Chief of Mission (CoM)

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 to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM's mission includes saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration. The organization is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. IOM operates in numerous countries worldwide, providing services and advice to governments and migrants alike, and aims to harness the full potential of migration to strengthen its support to people on the move.

Job Overview:
The Chief of Mission (CoM) will be responsible for overseeing and providing policy, administrative, programmatic, and financial support to the Country Office (CO) in Georgetown, Guyana. This role involves strategic country programme development and planning, ensuring that IOM's overall mandate and strategy are effectively implemented. The CoM will lead the development of new projects and ensure the appropriateness and effectiveness of existing programs in line with IOM’s Strategic Vision and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The CoM will also be responsible for resource mobilization, advocating for migration management policies, and ensuring that IOM's contributions to the UNSDCF objectives are met. The position requires active participation in the UN Country Team (UNCT) and engagement with various stakeholders to promote migration-related issues and ensure that IOM's activities are aligned with national and regional strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Chief of Mission will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities including:

• Leading the development and implementation of IOM's strategic plans and programs in the country.
• Overseeing the execution of ongoing operational programs and developing new initiatives.
• Supervising the implementation of migration-related projects and ensuring high-quality performance.
• Engaging with the UN Country Team to integrate migration-related issues into broader development strategies.
• Directing the operational, human resources, administrative, budgetary, and financial activities of the Country Office.
• Reporting regularly to the Director General and Regional Director on progress and developments.
• Facilitating knowledge generation and management within the organization.
• Developing partnerships with governmental authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to identify migration-related areas for collaboration.
• Ensuring safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security management of IOM personnel and facilities. 1
• Leading the PSEA/SH Strategy at the country level and ensuring compliance with organizational policies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least seven years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. Candidates should have experience in general management, project and resources management, diplomacy, fundraising, public relations, and liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities. A strong understanding of migration programming in both emergency and development contexts is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration, or related disciplines from accredited institutions recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in these fields must have additional years of relevant professional experience to qualify for the position.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience, specifically in general management, project management, and resources management. Candidates should have a proven track record in diplomacy, fundraising, and public relations, as well as experience in managing migration programming in both emergency and development contexts. The ability to engage with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both oral and written. IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish, and while fluency in English is required, working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, 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:
The position is part of the Pathways Pool, and eligibility is limited to internal and external candidates who are currently part of this pool. The appointment will be subject to funding confirmation and all necessary clearances, including medical and security checks. The 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, harassment, and discrimination. The organization does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system.