Senior External Relations Associate

Senior External Relations Associate

International Organization For Migration (IOM)

August 4, 2026August 28, 2026United Kingdom
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's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, saving lives and protecting people on the move. The organization drives solutions to displacement and facilitates pathways for regular migration while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration and displacement.

Job Overview:
The Senior External Relations Associate will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of engagement activities with governmental and parliamentary stakeholders, international financial institutions, think tanks, and other key counterparts. This position involves assisting with information gathering, preparing materials, making logistical arrangements, and following up to help IOM serve as a trusted advisor on migration-related issues. The role requires coordination and support for a wide range of stakeholder engagement activities with UK Government departments, multilateral development actors, and other relevant institutions. The Senior External Relations Associate will contribute to effective liaison and informed external partnerships, ensuring that IOM maintains a strong profile and positive relationships with stakeholders. This position also involves monitoring and analyzing funding decisions, political positions, and policy developments on current and emerging issues, as well as drafting and updating guidance documents for IOM colleagues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior External Relations Associate include: coordinating and supporting the development and implementation of stakeholder engagement activities; reviewing and coordinating stakeholder information; preparing documentation and supporting meeting preparations; handling logistical arrangements for events; monitoring and analyzing funding decisions and political positions; drafting talking points, briefings, and policy support materials; supporting the preparation of visits involving UK government stakeholders; researching donors and funding mechanisms; liaising with relevant IOM country and regional units; and performing other relevant duties as assigned. The role requires a proactive approach to maintaining IOM's profile and stakeholder relationships, as well as effective communication and organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with five years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a high school diploma with seven years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. Experience in providing administrative, coordination, or substantive support in internal relations, public affairs, communications, or related areas is essential. Candidates should have experience in supporting meetings or engagement with parliamentarians, government bodies, and multilateral development banks, as well as organizing and supporting events, including handling logistics and documentation. Experience in drafting, formatting, and editing institutional documents is also required. Familiarity with migration, humanitarian, or development issues is advantageous, and prior experience working in the UN, NGOs, or similar international organizations is desirable. Lived experience of migration or displacement is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field from an accredited institution. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates with a high school diploma must have additional relevant professional experience to qualify for the position.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, or seven years for those with a high school diploma. Candidates should have experience in providing administrative, coordination, or substantive support in areas related to public affairs, communications, or internal relations. Experience in engaging with government bodies, organizing events, and drafting institutional documents is crucial. Additionally, familiarity with migration issues and prior experience in international organizations are highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, both written and oral. All IOM staff members are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages, which include English, French, and Spanish. Proficiency in the required language(s) will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve a contract duration that is subject to funding confirmation. 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. Appointment is contingent upon certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is 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 its recruitment process and only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.
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