Head Of Sub-Office

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-affiliated agency, promotes humane and orderly migration. The Head of Sub-Office in Erbil is IOM's senior representative in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). This role leads coordination, management, and operational oversight of IOM's activities in the KRI and supports nationwide field coordination to ensure mission-wide coherence and alignment with organizational priorities.

Job Purpose

The Head of Sub-Office (HoSO) in Erbil serves as IOM's senior representative in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), reporting directly to the Chief of Mission (CoM). This position is responsible for leading the coordination, management, and operational oversight of all IOM activities and strategic engagement within the KRI. The HoSO also contributes to field coordination beyond the KRI, working with other Heads of Sub-Offices to harmonize operational approaches and ensure mission-wide coherence. The role involves overseeing key programme enabling functions, including Information Management Systems, Cash-Based Interventions, Infrastructure, Data tracking, and Partnerships. The HoSO plays a crucial part in programme development, operational planning, donor engagement, and external representation with regional authorities, UN counterparts, and other partners, ensuring IOM's operations are responsive and aligned with its mandate.

Responsibilities

Represent IOM in the KRI, engaging with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), UN agencies, donors, and civil society to align activities with regional priorities. Maintain liaison with the KRG to support dialogue on operational priorities, access, and partnerships, and represent IOM in relevant coordination fora. Manage the Erbil Office, ensuring effective operational, administrative, HR, and financial management, and compliance with IOM rules. Coordinate with nationwide Sub-Offices to strengthen operational coherence, promote consistent field practices, and ensure effective information flow. Provide strategic and managerial oversight of programme enabling functions (CBI, IMS, Infrastructure, DTM/Research, Partnerships) to support programme design and delivery. Collaborate with enabling units and programme teams to promote integrated planning and resolve delivery bottlenecks. Contribute to programme development and operational planning by compiling needs, opportunities, and contextual developments for mission-wide strategy and resource mobilization. Expand donor engagement in the KRI, providing briefings and supporting field visits. Monitor operational risks and contextual changes, providing recommendations to senior management. Promote effective staff management, team cohesion, and a safe working environment. Support mission-wide operational preparedness and continuity. Prepare analytical and operational briefs and reports for senior management and external partners.

Work Experience

Minimum of seven years (or nine for Bachelor's degree holders) of progressive experience in humanitarian, recovery, stabilization, or development settings. Demonstrated experience in managing field operations, programme delivery, or multi-sector teams in challenging environments. Experience supervising programme-support functions (IMS, CBI, infrastructure, research, partnerships) is required. Experience in Iraq or similar contexts is advantageous.

Skills

Government liaison, inter-agency coordination, donor engagement. Management and coordination of complex operations within international organizations. Multi-sector programme management and operational delivery in complex contexts. Supervision of large, multi-disciplinary teams, including remote management. Understanding of UN coordination mechanisms and partnership modalities. Analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and representation skills. Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage competing demands in high-pressure environments. Leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Proficiency in drafting operational briefs and reports.

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