Job Identification (Reference Number): 16034
Position Title: Head, HQ Facility and Workplace Management
Duty Station City: Geneva
Duty Station Country: Switzerland
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 25 August 2025
Introduction:
Established 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 Migration
Applications 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 candidates
2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Context:
Under the overall supervision of the Comptroller and Director of the Financial and Administrative Management Department, and direct supervision of the Head, Global Facilities Management Unit, the Head, HQ Facility and Workplace Management is responsible for ensuring the effective operation, efficiency, and safety of the IOM office premises in Geneva. The incumbent will oversee day-to-day facility management, maintain compliance with safety and sustainability standards, and optimize workplace arrangements in line with IOM’s organizational objectives. This role is central to sustaining a safe, productive, and cost-effective working environment through strategic planning, preventive maintenance, and infrastructure enhancements.
- Ensure the safe and continuous operation of the IOM HQ building, develop, implement, and periodically revise preventive maintenance schedules in consultation with senior management and technical contractors to proactively minimize facility downtime, maximize asset lifespan and assure compliance with regulations and norms.
- Manage office and parking space allocation and utilisation at HQ, oversee office space allocation and utilization, including recommending workspace policies updates, workstation modifications, coordinating seamless office relocations, and ensuring optimal space planning aligned with evolving organizational priorities.
- Oversee storage space allocation and utilization, including archives and records management for Headquarters, ensuring that storage space is used efficiently and safely.
- Monitor and administer energy and utilities consumption; waste reduction, recycling and other environmental sustainability programs, generate regular reports on usage, cost trends, and compliance with regulatory requirements; recommend and support implementation of efficiency measures.
- Maintain a centralized and up-to-date database of HQ contracts and vendor information related to facility services (e.g., cleaning, waste disposal, gas supply, maintenance); track key contract milestones such as renewal dates, performance reviews, and compliance obligations
- Supervise and evaluate the performance of third-party providers for cleaning, hygiene, food and beverages, and building management and maintenance services; manage procurement and maintenance of furniture and fittings; review and monitor lease and contract agreements associated with the Headquarters infrastructure, escalating issues as necessary.
- Enhance fire safety preparedness of the HQ infrastructure by coordinating comprehensive fire prevention programs, scheduling and documenting regular evacuation drills, and ensuring all staff complete required emergency response training, in coordination with OSS.
- Strengthen premises security by overseeing the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of surveillance systems; coordinate with security personnel and collaborate with OSS to develop, implement, and periodically review emergency response, fire safety preparedness and crisis management plans. Coordinate with security service providers to ensure effective access control and surveillance measures.
- Maintain up-to-date documentation of all HQ facilities management processes, contracts, plans and schematics and compliance records; prepare periodic summaries and ad-hoc reports for senior management and relevant authorities.
- Foster a culture of safety, sustainability, and operational excellence within the team through coaching, training, and ongoing performance feedback.
- Perform such other duties as assigned.
Education:
- Master´s degree in in in Facility Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
- University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience:
- Experience in building operations and maintenance.
Skills:
- Demonstrated expertise in managing building infrastructure and maintenance tasks;
- Strong organizational, management, communication, and problem-solving skills;
- Demonstrated knowledge of building infrastructure systems, preventive maintenance, and renovation project management principles as applied to facility management;
- Familiarity with energy, utilities, sustainability initiatives, and facility performance monitoring best practices;
- Excellent space planning and workplace optimization skills;
- Knowledge of compliance requirements with regards to workplace health, safety, and fire regulations;
- Knowledge in Swiss building and building management regulations and rules;
- Excellent negotiation and administrative skills, including contract, lease, vendor, security, and access control management; and,
- Knowledge of tools such as MS Office, AutoCAD, or GIS platforms relevant to facility planning and reporting.
Languages:
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.
For this position, fluency in English and French are required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies:
IOM’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 three 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 2
- 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 2
- 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.
Notes:
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.
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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board 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 Vacancies