Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinator

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 harnessing the full potential of migration. IOM operates globally, with a presence in numerous countries, and focuses on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian response, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation.

Job Overview:
The Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinator will play a crucial role in embedding disaster risk reduction (DRR) across IOM’s preparedness and humanitarian operations. This position requires strategic and technical support to ensure that responses are risk-informed and future-proofed. The coordinator will work closely with various divisions within IOM, including the Climate Action Division and the Migration and Displacement Data and Research Analytics Division, to strengthen the integration of DRR within peace, recovery, and solutions programming. The role emphasizes the importance of preventing hazards from evolving into crises and addressing underlying risk factors to support pathways out of displacement toward long-term resilience. The coordinator will also engage with inter-agency DRR platforms and partners to enhance collaboration and effectiveness in disaster risk management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinator will serve as IOM’s technical focal point for disaster risk reduction, providing strategic and technical inputs to DRR policy and programming. Key responsibilities include facilitating coordination among HQ divisions, regional offices, and country offices to foster an institutional approach to DRR, participating in cross-functional management meetings, and contributing to the formulation of DRR-relevant policies. The coordinator will also participate in relevant inter-agency DRR and resilience platforms, develop and promote DRR tools and training, manage and supervise DRR staff, and support regional and country offices in designing and implementing DRR approaches tailored to humanitarian contexts. Additionally, the coordinator will contribute to the integration of DRR into IOM’s peace, recovery, and solutions portfolio, promoting integrated approaches that link hazard risk reduction with governance and community stabilization measures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change Adaptation, International Relations, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Sciences, Engineering, or a related field from an accredited academic institution, along with five years of professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the aforementioned fields with seven years of relevant professional experience in emergency preparedness and response is acceptable. Candidates should have proven experience in strategic planning, coordination, resource mobilization, and project management, as well as excellent communication and negotiation skills. Familiarity with humanitarian and development principles and standards is essential, along with knowledge of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change Adaptation, International Relations, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Sciences, Engineering, or a related area from an accredited institution. Candidates with a University degree in these fields must have additional years of relevant professional experience to qualify for the role. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that candidates have received their education from recognized institutions.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in disaster risk reduction and resilience building, including risk analysis, early warning systems, and capacity building of local governments. Experience working at an international level with UN agencies, international organizations, and NGOs in complex humanitarian operations is crucial. The role requires a strong background in programme coordination, project development, and monitoring and evaluation, as well as familiarity with integrating human mobility considerations in crisis response plans.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for all applicants, both oral and written. Working knowledge of another UN official 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-3 grade level and is intended for professional recruitment. The selection process is expedited and is open only to internal candidates and former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to structural adjustments. Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile, and any offer made to the candidate is subject to funding confirmation. The selection process may also be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar positions for a period of 24 months. The closing date for applications is 26 October 2025, at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland.