Chief of Mission (D)

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, emphasizing a workplace culture that fosters professional growth and harnesses the full potential of migration.

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 Pristina, Kosovo. This role requires strategic country program development and planning, where the CoM will lead the development of IOM's overall mandate and strategy, ensuring alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) objectives. The CoM will also be responsible for resource mobilization, ensuring the appropriateness and effectiveness of programs, and advocating for the development of migration management policies. The position demands active participation in UN Country Team (UNCT) meetings and collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure migration-related issues are integrated into national plans and budgets. The CoM will also oversee the execution of ongoing operational programs, ensuring high-quality performance and accountability in line with IOM’s strategic vision.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Mission will take full responsibility for the successful execution of ongoing operational programs and the development of new ones. This includes supervising the implementation of a variety of migration-related projects, engaging actively within the UNCT, and participating in policy discussions with stakeholders. The CoM will direct the operational, human resources, administrative, budgetary, and financial activities of the Country Office, ensuring compliance with the Organization's rules and procedures. Regular reporting to the Director General and Regional Director on progress and developments is required, along with the preparation of various reports covering IOM activities. The CoM will also facilitate knowledge generation and management, develop partnerships within and beyond the UNCT, and represent IOM at national and international conferences. Additionally, the CoM will ensure the safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security management of IOM personnel and assets, lead the PSEA/SH Strategy, and perform other duties as assigned.

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, along with seven years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the aforementioned fields with nine years of relevant professional 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. Experience in managing migration programming in both emergency and development contexts is also required.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field is required. Candidates with a University degree in these fields must have additional relevant professional experience to qualify for the position.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience 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 various contexts. The ability to liaise effectively with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions is essential.

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:
This is a fixed-term position for one year, with the possibility of extension. The role is classified at the P-4 grade level and is part of a professional vacancy type. The selection process will be conducted through the Pathways Pool, and eligibility is limited to candidates currently included in this pool. Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile, and candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country are not eligible for consideration. The appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, security clearances, and any residency or visa requirements. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.