Chief of Mission

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's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, providing services and advice to governments and migrants. The organization has a staffing complement of over 20,000 employees and operates in more than 580 locations worldwide. IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. The organization encourages applications from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates and those from non-represented member countries of IOM.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Mission (CoM) will be responsible for overseeing and providing policy, administrative, programmatic, and financial support to the Country Office (CO) in Bern, Switzerland. Reporting to the Regional Director in Vienna and the Sub-Regional Director in Brussels, the CoM will also collaborate closely with relevant units at Headquarters. The CoM's role includes strategic country program development, ensuring the appropriateness and effectiveness of programs in line with IOM's Strategic Vision, and advocating for the development of appropriate migration policies. The CoM will lead the development of IOM's overall mandate and strategy, stimulate project development, and ensure that the Country Office's objectives are met. This position requires a strong focus on resource mobilization, inter-agency engagement, and the successful execution of ongoing operational programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Mission will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Leading the development and implementation of IOM's strategic planning and operational excellence in migration management.
• Overseeing the execution of ongoing operational programs and developing new initiatives.
• Supervising the implementation of migration-related projects and ensuring high-quality performance.
• Actively participating in UN Country Team meetings and ensuring migration-related issues are integrated into the Common Country Analysis and UNSDCF processes.
• Directing the operational, human resources, administrative, budgetary, and financial activities of the Country Office.
• Reporting regularly to the Director General and other stakeholders on progress and developments.
• Facilitating knowledge generation and management, including the identification of best practices and lessons learned.
• Developing partnerships with governmental authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to promote IOM's mission.
• Ensuring safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security management of IOM personnel and facilities. 1
• Leading the PSEA/SH Strategy at the country level and ensuring compliance with organizational policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with seven years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the same fields with nine years of relevant experience is acceptable. Candidates should have experience in general management, project and resource management, diplomacy, fundraising, public relations, and liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities. A strong understanding of migration programming in both emergency and development contexts is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in relevant fields such as Political or Social Science, International Relations, or Business Administration from an accredited academic institution. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. A University degree in the same fields is acceptable if accompanied by additional years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience, specifically in general management, project and resource management, and diplomacy. Candidates should have a proven track record in fundraising and public relations, as well as experience in managing migration programming in both emergency and development contexts. The ideal candidate will have experience liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions.

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

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for one year with the possibility of extension. It is classified at the P4 grade level and is a professional recruitment type. The closing date for applications is 26 January 2026, and candidates are advised that late applications will not be accepted. The selection process may 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. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct 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 the recruitment process.