Chief of Mission At International Organization for Migration

Position Title: Chief of Mission

Duty Station: Manama, Bahrain

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P4

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

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 18 October 2023

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. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states: Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Solomon Islands; Suriname;

The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second-tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Director (RD) for Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and in close coordination with relevant Units at the Regional Office (RO) and Headquarters (HQ), the Chief of Mission will be responsible and accountable for the activities of IOM Bahrain, overseeing and providing policy, administrative, programme, and financial support to the IOM Country Office.

The Chief of Mission (COM) is IOM’s principal interlocutor with the Government of Bahrain, as well as relevant ministries, diplomatic representatives, UN Agencies, and other organizations, as well as local and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the country. The COM is responsible for liaison with the Government regarding the full range of IOM services, as well as for keeping the Regional Office (RO) and Headquarters (HQ) Units informed of relevant government concerns and programmatic developments. The COM is responsible and accountable for developing and promoting IOM’s strategy and programming within the overall regional framework.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Develop, clarify, and contribute to IOM’s overall mandate and strategy spearhead project development and implementation following appropriate consultation with the Regional Office (RO), Headquarters, Member State, and other relevant actors.
2. Keep abreast of migration issues and emerging trends. In relation to these, formulate and advocate plans of action; undertake priority setting and seek programme and project opportunities in consultation with the RD, Regional Thematic Specialists (RTS), and HQ.
3. Play an integral role in migration policy discussions and ensure approved policies are appropriately integrated in national activities.
4. Advise the Regional Office and HQs on national policy and emerging matters as well as government migration policies affecting the activities of IOM in Bahrain and make recommendations or prepare proposals for appropriate action.
5. Participate in appropriate policy and operational Bahrain United Nations Country Team (UNCT) inter-agency mechanisms, in particular with a view to inserting migration related issues into the United Nations National Strategic Framework. Take part in the development of any other relevant planning tools such as National Action plans, Strategy Papers, and Migration Profiles.
6. Advocate and promote the Organization’s position on migration issues of concern.
7. Stimulate, catalyze, and support project development in Bahrain, assessing the appropriateness and effectiveness of programme development and fundraising and strategies and recommend ways to improve these.
8. Initiate and monitor project planning, design, and implementation in Bahrain. Evaluate IOM’s operational activities in Bahrain and prepare recommendations with a view to increasing their effectiveness.
9. Support the regional and international processes and dialogues on Labour migration and Counter Trafficking relevant to Bahrain. Ensure the participation of government officials in these initiatives.
10. Oversee the operational, human resources, administrative, budgetary, and financial activities of the Mission in accordance with the Organization’s rules and procedures.
11. Report regularly to the RD and other interested partners on progress achieved and developments in Bahrain. Prepare regular and specific narrative, impact, policy, financial, evaluation, visible and statistical reports covering IOM activities; prepare briefings and background information requested by RO and HQs, the Government, and other entities.
12. Explore funding opportunities and secure funding and in-kind contributions from different departments of the Government for the organization’s activities, in the respective country and globally, and from other donors in the region.
13. Develop and promote liaison with governmental authorities and diplomatic missions, international and regional organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and voluntary agencies, airlines, and public media in the region, particularly with view to identifying migration-related areas for developing common activities/projects in a complementary manner, identify needs and priorities for cooperation and project development as well as for fundraising purposes.
14. Develop public relations and media activities in order to promote IOM’s image and programmes.
15. 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 seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in diplomacy, fundraising, and public relations, as well as in liaising with governmental, diplomatic authorities, international and institutions; and,
• Knowledge and experience in programme development and management.

Skills

• Excellent communications skills, both oral and written; ability to prepare and deliver speeches on various activities of the Organization.
• Proven liaison and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated strategic and creative thinking.
• In-depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization.
• Effective resource management skills, sound knowledge of financial and business administration and of the principles and practices of management; ability to motivate, supervise and coach/ direct staff.

Languages

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

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

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

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. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

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