Chief, Preparedness And Humanitarian Response Division

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a UN-related agency dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. It operates globally, saving lives, protecting people on the move, and facilitating pathways for regular migration. The Preparedness and Humanitarian Response Division (PHRD) is central to IOM's efforts in crisis preparedness and humanitarian response, aligning with the IOM Strategic Plan 2024–2028.

Job Purpose

The Chief, Preparedness and Humanitarian Response Division (PHRD) is responsible for leading and managing IOM’s global Preparedness and Humanitarian Response portfolio. This role ensures the effective and timely implementation of IOM's strategies in crisis preparedness and humanitarian action, in line with the IOM Strategic Plan. The Division consolidates IOM's capacities to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to crises, working across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus. The position spearheads the institutionalization of preparedness and anticipatory action, providing strategic and technical support to IOM offices worldwide, coordinating emergency resource mobilization, and ensuring robust operational leadership for humanitarian assistance delivery.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage IOM’s global emergency preparedness and humanitarian response, ensuring adherence to international standards and coordination requirements. Harmonize emergency preparedness and response standards, policies, and systems, ensuring linkages with other departments. Enhance early warning systems and readiness planning for anticipatory actions, supporting states' capacity to monitor disaster displacement impacts. Manage strategic learning pathways focused on states' emergency preparedness, risk reduction, and adaptation, promoting local ownership and partnerships. Oversee IOM’s responses to humanitarian emergencies, including managing the Global Rapid Response Mechanism and the Migration Emergency Response Fund. Provide expert advice on technical and operational excellence, including standards for WASH, Shelter, and Settlements. Represent IOM externally in humanitarian forums, provide strategic guidance for appeals, resource mobilization, and donor reporting. Manage and coordinate global supply and logistics operations for lifesaving supplies.

Work Experience

Requires at least ten years of senior management and leadership experience in humanitarian and development fields with international organizations, including significant experience in developing countries. Demonstrated experience in leading emergency preparedness programs and climate actions is essential. Experience within the UN system, particularly in leading institutional reform, is advantageous. Team management and leadership skills are also required.

Skills

Demonstrated networking with major humanitarian actors, UN, governments, and donors. Proven effectiveness in mobilizing capacity, influencing, and networking. Strong knowledge of the humanitarian sector, Disaster Risk Reduction, and climate community principles, trends, standards, and laws. Understanding of the relationship between humanitarian work and long-term development.

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