Regional Desk Officer (8 Positions)

Position Title: Regional Desk Officer (8 Positions)

Job Code: VN 2023 477

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P4

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

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 09 November 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; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); 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:

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 support effective coordination, communication, and coherence between Headquarters (HQ), Regional Offices (ROs) and Country Offices.

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

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Contribute regional knowledge and expertise to the Executive Office to advise 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.
2. Prepare and coordinate 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.
3. Contribute to and coordinate efforts to ensure that regional and country issues and concerns are reflected and advocated for in global forums and bilateral meetings.
4. Support the Executive Office, the Department of External Relations, and other HQ Offices and departments in maintaining 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.
5. Support matters 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 and in the Region.
6. In support of DER, DPOP, Regional Offices, and Country Offices, contribute regional expertise to regional consultative processes and multilateral forums and foster intra- and inter-regional coherence and coordination.
7. Serve as a regional resource person for various Offices and Departments at HQ, RegionalOffices and Country Offices, as required, in matters related to publications, donor relations, communications, and press briefings so as to ensure consistency, credibility, and image of IOM in the Region.
8. Provide assistance and guidance, as needed, to Regional Offices and the Country Offices including identifying, promoting, and encouraging strategic partnerships and new program activities. Support interventions for increasing regional visibility and enriching partnerships.
9. Facilitate the 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.
10. Contribute to further strengthening long-term policy capacities within the Region.
11. Support the Director General, the Deputy Directors General, and the Organization at international and regional conferences as well as internal/external meetings.
12. 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 seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in the above with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in the field of migration issues including operational and field experience, IOM project development, and management;
• 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. Knowledge and experience of regional issues is an advantage.

Skills

• 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 these positions, language fluency (oral and written) in the following regions is required:

• Francophone Africa: English and French are required;
• Anglophone Africa: English is required;
• The Pacific and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS): English is required;
• South America: English and Spanish are required;
• Central America and Caribbean: English and Spanish are required;
• Asia: English is required
• Europe: English is required; French and Spanish are an advantage
• Middle East and North Africa (MENA): English is required; French and/or Arabic are an advantage.

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.

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