Head of External Relations
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a UN agency dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. It collaborates with governments and partners to save lives, protect people on the move, and facilitate migration pathways. The organization fosters an inclusive workplace to maximize migration's potential and strengthen support for migrants. This role operates under the administrative supervision of the Head of Office, IOM Canada, and technical supervision from HQ.
Job Purpose
The Head of External Relations will spearhead strategic external engagement, cultivate partnerships, and drive resource mobilization efforts within Canada for the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This position is crucial for enhancing IOM's visibility and influence by representing the organization in high-level political dialogues with government officials. The role involves developing and implementing a country-level resource mobilization strategy aligned with IOM's global priorities, identifying and engaging strategic donors, and ensuring alignment with donor funding cycles and emerging trends. The incumbent will lead initiatives to maximize IOM's impact and ensure its programs are effectively supported, contributing significantly to the organization's mandate in Canada.
Responsibilities
The Head of External Relations is responsible for designing and executing a country-level resource mobilization strategy that aligns with IOM's priorities. This includes representing IOM in political engagements with high-level government officials and participating in policy dialogues. The role involves developing strategies to enhance IOM's visibility and influence, leading resource mobilization initiatives, and actively engaging with donors. Key duties include identifying and prioritizing strategic donors and funding opportunities, and ensuring the strategic integration of external relations and resource mobilization efforts. The position requires maintaining a thorough understanding of donor priorities, funding cycles, and emerging trends in the field. Additionally, the role may involve performing other assigned duties to support the organization's objectives.
Work Experience
Required experience includes senior-level donor relations, policy dialogue related to international migration, and resource mobilization across various donor types. The role also demands experience in developing institutional resource mobilization strategies, managing internal networks, leading capacity-building initiatives, advising senior leadership, and managing project budgets and staff.
Skills
Key skills include engagement with Canada's political and governmental system, knowledge of IOM systems and processes, excellent public speaking, communication, capacity-building, management, and writing skills. Familiarity with the global aid system and the ability to work in multicultural environments and prioritize under pressure are also essential.