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 is dedicated to promoting 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 values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and candidates 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 Kuwait. This role involves strategic country program development and planning, where the CoM will lead the development and clarification of IOM's overall mandate and strategy. The CoM will spearhead strategic planning, results orientation, and operational excellence, ensuring that programs align with IOM’s Strategic Vision and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The CoM will also be responsible for resource mobilization, project development, and implementation, working closely with the Resident Coordinator (RC) and other stakeholders to ensure the appropriateness and effectiveness of programs. The position requires active participation in UN Country Team (UNCT) meetings and engagement with various stakeholders to advocate for migration-related policies and strategies.

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

• Leading the development and execution of operational programs and strategies for identifying new opportunities.
• Supervising the implementation of migration-related projects and ensuring high-quality performance.
• Participating actively in UNCT meetings and ensuring migration-related issues are integrated into the CCA and UNSDCF processes.
• Engaging with governmental authorities, international organizations, NGOs, and civil society to identify migration-related areas for collaboration.
• Directing the operational, human resources, administrative, budgetary, and financial activities of the Country Office.
• Reporting regularly to the Director General and Regional Director on progress and developments.
• Facilitating knowledge generation and management within the Country Office.
• Ensuring safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security management of IOM personnel and facilities.
• 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 requirements for this position include 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 these fields with additional years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. Accredited institutions are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience, specifically seven years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a Master’s degree, or nine years for those with a University degree. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in general management, project and resource management, and a background in diplomacy, fundraising, and public relations. Experience in managing migration programming in both emergency and development contexts is also crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both oral and written. For this position, a working knowledge of Arabic is required. Additionally, proficiency in another UN official language (Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a language widely spoken in the country context is considered an advantage. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is fixed-term for one year, with the possibility of extension. The role is classified at the P-4 grade level, and the recruitment type is professional. The closing date for applications is set for 26 January 2026, and candidates are advised that any offer made is subject to funding confirmation. The selection process may also be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. 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.