Head, Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, providing services and advice to governments and migrants. The organization is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. IOM operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration management and policy development.

Job Overview:
The Head of Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) will oversee the immigration and border management portfolio of IOM, directly supporting the organization's strategic objectives. This role involves providing strategic direction and substantive inputs to the Director of the Border Management, Returns and Readmission (BMRR) Division, ensuring alignment with IOM’s Strategic Plan. The position requires developing innovative policies and strategic advice on immigration and border governance, enhancing the capacities of both HQ and field staff, and fostering partnerships with governments and other stakeholders. The Head of IBG will also be responsible for monitoring the quality and impact of IOM’s work in this area, ensuring evidence-based policy development, and representing the organization at national and international conferences.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and substantive inputs to the BMRR Director in line with IOM’s Strategic Plan.
• Develop institutional positioning and capacities, innovative policies, and strategic advice on immigration and border governance.
• Lead IOM's strategic engagement with governments to foster partnerships and influence policy development.
• Ensure regular liaison with governments, international organizations, and private sector partners to promote cooperation and raise funds for new IBG programming.
• Oversee the management of global programs providing services to member states, including MIDAS and API/PNR.
• Monitor the quality and impact of IOM’s IBG work and deliverables, promoting evidence-based research for policy development.
• Advise governmental counterparts and internal stakeholders to ensure tailored IBG programmatic offers.
• Represent IOM at national and international conferences and meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; or a University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.
• Extensive experience in leading and managing complex missions in various regions and contexts.
• Experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions.
• Excellent knowledge of technical programming related to border management technology and systems, preventing transnational crimes, and strengthening identity management.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Political or Social Science, International Relations, or Business Administration from an accredited academic institution. Alternatively, a University degree in the same fields is acceptable if accompanied by twelve years of relevant professional experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in managing complex missions across various regions and contexts. They should also have a proven track record of liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities as well as international institutions, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex political landscapes and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, both oral and written. A working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage. Proficiency in the required languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for one year with the possibility of extension. It is classified at the P-5 grade level and is intended for professional recruitment. Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. The selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.