Deputy Head of Policy Research and Migration Law

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 Deputy Head of Policy Research and Migration Law will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Policy Research and Migration Law Unit and the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission. The incumbent will be responsible for developing, supervising, coordinating, and implementing research activities within the unit. A key responsibility will be the implementation of the National Contact Point Austria in the European Migration Network. The role includes acting as a deputy for the Head of Unit, assisting in the supervision of research and drafting studies and reports on migration, integration, and asylum issues within the Austrian and European context. The incumbent will also be tasked with authoring studies, policy briefs, and other research outputs related to migration and asylum, conducting statistical analysis, and presenting findings to stakeholders and senior management. Additionally, the role involves contributing to the development of a network of relevant stakeholders, supporting project work, and providing general administrative support for projects and related activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop, supervise, coordinate, and implement research activities of the Policy Research and Migration Law Unit.
• Act as Deputy for the Head of Unit and perform duties in their absence.
• Assist in supervising the research and drafting of studies and reports on migration, integration, and asylum issues.
• Author studies, policy briefs, and other research outputs.
• Conduct statistical analysis and data visualization for research outputs.
• Present study outcomes and research findings to national stakeholders and in international forums.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a network of stakeholders in migration and asylum.
• Support project implementation, including monitoring budgets and donor reporting.
• Assist in project development by drafting concept notes, defining activities, and preparing submission packages for proposals. 1
• Plan and organize events, workshops, and conferences. 1
• Organize, chair, and attend meetings as necessary. 1
• Provide general administrative support for projects and related activities. 1
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Law, Economics, Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited institution with four years of relevant professional experience. A PhD or Master’s degree in these areas is a distinct advantage.
• Alternatively, a high school degree with six years of relevant experience.
• Experience with budgets, donor reporting, and project development.
• Prior experience at IOM or other international organizations is a distinct advantage.
• Experience in overseeing research activities and academic research is a strong advantage.
• Knowledge of Austrian and EU migration and asylum policies and context is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Law, Economics, Political or Social Sciences, or International Relations from an accredited academic institution. A Master’s degree or PhD in these areas is highly desirable. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
The position requires four years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, or six years for those with a high school diploma. Experience with budgets, donor reporting, and project development is essential. Prior experience at IOM or other international organizations is a distinct advantage, as is experience in overseeing research activities and academic research. Familiarity with statistics and publications in the field of migration and asylum is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in German and 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). Proficiency in the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The starting date for this position is set for January 1, 202

• The classification for this role is General Service Staff, Grade G6, and it is a full-time position. 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 subject to 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 incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.