Regional Thematic Specialist (Labour Migration)

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 development.

Job Overview:
The Regional Thematic Specialist (Labour Migration) will work under the direct supervision of the Deputy Regional Director for Operations and the overall supervision of the Regional Director. This position involves providing advice and support for the implementation of institutional policy from Headquarters across Country Offices in the region. The role includes oversight, quality control, and thematic support to ensure consistent, cohesive, and quality evidence-based programming. The Specialist will contribute to thought leadership on saving lives and protecting individuals on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating regular pathways for migration. This position also entails identifying regional opportunities and risks, fostering knowledge sharing, encouraging policy and research development, and supporting cross-thematic collaboration internally and externally. The Specialist will serve as the primary source of labour migration expertise and guidance for IOM teams and partners in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Labour Migration Division Regional Thematic Unit in delivering thematic guidance and technical support to Country Offices.
• Assist the Deputy Regional Director for Operations by providing substantive inputs and articulating IOM's strategic plan to external stakeholders.
• Deliver technical assistance on thematic and cross-cutting priorities in collaboration with various stakeholders.
• Provide thematic training and capacity building to Country Office and Regional Office staff as well as external partners.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with regional actors, including donors and international organizations, to promote IOM’s Strategic Plan.
• Advocate programmatic priorities with new and traditional donors.
• Facilitate project development and reporting processes in coordination with relevant officers.
• Hold regular discussions with Country Offices to assess challenges and opportunities, guiding adjustments as necessary.
• Provide oversight and support to Country Offices on risk management pertaining to Labour Migration. 1
• Contribute to knowledge sharing platforms and disseminate best practices related to Labour Migration. 1
• Provide thematic support and recommendations on regional and country-level policies. 1
• Support thematic analysis and disseminate data to inform strategic planning and programming. 1
• Convene a community of practice for thematic focal points in the region. 1
• Lead engagement in inter-regional initiatives and coordinate involvement of HQ functional homes. 1
• Promote and integrate cross-cutting priorities in all areas of Labour Migration work. 1
• Manage the Labour Migration Division Regional Thematic Unit and oversee its responsibilities. 1
• Perform 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 same fields with at least nine years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in labour mobility and project development and management.
• Minimum five years' experience working in non-OECD countries managing labour mobility projects.
• Experience in liaison, resource mobilization, and advocacy with various stakeholders.
• Experience working in international organizations or government.
• Experience in designing and implementing capacity building on labour mobility.

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 same fields is acceptable if accompanied by at least nine years of relevant professional experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 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 work in labour mobility, project development, and management, particularly in non-OECD countries. Candidates should also have experience in advocacy and resource mobilization with governmental and diplomatic officials, as well as experience in international organizations or government settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, both oral and written. A working knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, and proficiency in another official UN language (Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage. Language proficiency 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 that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.