Global Thematic Specialist (Immigration and Border Governance)

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 is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. IOM operates in numerous countries around the world, focusing on various aspects of migration management and policy advocacy.

Job Overview:
The Global Thematic Specialist (Immigration and Border Governance) plays a crucial role in supporting IOM's strategic thematic engagement with the European Union (EU). This position involves building, managing, and maintaining direct relationships between IOM and EU Institutions, Bodies, and Agencies to enhance IOM's position in policy discussions. The specialist provides thematic, evidence-based advice and recommendations regarding immigration and border governance, border management, and related migration topics, policies, and programs. The role requires alignment with relevant internal and external frameworks, policies, strategies, and work plans, guiding and supporting IOM Country Offices (COs) worldwide in their advocacy on EU-related thematic issues. The specialist is also responsible for the development, contracting, compliance, and implementation of EU-funded projects, ensuring effective policy advocacy, liaison, and donor compliance on border governance and management issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Policy Advocacy: Lead thematic advocacy and communicate IOM's Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) policies to EU Institutions, Bodies, and Agencies.
• Liaison and Engagement: Represent IOM and act as a focal point for liaison with EU Institutions and strategic global stakeholders.
• Strategic Planning: Provide guidance for the development and implementation of strategic plans in line with IOM's priorities.
• Policy Monitoring: Monitor and analyze IBG-related developments and relay information to relevant offices.
• Coordination: Ensure direct coordination with IBG in HQ and thematic staff in COs on IBG issues.
• Capacity Building: Develop and conduct capacity building initiatives for staff on EU engagement and project compliance.
• Thematic Donor Compliance: Provide guidance on IBG-related EU policies to enhance programming and reporting.
• Programmatic Review: Advise on immigration and border governance during project development and act as a secondary reviewer for proposals.
• Resource Mobilization: Monitor EU funding instruments and support negotiations with EU donors. 1
• Programmatic Monitoring: Provide technical guidance on IBG EU-funded projects. 1
• Monitoring: Identify emerging trends and challenges in IBG. 1
• Knowledge Management: Contribute to knowledge sharing platforms and disseminate best practices. 1
• Learning: Promote the implementation of best practices from evaluations and audits. 1
• Manage the IBG Global Thematic Unit and oversee its responsibilities. 1
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Migration Policy, EU Law, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with seven years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the same fields with nine years of relevant experience is acceptable. Proven experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic officials, EU Institutions, and various stakeholders is essential. Experience in non-OECD countries is advantageous, as is experience in leading and managing IBG teams and projects. Candidates should have a track record in donor liaison and engagement for policy advocacy and resource mobilization, particularly with EU donors.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in Migration Policy, EU Law, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution is required. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. A University degree in the above fields is acceptable if accompanied by nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience, particularly in liaising with governmental and diplomatic officials, EU Institutions, and various stakeholders. Experience in non-OECD countries is considered an advantage. The role requires experience in leading and managing IBG teams and projects, as well as capacity development in immigration and border governance and management.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, both oral and written. All IOM staff members must be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish). A working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is advantageous. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is part of IOM’s competitive mobility exercise, open for applications from internal and internal-equivalent candidates only. Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station’s country as staff members in the Professional category cannot be considered eligible. The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. The selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and 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.