Chief of Mission (CoM) (P) Multiple Duty Stations - Call for Applications
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a UN-related organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. It operates globally, saving lives, protecting migrants, resolving displacement issues, and facilitating legal migration pathways. IOM fosters an inclusive and supportive workplace to maximize the potential of migration and enhance support for people on the move.
Job Purpose
The Chief of Mission (CoM) is responsible for overseeing all IOM activities within a country, providing strategic leadership, policy direction, and administrative, programmatic, and financial support to the Country Office. Reporting to the Director General and supervised by a Regional/Sub-Regional Director, the CoM acts as IOM's senior representative, engaging in national policy dialogues on migration. This role is crucial for advancing IOM's mandate by ensuring effective program delivery, resource mobilization, and maintaining strong relationships with governments, partners, and stakeholders, ultimately contributing to humane and orderly migration management.
Responsibilities
The Chief of Mission (CoM) is accountable for setting the country's strategic direction, aligning it with IOM's global and regional priorities. This includes leading policy dialogue, representing IOM to host governments and international institutions, and fostering strong relationships with various stakeholders to enhance organizational visibility and influence. The CoM directs program oversight, ensuring effective design, implementation, and results reporting, alongside financial accountability and fraud prevention. Resource mobilization is key, involving strategic positioning with donors and partners to secure sustainable funding. The role also encompasses comprehensive risk management, crisis preparedness, and ensuring compliance with organizational protocols. Furthermore, the CoM is responsible for people management, fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace culture, and promoting staff well-being. Strategic communications, media engagement, and internal coordination with regional offices and headquarters are also critical functions.
Work Experience
Extensive experience is required in general management, project management, and resource management. Significant experience is also needed in diplomacy, fundraising, public relations, policy advocacy, and liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities. The role demands substantial experience in delivering large and diverse programs in complex environments, encompassing both emergency and development migration programming.
Skills
Key skills include excellent oral and written communication, political acumen for analyzing complex situations, and effective people management, liaison, and negotiation abilities. A deep understanding of migration-related subjects, strategic and innovative thinking, knowledge of UN and donor programming, and M&E frameworks are essential. Proficiency in resource management, financial administration, crisis response delivery, and advanced strategic communications, media engagement, and data literacy are also required.