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 and a leading agency in migration. It collaborates with governments and partners to promote humane and orderly migration, save lives, protect displaced persons, and facilitate 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 accountable for all IOM activities within a country, operating under the guidance of the Director General and direct supervision of a Regional Director or Sub-Regional Director. The CoM provides essential policy, administrative, programmatic, and financial support to the Country Office. This role involves overseeing and directing program design, implementation, and results reporting, ensuring financial oversight and fraud prevention. The CoM is also responsible for resource mobilization, strategic partnerships, and representing IOM to host-government counterparts, diplomatic missions, and international institutions, playing a substantive role in national policy dialogue on migration.
Responsibilities
The Chief of Mission leads strategic planning, translating global priorities into a country-level vision. They represent IOM, engaging in policy dialogue with governments and stakeholders to strengthen migration governance. The role involves direct oversight of program design, implementation, and financial accountability, including fraud prevention and M&E systems. Resource mobilization and strategic partnerships with donors, UN entities, and the private sector are key. The CoM manages resources, including HR, procurement, and finance, and leads risk management, ensuring crisis preparedness and compliance with organizational protocols. People management focuses on fostering a diverse, inclusive, and high-performing team, promoting staff wellbeing and a respectful workplace culture. Strategic communications and external visibility, including media engagement, are also crucial.
Work Experience
Extensive experience in general management, project, and resource management. Significant experience in diplomacy, fundraising, public relations, policy advocacy, and liaising with governmental and international institutions. Proven experience delivering large, diverse programs in complex settings, encompassing both emergency and development migration programming.
Skills
Excellent oral and written communication, political acumen, people management, liaison, and negotiation skills. In-depth knowledge of migration-related subjects. Strategic and innovative thinking. Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming, M&E procedures, and resource management. Ability to deliver during crisis response. Advanced knowledge of strategic communications, media engagement, and public outreach. Practical data and AI literacy.