Head of Gulf Coordination Unit At International Organization for Migration

Position Title: Head of Gulf Coordination Unit

Duty Station: Cairo, Egypt

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P5

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

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 29 March 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; Aruba (Netherlands); Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Curaçao; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; 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 of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Director (RD) for the Middle East and North Africa in Cairo, and in coordination with Regional Thematic Specialists (RTSs), Senior Regional Liaison and Policy Officer (SRLPO), and Senior Regional Resource Management Officer (SRRMO) based in Cairo, and IOM Chiefs of Mission in Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, the Head of Gulf Coordination Unit will support the oversight of the implementation of the IOM Strategy for Gulf Countries as well as managing operations of IOM in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Oman. The Head of Gulf Coordination Unit will serve as the main focal point responsible to expand IOM footprint in Gulf countries.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Support the Regional Director in leading advocacy efforts for IOM membership and establishing IOM presence in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Oman.
2. Manage day to day IOM operations in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Oman.
3. Lead the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Naif University for Security Sciences (NAUSS) including representing IOM in the Joint Steering Committee of the Arab Centre for Technical Cooperation on Migration and Border Management.
4. Chair national United Nations Networks on Migration (UNNM) in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates and advocate for the establishment of a national UNNM in Oman; Represent IOM in the United Nations Country Team in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
5. Coordinate the projects development of regional projects with RTS in RO Cairo, including the design and coordination of regional studies, as per the priority areas under the IOM Strategy for Gulf Countries.
6. Support the oversight of the implementation of IOM Strategy for Gulf Countries, including the development and monitoring of an annual workplan as well as mid-term review.
7. Represent IOM MENA and coordinate participation in the Abu Dhabi Dialogue as well as any prospective dialogue between the Gulf region and other regions.
8. Liaise with Government of United Arab Emirates to facilitate IOM engagement in COP 28.
9. Oversee the United States and Canadian resettlement operation in United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
10. Oversee the IOM liaison with the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre(KSRelief).
11. Provide regular reporting to RD MENA on political and economic developments in the Gulf region and possible impact on migration issues.
12. Present a quarterly report to RD MENA on the progress of implementation of the IOM Strategy for Gulf Countries.
13. Undertake duty travels as required.
14. Perform such other duties that may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Business Administration, Migration Studies, International Relations and/or Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with a minimum of ten years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with a minimum of twelve years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Extensive experience in migration matters, and working experience in migration in the Gulf region;
• Prominent experience in managing projects with regional coverage, supervising staff and overseeing budget expenditures;
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities at high level, other national/international institutions and Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs); and,
• Experience in the usage of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheets and data analysis.

Skills

• Knowledge or experience of Gulf region thematic issues;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Knowledge of financial rules and regulations;
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation; and,
• Demonstrated experience in the strategic conceptualization, development, management and promotion of specific programming, portfolios and/or organizational objectives; strategic human and financial resources management; programme leadership or other leadership or senior management roles.

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 (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

For all applicants, fluency in English and Arabic is required (oral and written).

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

Notes

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.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 and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station’s country as staff member in the Professional category 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.