standards, and security protocols.
• Create detailed, actionable roadmaps for each major data project or initiative, outlining key milestones, timelines, and resource allocation.

Governance, quality, and security:

• Establish robust data governance frameworks, setting policies for data access, quality, and lifecycle management.
• Monitor changes in data-related regulations and ensure the organization’s data practices comply. Manage risks associated with data management and usage.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy laws and regulations and implement best practices in data security to protect sensitive information.
• Implement structured Data Quality Management processes, measures, and technology to manage to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and reliability across the organization.
• Integrate and reinforce data stewardship roles and responsibilities to maintain high standards of data governance, quality, and compliance.
• Enhance and advance MDM processes to ensure consistent, accurate, and efficient management of key data assets to improve data integration, precision, and accessibility, thereby bolstering the overall data strategy of the organization.

Technology Leadership and Infrastructure:

• Direct the implementation and continuous management of IOM data technology and infrastructure.
• Lead the enhancement of platform infrastructure and architecture to maximize the utilization of data and insights.
• Spearhead the development and maintenance of essential technical foundations.
• Manage the timely delivery of platform enhancements.
• Promote and enhance self-service BI tools and practices to improve data literacy and decentralized decision-making capabilities.

Value Realization Through Data Capabilities:

• Harness the collective power of various data capabilities and technologies to extract maximum value from data assets, drive business innovation, and improve decision-making.

Collaboration and Change Leadership:

• Establish a data-centric organizational culture and promote data literacy and establish data as an asset.
• Facilitate data solutions aligned with organizational goals and drive the effective use of data solutions.
• Cross-functional Team/Department Collaboration: Encourage and facilitate cooperation across various teams and departments to maximize the value derived from data.
• Develop and implement change management strategies to facilitate the adoption of new data strategies and technologies, ensuring alignment with organizational culture and objectives.

Organizational Development and Vendor Management:

• Cultivate a high-caliber data professional team that values collaboration and innovation.
• Engage with platform vendors to influence product direction and manage enhancements.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Business Analytics, Statistics, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience, reflecting the advanced knowledge required for the complexities of data management and strategy; or,
• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.
• Certifications and Specializations: Advantageous to have Professional certifications or specialized training in areas such as Big Data, AI, Machine Learning, Business Intelligence, Data Governance, and Project Management to demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and expertise in specific aspects of data technology and management.
• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Education or training that combines technical skills with business acumen, such as an MBA with a focus on information systems or a dual degree program, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of how data strategies align with and drive business objectives.

Experience

• Strategic Data Leadership Experience: Proven track record in leading data strategy initiatives within a large organization;
• Technical Expertise: Hands-on experience with various data platforms and technologies, including AI and machine learning tools, data warehousing solutions, analytics software, and data visualization tools;
• Change Management: Experience in leading change management initiatives, particularly in driving a shift towards a data-driven culture within an organization;
• Adaptive Business Engagement: Experience working in fast-paced, business-responsive, or client-service environments, and leading teams in multi-disciplinary and/or multi-site settings;
• Analytical Background: A deep understanding of data analytics, data science, and predictive modeling, with experience in applying these techniques to solve complex business problems; and,
• Vendor Management: Skills in negotiating with and managing third-party vendors, along with experience in influencing product development based on the organization’s needs.

Skills

• Project Management Skills: Strong background in managing large-scale data projects from conception through to delivery, including the ability to oversee cross-functional teams and manage stakeholders;
• Strategic Planning and Vision: Ability to create and implement long-term strategies that align data initiatives with business goals;
• Communication and Collaboration: Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex data concepts into clear business insights for non-technical stakeholders, and foster collaboration across various departments;
• Innovation Realization: A proven record of turning innovative ideas into actionable strategies, resulting in tangible business outcomes;
• Technical and Analytical Acumen: Proficiency in data management systems, analytics, AI, and machine learning, combined with strong problem-solving capabilities;
• Leadership and Team Management: Skills in leading diverse teams, fostering a collaborative environment, and developing talent within the organization;
• Change Management and Adaptability: Aptitude for managing organizational change, with the flexibility to adapt strategies in response to evolving business and technological landscapes;
• Communication and Influence: Excellent communication skills for articulating complex data concepts to various stakeholders and influencing decision-making processes;
• Risk Assessment and Compliance: Knowledge of risk management, especially concerning privacy and security, and the ability to ensure adherence to relevant laws and regulations; and,
• Stakeholder Management and Engagement: The ability to effectively manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that data strategies meet the diverse needs and objectives of all parties involved.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

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, 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.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification 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.

How to apply

To apply, interested applicants are invited to submit their applications HERE via the IOM e-Recruitment system by 07 January 2024.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information please refer to: www.iom.int/recruitment

Posting period:

From 14.12.2023 to 07.01.2024

No Fees:

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

Requisition: VN 2023 559 Chief Data Officer (P5) Geneva, Switzerland (58546435) Released

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