Chief, Regional Coordination and Support Unit (P)

Job Identification (Reference Number): 15265
Position Title: Chief, Regional Coordination and Support Unit
Duty Station City: Geneva
Duty Station Country: Switzerland
Grade: P-5
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: 22 June 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. External female candidates:
3. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu 

Second-tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from nonrepresented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

IOM is the leading organization in the field of migration and has a staffing complement of 18,000+ staff in more than 580 locations worldwide. 

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Staff and direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS), as well as in close coordination with relevant Heads of  Departments and Divisions at Headquarters (HQ) and Regional Directors (RDs), the Chief, Regional Coordination and Support Unit (RCSU) will be responsible and accountable for providing expert support, guidance and advice to the Regional Offices (ROs) in their interaction with HQ and will act as an interlocutor for HQ and ROs.

The Chief, RCSU will advise and provide support to the Deputy Chief of Staff on matters relating to the ROs and interactions between ROs and HQ, and will facilitate the everyday interaction to build cohesion across the regional structures of IOM with the aim of supporting the ROs to fulfill their oversight and technical responsibilities for efficient and effective management IOM’s field operations. 

As delegated by the Deputy Chief of Staff, the RCSU deals with cross-functional requests related to the Regions and Country Offices (COs) by providing support and guidance as required, including channeling issues for resolution to the appropriate functions at HQ. The RCSU also identifies opportunities to enhance coordination and collaboration between HQ/ROs/COs and between Regions ensuring that HQ does not impose excessive burdens on the field. In addition, the RCSU monitors the timely implementation of key recommendations provided by the Chief of Staff and independent oversight offices.

1. As delegated by the Deputy Chief of Staff, act as contact in HQ for Regional Office (RO) and Country Offices (CO) on cross-functional matters by developing clear indicators for management of arising issues and adequately ensuring their management through the relevant HQ Departments in coordination with the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff.
2. Develop and maintain a clear tracking system of arising challenges and required follow-up action keeping the Senior Leadership Team abreast of potential bottlenecks. Critically review and monitor monthly reports for trends and newly arising challenges ensuring provision of regular information to the Chief of Staff.
3. As delegated, represent the Chief of Staff in the coordination of corporate scale-up advisory board and working groups, actively following up and updating the Chief of Staff on relevant developments, ensuring preparation of standing discussion items for the Senior Leadership Team. 
4. Supervise the RSCU team, ensure the development and adherence to the annual work plan. Ensure support to capacity-building measures as required.
5. Manage meetings between the Chief of Staff and other Senior Leadership Team members to enhance regional cohesion by ensuring clear identification of required follow-up action and creation of monitoring plans to ensure their implementation. 
6. Prepare and follow up on monthly meetings between Chief of Staff and RDs, as well as ROs and Special Liaison Office (SLO). 
7. Provide guidance and advice to ROs and HQ to ensure that the HQ-led initiatives and training events add value. 
8. Provide high-level support to the Governing Bodies Secretariat with follow-up requirements on behalf of ROs and COs. 
9. Liaise and coordinate with Desk Officers by providing the required information for decision-making processes with the organization’s Senior Leadership Team in a timely manner.
10. Ensure follow-up with ROs and COs to facilitate the implementation of the Strategic Plan, including through the review and monitoring of the annual work plans and annual reports, resource mobilization plan, and other supporting documentation as required. 
11. Review, coordinate, and strengthen the clearance processes for RO/CO operational or diplomatic correspondence ahead of signature by the Director General. 
12. Act as Focal Point for the review of fait accompli projects. 
13. Coordinate cross-functional communication with and to the field with the Department of Media and Communications, ensuring elimination of duplication and adherence to staggered timelines. 
14. Maintain close oversight of developments which may impact a CO’s or RO’s response capacity and ensure provision of support on management of cross-functional coordination during emergency response or other events which may impact COs’ managerial capacities. 
15.  Facilitate and host senior officials on duty travel from ROs or COs by facilitating the creation of agendas and ensuring meetings are adequately prepared in close coordination with the Desk Officers. 
16. Ensure adequate visibility of regional activities in the weekly communication from the Executive Office. 
17. Develop a long-term plan to enhance coordination between HQ, ROs, and COs aligned with the overall managerial and operational goals of IOM. 
18. Conduct periodic analyses to identify pain points and potential areas for improved effectiveness and efficiency of ROs’ implementation of the regional plans and their alignment with the annual core programme and budget exercise. Provide suggestions and advice to the Senior Leadership Team to address and overcome pain points and oversee agreed-upon action plans. 
19. Create, oversee, and manage a training plan and capacity-building initiatives to enhance the capabilities of IOM staff in cross-regional engagement and coordination. 
20. Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure the satisfaction of Regional and Country Offices’ relationship with the RCSU. 
21. Act as Focal Point for the small mission working group.
22. Monitor and evaluate the success of the RCSU initiatives at the HQ, RO, and CO levels. 
23. Conduct duty travel as required to support Regional Office initiatives.
24. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education: 

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience or,
• Bachelor's 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:

• Extensive experience in general management as well as project and resources management;
• Extensive experience  in diplomacy,  fundraising  and public  relations,  as well  as  in liaising  with managing diverse teams in multiple locations;
• Extensive experience leading strategic implementation processes in diverse regions;
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing high-performing diverse teams;
• Demonstrated experience with change management processes; and,
• Significant experience in managing crises and emergencies.

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written; Ability to prepare and deliver speeches on various activities of the Organization;
• Excellent liaison and negotiation skills;
• In-depth knowledge of the broad range of migration-related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming;
• Knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation procedures and Frameworks;
• Effective resources management skills, sound knowledge of financial and business administration and of the principles and practices of management;
• Ability to deliver during crisis response; and, 
• Good level of computer literacy.

Languages:

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish

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 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, make 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. 

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 in 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