Regional Director At International Organization for Migration

Position Title: Regional Director

Duty Station: Bangkok, Thailand

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade D2

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 26 April 2022

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.

Context:

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Staff, the Regional Director is responsible and accountable for providing policy direction and guidance on programme, management, administrative and financial oversight and support to IOM Country Offices in Asia and the Pacific, as well as overall management of the Regional Office.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Responsible to formulate, promote and lead the implementation of the regional and sub-regional strategies, processes and programmes in line with IOM policies and priorities by providing authoritative advice and guidance. Monitor, direct and ensure coherence and application of approved policies and guidelines to activities across the Region.
2. Keep abreast of migration issues and emerging trends within the region with the support of the Regional Thematic Specialists (RTSs). Ensure the formulation of regional plans of action, provide leadership and guidance on programme and project opportunities in consultation with Headquarters (HQ), the Senior Regional Adviser (SRA), Member States, offices within the region, sub-regional coordinators, and other relevant actors as appropriate and in line with the IOM Constitution, the IOM Strategy Vision, and other Council Resolutions.
3. Responsible for the implementation of the IOM Strategic Vision and the application of the Internal Governance Framework.
4. Keep abreast of the developments related to the adoption of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration in late 2018, a document rooted in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Agenda 2030, and ensure the implementation of the newly created responsibilities for IOM, both in terms of supporting states in the implementation of the Compact and realising the potential of the newly created UN Migration Network, coordinated by IOM.
5. Continuously dialogue and lobby with non-represented states in the Region regarding their admission of new countries as Observers and Members of IOM.
6. Develop and direct the implementation of the fundraising strategies and provide support to Country Offices within the region in coordination with the Donor Relations Division (DRD), HQ Departments and other Regional Offices (ROs).
7. Monitor regional migration issues and trends, policy matters, and governments’ migration policies affecting the activities of IOM and alert (advice) the Office of the Director General (ODG) and Departmental Directors, if and when needed. Lead and direct the preparation of the proposals for appropriate action in consultation with the SRA and other relevant HQ Departments.
8. The Regional Director advises and assists the Director General and the Deputy Director General on matters relating to global policy formulation and implementation through the PCC and MCC. Represents the DG vis-a-vis institutions of a regional character within and outside the United Nations system. Develop and prepare policy, strategy, contingency, and impact papers, and other relevant reports for the DG in coordination with the SRA as requested and necessary.
9. Establish mechanisms to facilitate efficient communication and effective coordination within the Region through, inter alia, the Regional Policy Coordination Committee by directing the discussions on existing and emerging regional trends, challenges, and priorities and leading the development of regional strategies based on the general policy directions.
10. Represent and position IOM and provide leadership to further strengthen IOM’s relationships and interactions with United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Regional UNDG, UN Global or Regional Offices, and other relevant regional bodies within the Region.
11. Direct and supervise the Heads of the Country Offices in the region, their progress, management, performance and efficiency. Monitor and oversee the operational, administrative, human resources, budgetary and financial activities in the region in accordance with the Organization’s rules, policies, and procedures. Monitor the delivery of training and guidance to offices within the region and strengthen internal controls aimed at preventing fraud and mismanagement in all activities. Exercise oversight of financial management, expenditure, and budget preparation and ensure accountable reporting.
12. Supervise the RTSs in providing thematic expertise, capacity development support, and quality control to all country offices in the Region. Monitor the review and endorsement of programmes and projects in coordination with relevant HQ Departments. Monitor the endorsement of donor reports in coordination with Manila Administrative Centre (MAC).
13. Represent IOM in the Region and establish and maintain highest level of contacts and effective relationships with regional partners, including those of the UN and national partners, NGOs, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions, academia, NGOs and civil society, advocating for and promoting IOM’s policies, image and programmes. Organize and lead public information activities.
14. Initiate, lead and promote external relations and high-level liaison with government authorities, diplomatic missions, international and non-governmental organizations, the private sector, regional consultative processes, airlines and public media in the region, with a view to negotiate agreements, create strategic partnerships, and identify opportunities for IOM activities in response to changing situations.
15. Provide effective representation and participate in relevant regional inter-agency bodies and mechanisms in close collaboration with HQ Departments and the Office of the Permanent Observer in New York to ensure that IOM policies and programmes are integrated into inter-agency processes and contribute to inter-agency strategies.
16. Ensure that IOM cluster lead agency functions are carried out where relevant and reported upon regularly in close collaboration with Department of Operations and Emergencies (DOE), ODG, Department Directors and the Office of the Permanent Observer in New York.
17. Advocate for full Privileges and Immunity (P&I) agreements with host countries within the region as necessary.
18. Effectively supervise the human resources within the Region, with a particular focus on resolving conflict and promoting geographical and gender diversity.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Business Administration or a related field from an accredited academic institution with fifteen (15) years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Extensive experience in diplomacy, fundraising and public relations, as well as in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions;

• Management experience in the fields of international relations, migration and / or development matters required.

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 and of IOM’s history and mandate;

• Knowledge of programme planning, development, and management;

• 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.

• Excellent negotiation 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 and/or Spanish is an advantage.

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

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 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 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 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 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:

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

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. For this staff category, candidates will not be considered for placement in a duty station within their country of nationality.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

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.

No late applications will be accepted.