Chief of Mission (Country Office for Partnerships and Advocacy (COPA)) (D)

Chief of Mission (Country Office for Partnerships and Advocacy (COPA)) (D)

International Organization For Migration (IOM)

January 16, 2026March 2, 2026SeoulSouth Korea
Job Description
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 is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally while harnessing the full potential of migration. IOM operates in over 580 locations worldwide, employing more than 22,000 staff members. The organization actively encourages applications from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates and individuals from non-represented member countries of IOM, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Mission (COPA) will be responsible for overseeing the activities of IOM in the country, focusing on effective fundraising, donor liaison, and the development of resource mobilization mechanisms and strategies. This role requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Director of Resource Mobilization Division, the Regional Director, and relevant units at Headquarters. The Chief of Mission will also contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) objectives and collective results towards achieving the 2030 Agenda at the country level. The position demands strategic planning, operational excellence, and the ability to engage in national policy discussions on migration. The Chief of Mission will lead project development, ensure alignment with IOM policies, and advocate for appropriate migration management strategies at the national level. This role is pivotal in stimulating project development through comprehensive resource mobilization strategies and ensuring the effective implementation of IOM's programs in line with its strategic vision.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Mission will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
  • Directing IOM's overall mandate and strategy at the country level, ensuring alignment with national priorities and IOM policies.
  • Leading fundraising efforts and liaising with governmental ministries, stakeholders, and partners to secure resources for IOM's activities.
  • Overseeing project planning, design, and implementation, ensuring compliance with the UN Management and Accountability Framework.
  • Monitoring and evaluating IOM's operational activities, preparing recommendations for improvements.
  • Engaging actively within the UN Country Team (UNCT) to ensure migration-related issues are considered in the CCA and UNSDCF processes.
  • Developing partnerships with governmental authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to identify migration-related areas for collaboration.
  • Ensuring the safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of IOM personnel and assets, and leading the PSEA/SH strategy at the country level.
  • Conducting regular field visits to monitor program activities and represent IOM at various events and meetings.
  • Preparing regular reports on progress and developments to the Director General, Regional Director, and other partners. 1
  • Performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisors.

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 academic institution. Additionally, candidates should have at least fifteen years of relevant professional experience, demonstrating extensive experience in general management, project and resource management, diplomacy, fundraising, and public relations. Candidates should also have significant experience in delivering large and diverse programs in complex settings related to migration programming, both in emergency and development contexts. Strong communication skills, both oral and written, are essential, along with excellent liaison and negotiation skills. Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming, as well as Monitoring and Evaluation procedures, is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related discipline. This advanced degree should be from an accredited academic institution, ensuring that candidates have a solid theoretical foundation to support their practical experience in the field of migration and international relations.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience in general management, project management, and resource management. Candidates should have a proven track record in diplomacy, fundraising, and public relations, with experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities as well as international institutions. Furthermore, candidates should have significant experience in delivering large and diverse programs in complex settings, particularly in the context of migration programming, both during emergencies and in development scenarios. This level of experience is crucial for effectively leading IOM's initiatives and ensuring successful outcomes.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both oral and written. Additionally, a working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) and/or the Korean language is considered an advantage. Proficiency in the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the communication demands of the role.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is fixed-term for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. The position is classified at the D-1 grade level, indicating a senior management role within the organization. IOM is committed to recruiting internationally, and candidates who are nationals of the duty station's country are not eligible for this position. The selection process may also be used to fill 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 regarding misconduct and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.
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