Head of Quality Assurance, Policy and Legal Support At International Organization for Migration

Position Title: Head of Quality Assurance, Policy and Legal Support

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

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: 20 June 2024

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; Fiji; 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; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; 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:

The Office of Internal Oversight (OIO), inter alia, undertakes investigations into alleged violations of IOM’s regulations, rules and relevant administrative instructions, such as, but not limited to, fraud, theft and embezzlement, corruption, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, abuse of privileges and immunities or of authority, harassment, whistle-blower retaliation or other acts or omissions in conflict with the general obligations of IOM personnel. OIO is seeking applicants with experience in conducting such investigations of an administrative nature. The position requires international travel on an ad-hoc basis and of regular frequency.

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director, the Head of Quality Assurance, Policy, and Legal Support will be responsible for the following duties:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Lead the team of OIO employees who perform Quality Assurance, Policy, and Legal Support work (QPLS) for the Investigations branch of OIO. Provide expert guidance to QPLS team members and ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures.
2. Supervise and conduct quality assurance of output of the OIO investigations branch related to office- and field-based preliminary assessments and investigations into allegations of violations of IOM’s policies, procedures, standards, guidelines, and applicable regulations and rules, in a timely and effective manner, in line with Standard Operating Procedures. Provide detailed and timely feedback and advice to enhance the written product and compliance of operations with applicable norms.
3. Prepare high quality investigation and closure reports to present investigative results, and prepare ad-hoc briefs and notes.
4. Lead the development, drafting and updating of Standard Operating Procedures for the OIO investigations branch and conduct relevant comparative research into the practice and jurisprudence of international organizations.
5. Manage and perform review of allegations and evidence to assess whether OIO should recommend a referral to national authorities.
6. Conduct legal analysis, research and drafting to provide OIO in-house legal advice on matters related to investigations.
7. In coordination with the OIO Directorate, prepare and facilitate responses to the IOM Office of Legal Affairs and the Department of Human Resources with regards to follow-up about OIO issuances and communications.
8. Design, plan and facilitate outreach, training and awareness initiatives.
9. Coordinate and collaborate with other IOM staff including on an inter-departmental and inter-agency level, as directed, in the areas of accountability, oversight and specifically legal issues.
10. Lead and conduct complex assessments and investigations into violations of IOM’s regulations, rules and relevant administrative instructions, such as, but not limited to, fraud, theft and embezzlement, corruption, sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, abuse of privileges and immunities or of authority, harassment, whistle-blower retaliation or other acts or omissions in conflict with the general obligations of IOM personnel. Plan the strategy, identify the investigation procedures and ensure the adequate scope of the investigation.
11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Law, Criminology, Human Rights, International Relations, 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

• At least seven years (nine years for bachelor’s degree holders) of postgraduate progressively responsible professional experience related to administrative or criminal investigations, criminal justice and/or international civil service law;
• Previous experience in the area of administrative investigations with an international organization or NGO, international financing institution or similar, is required; and,
• Previous experience in providing Quality Assurance, Policy and Legal Support to an investigations function in an international organization or NGO, international financing institution or similar, is a distinct advantage.

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of investigative procedures and principles for administrative investigations at the United Nations as well as relevant jurisprudence, including with regards to legal due process;
• Familiarity with practical challenges of conducting investigations in an international setting;
• Ability to review and edit the work of others and provide constructive feedback;
• Attention to detail;
• Excellent legal analysis and research skills;
• Capacity to analyze complex fact patterns;
• Excellent report writing, editorial and communication skills; and,
• Good organizational and planning skills.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) in a language relevant to IOM operations and OIO investigations 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

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.

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