Regional Policy and Liaison Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. As the leading UN agency in the field of migration, IOM works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The organization is dedicated to providing services and advice to governments and migrants, ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally while harnessing the full potential of migration. IOM operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration management and policy development.

Job Overview:
The Regional Policy and Liaison Officer (RPLO) plays a crucial role in connecting policy positions and workflows from the Department of Data, Insight and Policy Coordination (DIPC) and the Office of Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications (OPAC) at IOM Headquarters to strategic engagement at the regional level and implementation support at the country level. The RPLO provides advice and support for the implementation of institutional policy from HQ in Country Offices (COs) across the East, Horn & Southern Africa Region. This position involves oversight, quality control, and support to promote consistent, cohesive, and quality evidence-based programming, particularly in relation to policy development. The RPLO leads the Regional Policy and Liaison Unit (RPLU), which provides policy support and evidence-based thought leadership to both internal and external stakeholders on regional and national efforts to save lives, protect people on the move, and facilitate regular pathways for migration.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and support the regional UN Network on Migration (UNNM) and provide technical support to country-level UNNM in collaboration with the Network Secretariat.
• Provide advice and technical assistance to COs on the implementation and review of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) at the CO level.
• Advise and support regional cooperation on migration and mobility dimensions for Regional Economic Communities (RECs).
• Strengthen IOM's interactions with UN agencies at the regional level and support the DRD for Operations in various regional forums.
• Develop strategies and liaise with Member States, NGOs, academia, civil society, and other stakeholders to promote safe and orderly migration.
• Develop fundraising strategies and strengthen donor relations in coordination with COs.
• Guide the development of regional, subregional, and country strategies in collaboration with various stakeholders.
• Collaborate with COs to mainstream migration into policy and develop capacities for UN processes.
• Guide COs in developing comprehensive local and national migration policies. 1
• Advise on mainstreaming migration in sectoral policies. 1
• Coordinate training on migration policies and frameworks. 1
• Provide policy guidance to Regional Consultative Processes. 1
• Promote evidence-based policymaking and coherence between data and policy. 1
• Support COs in developing projects focused on policy, research, and international migration law. 1
• Promote and integrate cross-cutting priorities in all areas of the RPLU’s work. 1
• Manage the RPLU and oversee the delivery of the Unit’s responsibilities. 1
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Social Science, or a related field with at least seven years of relevant professional experience; or a University degree in the above fields with at least nine years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in policy development, liaison, project development, and management.
• Minimum five years' experience working in non-OECD countries managing projects with policy development components.
• Experience in liaison, resource mobilization, and advocacy with governmental and diplomatic officials, national and international institutions, and civil society.
• Experience in an international, inter-governmental, or non-governmental organization, United Nations, or government.
• Experience in designing and implementing capacity building on policy development.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Social Science, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Alternatively, a University degree in the aforementioned fields with a minimum of nine years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant professional experience if they hold a Master’s degree, or nine years if they hold a University degree. This experience should include demonstrated expertise in policy development and liaison, project management, and capacity building, particularly in non-OECD countries. A minimum of five years' experience managing projects with policy development components is required, along with experience in resource mobilization and advocacy with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required (oral and written) for all IOM staff members. For this position, working knowledge of French and Portuguese 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:
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. The selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for a period of 24 months. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including discrimination and harassment. IOM does not charge fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.