Chief of Mission at International Organization for Migration

Position Title : Chief of Mission

Duty Station : Mbabane, Eswatini

Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P3

Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 08 June 2021

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 a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

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; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Cook Islands; Cuba; Fiji; Gabon; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Luxembourg; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Staff at Headquarters ( HQ) and the direct supervision of the Regional Director (RD) of the Regional Office ( RO) for Southern Africa in Pretoria, as well as in close cooperation with relevant Units at RO Pretoria and HQ, the successful candidate will be IOM’s principal interlocutor with the Government of Eswatini and relevant ministries, diplomatic representatives, United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Eswatini, Development Partners and civil society.

As Chief of Mission, the incumbent will be the Diplomatic Representative of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) accredited to the Kingdom of Eswatini and will be accountable and responsible for the management of the IOM Eswatini Country Office including the oversight of activities and programme development, fundraising, institutional liaison and the promotion of

IOM services and strategy in Eswatini. The incumbent will be responsible for keeping RO Pretoria, Headquarters (HQs) and other concerned Country Offices informed of relevant governmental concerns and programmatic developments.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Manage the IOM Eswatini Country Office and provide strategic vision, guidance and supervision to the programs and its entire staff.
2. Provide effective leadership and ensure the coordination of the implemented programs, in line with IOM’s policies, guidelines and procedures as well as donor requirements.
3. Plan and manage the operational, administrative, budgetary, financial and human resources activities of the Country Office including the daily supervision of its staff, in accordance with the Organization’s rules and procedures.
4. Develop and contribute to IOM’s overall mandate and strategy through project/ programme development and implementation in Eswatini with appropriate consultation with the relevant partners in Eswatini, RO and HQ.
5. Take full responsibility for the successful execution of ongoing operational programmes and the development of new ones. Ensure the timely and regular reporting and updates of IOM’s programme/project activities within Eswatini, as required by donors through project agreements and in accordance with IOM procedures.
6. Review and evaluate the operational, programme and administrative activities of the Country Office and prepare recommendations with a view to increasing their effectiveness and streamlining procedures.
7. Advise the RO, HQ and concerned IOM Country Offices on developments in the field of migration and on governmental policies affecting the activities of IOM and propose appropriate action.
8. Maintain and further develop liaison and close working relationships with local governmental authorities, diplomatic missions, UN Agencies, international and regional organizations, national institutions and non- governmental organizations (NGOs), private sector, as well as donors and public media, to coordinate and promote IOM’s work and identify needs and priorities for cooperation, project development and fundraising purposes.
9. Participate in appropriate policy and operational United Nations Country Team (UNCT) inter-agency mechanisms, in particular with a view to inserting migration related issues into the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) process and contributing to the UN Delivering as One Process.
10. Prepare regular and special reports covering IOM activities in the country. Prepare briefings and background information as required, including specific information requested by the RO, HQ, the Government and other entities.
11. Ensure donor visibility in activities and public communications related to the programmes.
12. Participate in the development of public relations and media activities in order to promote IOM’s image and programmes.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, Law, International Relations, Human Rights, 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.

Experience

• Experience in programme development and management including advocacy;

• Experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities as well as with national, regional and international institutions;

• Familiarity with the UN system;

• Relevant experience working with Regional Economic Communities (RECs) in Africa is a plus; and,

• Work experience in Africa is advantageous.

Skills

• Good knowledge of programme development, resource mobilization, fund raising, and migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;

• Demonstrated ability for leadership in the context of partnership building and decision-making;

• Proven analytical, communication and reporting skills; and,

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, team-building and staff management skills.

Languages

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

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese).

For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

1

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

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 wherever possible.

• 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.

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 action 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 potential.

• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.

• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

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.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.