Deputy Chief of Mission

IntroductionEstablished in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for MigrationApplications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:1. Internal candidates2. External female candidates3. Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, VanuatuSecond tier candidates include:All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.Organizational Context and ScopeUnder the overall supervision of the Regional Director (RD) and direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and in close coordination with relevant Departments in Headquarters (HQ), the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCoM) will be responsible and accountable for providing support to the CoM in their responsibility to ensure coherence between the Programmes and Support Services of the Country Office (CO), including Programme Development for the CO. The DCoM will ensure that implementation of IOM programmes is done in an effective and efficient manner consistent with CO's Strategy and in line with the expectations of the IOM's donors and beneficiaries, while collaborating with the national and regional authorities.Responsibilities for Internal Candidates1. In coordination with the CoM, represent the CO by promoting IOM activities with the national authorities, diplomatic corps, governmental and private donors, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), government authorities/ or de facto government authorities, and other partners in the Country and Region.2. Oversee the formulation of Country Strategies, policies and approaches across IOM's operational portfolio, and identify and develop new programmes to address emerging needs while ensuring systematic implementation capacity, in close coordination with the Programme Support Unit (PSU).3. Contribute to ensuring the highest efficiency in CO's Risk Management and Compliance functions, to ensure strengthening internal controls and compliance with contractual rules and regulations through effective management and the provision of accurate, researched, and documented risk and compliance information, effective delivery of services, transparent utilization, and management of programme resources.4. Ensure the continuous, effective, and efficient planning, coordination and integration between the CoM and DCoM Offices and the Sub-Offices.5. Work closely with the CoM, Heads of Sub-Offices and Heads of Units to enhance inter-unit collaboration and coordination, to maximize efficiencies and efficacy within the CO programming to ensure, that all CO's Units work towards common goals and a consistent and coherent strategy.6. Make strategic recommendations and provide advice to the CoM and Senior Management to improve overall performance of the CO and support the CoM's Office with development of strategy/policies/guidance notes, organize regular Senior Management Meetings (SMT), set-up meetings with external partners (UN/ de facto authorities), prepare speeches/talking points, and support/facilitate consultation process with UN/international community on CO's strategies.7. In close coordination with the Resources Management Unit (RMU), Programme Support Unit and respective Programmes Managers, ensure compliance of all projects with IOM and donor regulations, policies and obligations as indicated in the funding agreements, project documents, work plans and budgets.8. Oversee field operations to ensure implementation of the humanitarian, development and peace building nexus to ensure timely, effective and efficient programming delivery, ensuring through sound leadership, supervision and monitoring that all blockages, disruptions and delays are avoided in order to achieve program results and that these results are measurable.9. Lead the development of strong donor contacts and relations, monitoring, updating programme funding priorities across the migration management spectrum and provide expert support to the CoM in fundraising activities. Participate in all strategic inter-sector coordination and performance management mechanisms.10. Ensure IOM participation in appropriate policy and operational UNCT inter-agency mechanisms; engage with UN agencies in the development and implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and coordinate with UNCT and partners on the implementation and review processes of the migration-relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Compact for Migration and the UN Network on Migration related activities as these processes move forward.11. Formally deputize for CoM on an ongoing basis and exercise mission, staff and financial management responsibility in CO, including chairing the Senior Management Team and/or Senior Operational Team meetings in the absence of the CoM.12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.Qualifications for Internal CandidatesRequired Qualifications and ExperienceEducation• Master's degree in Political or Social Sciences, Law, International Relations, Business Administrationor a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professionalexperience; or• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.Experience• Excellent understanding of and proven experience in inter-agency coordination and strategic engagement, UN structures and systems and experience in both crisis contexts and development settings;• Extensive experience formulating and delivering internal displacement and solutions policy, strategy,and programming;• Experience at an international level in managing programmes, covering emergency, stabilization, and development areas;• Previous experience as a Head of Office, Chief of Mission and/or Senior Programme Manager with a Government or UN agency, or a regional or international organization;• Extensive experience in external relations or strategic engagement, as well as liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and institutions;• Experience in managing IOM Offices and liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions; and,• Work experience in the Region.Skills• Sound knowledge of programme development, management and capacity-building methodologies;• In-depth knowledge of the broad range of migration-related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;• Good knowledge of financial and administrative management;• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming; and,• Knowledge of programme management in an emergency context.LanguagesAll IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English,French, Spanish).For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).Working knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may includewritten and/or oral assessments.Required CompetenciesIOM's competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 3• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization's priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 3• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization's vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization's goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.NotesInternationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job VacanciesHOW TO APPLYInterested candidates are invited to submit their applications HERE by 15 Month 2026 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.