Chief of Mission (P) - Call for Expression of Interest

IOM•Freetown, AL

About The Position

The Chief of Mission (CoM) is responsible and accountable for IOM activities in the country, overseeing policy, administrative, programme and financial management of the Country Office. The role develops and promotes IOM’s country strategy and programming within the regional framework, and keeps the Country Office with Coordination Functions and Regional Office informed of governmental concerns, migration dynamics and programme developments. In programme countries, the CoM also reports to the Resident Coordinator on IOM’s contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the collective results of the UN development system. The CoM leads programme development and implementation, resource mobilization, country programme oversight, UN inter-agency engagement, resource management, knowledge management, representation and strategic partnerships. The role oversees Country Office operations and Project Offices, manages staff, budgets and resources, and represents IOM with governments, UN entities, donors, civil society, international organizations and other stakeholders. The CoM also leads country-level efforts on safety and security, business continuity, and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment. Eligibility for this expression of interest is limited to internal and external candidates currently part of the Pathways Pool. Selection will be conducted through the Pathways Pool process. The position requires fluency in English; working knowledge of another official UN language is an advantage. Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Any offer is subject to funding confirmation and required clearances.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with seven years of relevant professional experience; or a university degree in these fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.
Experience in general management and project and resources management.
Experience in diplomacy, fundraising and public relations, and liaison with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions.
Experience managing a range of migration programming in both emergency and development contexts.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to prepare and deliver speeches on organizational activities.
Demonstrated liaison and negotiation skills.
In-depth knowledge of migration-related subject areas dealt with by IOM.
Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.
Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation procedures and frameworks.
Effective resource management skills and sound knowledge of financial and business administration and management principles and practices.
Ability to deliver during crisis response.
Good level of computer literacy.
Fluency in English, oral and written.
IOM staff must demonstrate inclusion and respect for diversity, integrity and transparency, professionalism, courage and empathy.
Core competencies include teamwork, delivering results, managing and sharing knowledge, accountability and communication, at behavioural indicator Level 3.
Managerial competencies include leadership, empowering others, building trust, strategic thinking and vision, and humility, at behavioural indicator Level 3.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of another official UN language: Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish.
Candidates are expected to be mobile if internationally recruited professional staff.

Responsibilities

Lead strategic planning, results orientation, operational excellence, project development and implementation in consultation with relevant IOM offices, Headquarters, Member States and stakeholders.
Promote project development and implement a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy involving donors, governments and public/private partnerships; contribute to joint resource mobilization with the Resident Coordinator in programme countries.
Ensure programmes align with IOM’s Strategic Plan and results framework, the Common Country Analysis and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework; ensure accurate results reporting and incorporate lessons learned into future planning.
Advise IOM offices and the Resident Coordinator’s Office on national policy, migration trends and government policies affecting IOM activities, and propose appropriate action.
Advocate for migration management policies and strategies and support their integration into national plans, budgets and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, as well as stakeholder engagement in relevant global and regional processes.
Promote risk management and ensure regular assessment of Country Office risks and implementation of risk treatment plans.
Take responsibility for successful execution of ongoing programmes and development of new programmes and opportunities.
Supervise migration-related projects and ensure high-quality performance and impact within the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
Participate actively in the UN Country Team, support consideration of migration issues in the Common Country Analysis and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, and coordinate with the UN Migration Network.
Participate in policy discussions and UN Country Team meetings and ensure approved policies are integrated into and represented by IOM activities.
Pursue joint programming opportunities consistent with IOM’s role, country and regional strategies, and Strategic Plan.
Report to the Resident Coordinator on IOM-led programmes and activities related to UN framework results and collective UN Country Team results.
Where a Humanitarian Country Team exists, participate in it, support inter-agency planning and humanitarian strategy, and ensure IOM’s humanitarian cluster obligations are carried out and reported.
Engage with UN and humanitarian partners on prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, xenophobia and discrimination.
Direct Country Office operational, human resources, administrative, budgetary and financial activities and oversee Project Office activities in accordance with IOM rules and procedures.
Report regularly on progress and developments; prepare narrative, impact, policy, financial, evaluation and statistical reports, including through UNINFO, and prepare requested briefings and background information.
Facilitate knowledge generation and management by identifying best practices and lessons learned.
Coordinate Country Office knowledge products and knowledge services and contribute to relevant UN inter-agency knowledge management platforms.
Facilitate learning through competency advancement training initiatives.
Develop partnerships within and beyond the UN Country Team and liaise with government authorities, diplomatic missions, international organizations, NGOs, civil society, the private sector and media to identify complementary migration-related activities and projects.
Identify cooperation and project development priorities and fundraising needs.
Support preparation and implementation of high-level meetings, including efforts to secure high-level government participation.
Represent IOM at national and international conferences, events and meetings.
Develop public relations and media activities to promote IOM’s image and programmes.
Ensure safety and security of IOM personnel, facilities and assets in coordination with the Regional Field Security Officer; provide Country Office security oversight and ensure business continuity plans and risk mitigation mechanisms are maintained.
Lead IOM’s country-level PSEA/SH strategy, mainstreaming it across operations and programming and supporting awareness, training, safe complaint and referral mechanisms, and compliance with misconduct reporting policies.
Perform other duties as assigned.