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 staff members operating 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. Applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are prioritized in the selection process.

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 Poland. Reporting to the Regional Director in Vienna and the Sub-Regional Director in Brussels, the CoM will act as IOM's liaison with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX) and the Government of Poland. The CoM will promote IOM services, keep relevant offices informed of governmental concerns, and develop new programs in collaboration with FRONTEX. The role requires strategic planning, resource mobilization, and ensuring program effectiveness in alignment with IOM’s Strategic Vision and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The CoM will also advocate for appropriate migration policies and engage with stakeholders to support the development of migration management strategies.

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 migration-related projects, monitoring and evaluating IOM programs funded by FRONTEX, and ensuring high-quality performance. The CoM will coordinate with resident UN agencies to ensure migration-related issues are considered in the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and UNSDCF processes. The role involves engaging in policy discussions, pursuing joint programming opportunities, and representing IOM at national and international conferences. The CoM will also manage operational, human resources, administrative, budgetary, and financial activities of the Country Office, ensuring compliance with organizational rules and procedures. Additionally, the CoM will facilitate knowledge generation and management, develop partnerships, and promote IOM's image and activities in Poland and towards FRONTEX.

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 aforementioned fields with nine years of relevant experience is acceptable. Experience in general management, project and resource management, diplomacy, fundraising, public relations, and liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities is essential. Candidates should also have experience managing migration programming in both emergency and development contexts.

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 nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant experience in general management, project and resource management, and diplomacy. A strong background in fundraising and public relations, as well as experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions, is necessary. Additionally, candidates should have experience managing a range of migration programming, both in emergency and development contexts, demonstrating the ability to deliver results during crisis responses.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for all applicants, both oral and written. Working knowledge of another UN official language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a language widely spoken in the country context is considered an advantage. Proficiency in required languages 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 is a professional vacancy type. The selection process will be conducted through the Pathways Pool, and eligibility is limited to candidates currently included in the Pathways Pool. Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile, and candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible. The appointment will be subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">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. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.