Senior External Relations Associate

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-related organization established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. It supports governments and migrants by saving lives, protecting people on the move, and facilitating pathways for regular migration. The Senior External Relations Associate role supports the Country Office's engagement with governmental and parliamentary stakeholders, international financial institutions, and think tanks, acting as a trusted advisor on migration issues.

Job Purpose

The Senior External Relations Associate's purpose is to support the implementation of engagement activities with key external counterparts, including governmental and parliamentary stakeholders, international financial institutions, and think tanks. This role contributes to strengthening IOM's position as a trusted advisor on migration-related issues and building understanding and support for the organization's work. By assisting with information gathering, material preparation, logistical arrangements, and follow-up, the associate plays a crucial part in maintaining and developing external partnerships. The role operates under the supervision of the Chief of Mission and the Head of the Liaison and Project Support Unit, collaborating with colleagues across the Country Office and the wider organization to enhance IOM's external relations and visibility.

Responsibilities

The Senior External Relations Associate is responsible for coordinating and supporting stakeholder engagement activities with UK Government departments, multilateral development actors, and think tanks. This includes reviewing and coordinating stakeholder information, preparing documentation, and supporting meeting and event logistics. The role involves monitoring and analyzing funding decisions, political positions, and policy developments, and drafting guidance documents. The associate will coordinate the collection of programme information and draft talking points and briefings to support policy engagement. Additionally, the role supports the preparation of visits for UK government stakeholders to IOM operations and IOM staff visiting the UK. Researching donors, funding mechanisms, and emerging opportunities is also a key duty, alongside liaising with IOM units to share information on UK funding. The associate performs other relevant duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Required experience includes providing administrative, coordination, or substantive support in external relations, public affairs, or communications. Experience supporting engagement with parliamentarians, government bodies, or multilateral development banks is necessary, as is experience organizing events and handling logistics. Experience in drafting and editing institutional documents is also required. Experience in migration, humanitarian, or development issues, prior work in international organizations, and lived experience of migration are advantageous.

Skills

Key skills include strong drafting and communication abilities with attention to accuracy and clarity. Good knowledge of UK political and parliamentary processes is advantageous. Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills are essential for effective collaboration with diverse colleagues and stakeholders. High professionalism, the ability to work independently, and prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment are also crucial. Demonstrated awareness of gender, diversity, and inclusion principles is required.

Explore related opportunities