Expedited VN: Deputy Chief Of Mission

Organizational Context

IOM, established in 1951, is a UN-related organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. As the leading UN agency in migration, it collaborates with governmental and non-governmental partners, providing services and advice to governments and migrants. This role supports the Chief of Mission in ensuring coherence between programs and support services within the Country Office, fostering effective and efficient program implementation aligned with IOM's strategy and donor expectations.

Job Purpose

The Deputy Chief of Mission (DCoM) supports the Chief of Mission (CoM) in overseeing the Country Office's programs and support services, ensuring coherence and effective implementation. This role is crucial for developing country strategies, identifying emerging needs, and ensuring programs align with IOM's strategy, donor expectations, and beneficiary needs. The DCoM collaborates closely with national and regional authorities, contributing to the overall efficiency and strategic direction of IOM's operations in the country. The position requires strong coordination skills to integrate sub-office activities and enhance inter-unit collaboration, maximizing program efficacy and achieving common organizational goals. The DCoM also plays a key role in risk management, compliance, and donor relations, deputizing for the CoM as needed.

Responsibilities

Represent the Country Office (CO) by promoting IOM activities with national authorities, diplomatic corps, donors, NGOs, and other partners. Oversee the formulation of Country Strategies and identify new programs to address emerging needs, ensuring systematic implementation capacity. Contribute to CO's Risk Management and Compliance functions, strengthening internal controls and ensuring compliance with rules and regulations. Ensure effective planning, coordination, and integration between the CoM, DCoM offices, and sub-offices. Enhance inter-unit collaboration to maximize efficiencies and achieve common goals. Provide strategic recommendations to senior management to improve CO performance. Oversee field operations to ensure effective program delivery, including the humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding nexus. Lead the development of strong donor relations and support fundraising activities. Ensure IOM participation in UN Country Team (UNCT) mechanisms and coordinate with UN agencies on migration-relevant SDGs and global compacts. Formally deputize for the CoM, exercising mission, staff, and financial management responsibilities.

Work Experience

Proven experience in inter-agency coordination, UN structures, and engagement in both crisis and development settings. Extensive experience in formulating and delivering policy, strategy, and programming related to internal displacement and solutions. International experience managing programs across emergency, stabilization, and development areas. Previous experience as a Head of Office, Chief of Mission, or Senior Programme Manager with a government or UN agency. Significant experience in external relations, strategic engagement, and liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities.

Skills

Sound knowledge of program development, management, and capacity-building methodologies. In-depth understanding of migration-related subject areas. Good knowledge of financial and administrative management. Familiarity with UN and bilateral donor programming. Experience in program management within emergency contexts. Fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Working knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage.

Explore related opportunities