Chief of Mission (P)

Chief of Mission (P)

International Organization For Migration (IOM)

January 30, 2026March 16, 2026MadridSpain
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 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 harnessing 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 Madrid. This role involves strategic country program development and planning, ensuring that IOM's overall mandate and strategy are promoted and implemented effectively. The CoM will play a crucial role in policy discussions, advising on national policy and migration trends, and advocating for the development of appropriate policies and strategies on migration management. The position requires a strong focus on resource mobilization, project development, and ensuring the effectiveness of programs in line with IOM's Strategic Vision and Strategic Results Framework. The CoM will also be responsible for engaging with UN agencies and other stakeholders to ensure migration-related issues are integrated into national plans and budgets, as well as contributing to global and regional processes related to migration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Mission will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:
  • Directing and monitoring project design and implementation, ensuring high-quality performance of migration-related projects.
  • Supporting the development of new operational programs and identifying new opportunities for project development.
  • Coordinating with resident UN agencies to ensure migration-related issues are considered in the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
  • Engaging in policy discussions with internal and external stakeholders and ensuring that approved policies are integrated into IOM's activities.
  • Managing operational, human resources, administrative, budgetary, and financial activities of the Country Office.
  • Reporting regularly to senior management on progress and developments, preparing various reports covering IOM activities.
  • Facilitating knowledge generation and management, identifying best practices and lessons learned.
  • Developing partnerships with governmental authorities, international organizations, NGOs, and civil society to promote migration-related projects.
  • Ensuring safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security management of IOM personnel and facilities, and leading the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) strategy at the country level.

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 ten years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the same fields with twelve years of relevant experience is acceptable. Significant experience in general management, project and resource management, diplomacy, fundraising, and public relations is required. Candidates should have a proven track record in delivering large and diverse programs in complex settings, particularly in migration programming.

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. Alternatively, a University degree in these fields is acceptable if accompanied by additional years of relevant professional experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in general management, project and resource management, and diplomacy. Candidates should have a strong background in fundraising and public relations, as well as experience liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions. Experience in delivering large and diverse programs in both emergency and development contexts related to migration is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position, both oral and written. A working knowledge of other official UN languages such as Arabic, Chinese, French, and Russian 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.

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-5 grade level, and candidates must be mobile as part of the internationally recruited professional staff. The appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. 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. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.
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