Director, Special Liaison Office to the Africa Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
Organizational Context
IOM, established in 1951, is a leading UN agency focused on migration, promoting humane and orderly migration globally. It collaborates with governments and partners to save lives, protect migrants, and facilitate regular migration pathways. This role is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and operates under the Chief of Staff, representing IOM to the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
Job Purpose
The Director of the Special Liaison Office to the AU and ECA is responsible for managing IOM's representation and strategic positioning with the African Union and its member states, as well as with UNECA. This involves direct liaison, fundraising, and advocating for IOM's mandate. The role also entails representing IOM in key continental forums, including the UN Liaison Team and the Humanitarian Coordination Forum, and participating in AU-UN initiatives like the College to College platform. The purpose is to strengthen IOM's engagement and influence at the continental level, ensuring migration is integrated into policy and programming priorities.
Responsibilities
The Director will lead IOM's strategic engagement with the AU, UNECA, and other continental institutions, advocating for the mainstreaming of migration into policy and programming aligned with global and continental agendas. This includes contributing to GCM reviews, analyzing migration trends, and preparing briefing papers for HQ and Regional Offices. The role involves enhancing IOM's visibility, coordinating participation in continental events, and establishing open communication channels with IOM Country Offices. Responsibilities also include leading liaison efforts with the AU, UNECA, AfDB, and AFCFTA, fostering strategic partnerships, and supporting the development and implementation of continental strategies and programs, including donor engagement and joint programming.
Work Experience
Extensive experience with the African Union Commission (AUC), UNECA, AU Regional Economic Communities, and diplomatic missions is essential. This includes intrinsic knowledge of these institutions, extensive experience in diplomacy, fundraising, public relations, and liaising with governmental and international bodies. Experience in leading strategic implementation processes and managing diverse teams is also required.
Skills
Excellent communication (oral and written), liaison, and negotiation skills. In-depth knowledge of migration-related subject areas. Understanding of AUC, UNECA, UN, and donor programming. Knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation procedures. Effective resource management, financial and business administration skills. Good computer literacy.