Head of Partnerships Unit

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Head of Partnerships Unit
Location: Kyiv
Country: Ukraine
Deadline Date: 13 March 2025

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. As the leading UN agency in the field of migration, IOM works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The organization is dedicated to providing services and advice to governments and migrants, ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally. IOM operates in numerous countries around the world, focusing on harnessing the full potential of migration. The organization encourages applications from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates and those from non-represented member countries of IOM. The selection process prioritizes first-tier candidates, which include internal candidates, external female candidates, and candidates from specific non-represented member states.

Job Overview:
The Head of Partnerships Unit will be responsible for developing, seeking, negotiating, promoting, and managing government liaison, donor relations, implementing partner support, and media communications for IOM Ukraine. This role requires direct management and supervision of staff members working on partnership issues that are crosscutting to the overall activities of the Mission. The successful candidate will develop IOM’s partnership portfolio and strategy, aligning with global, regional, and mission-level strategic priorities. The position involves overseeing the development and implementation of specific IOM initiatives to support the Government of Ukraine in advancing policy and legal frameworks on migration management, ensuring alignment with EU and other frameworks. The Head of Partnerships Unit will also engage with UN agencies and provide strategic inputs in UN processes, ensuring effective collaboration and advocacy on migration issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directly manage and supervise staff members working on partnership issues, including Government/UN Liaison, Donor Support, Implementing Partner Support, and Media and Communications.
• Develop IOM’s partnership portfolio and strategy in coordination with the Chief of Mission and other relevant units.
• Oversee the development and implementation of initiatives to support the Government of Ukraine in migration management.
• Coordinate the preparation and periodic reviews of IOM Ukraine’s Country Strategy.
• Engage with UN agencies and provide strategic inputs in UN processes, including participation in the UN Programme Management Team.
• Lead the establishment and strengthening of relationships with donors, ensuring effective resource mobilization and coordination.
• Represent IOM in high-level meetings and inter-agency coordination mechanisms.
• Formulate and develop new projects and programmes, ensuring timely and quality delivery of services.
• Oversee the Implementing Partnership Support Unit to ensure effective support to programme teams. 1
• Manage the Media and Communications Unit to develop external communication strategies and promote IOM’s activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Economics, Political or Social Science, or a related field with seven years of relevant professional experience; or a University degree in the same fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including State actors and UN agencies.
• Demonstrated experience in managing large, diverse teams towards achieving common goals.
• Experience in overseeing the development of strategic documents at the country level.
• Experience in project development and management, particularly in humanitarian and migration-related activities.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Economics, Political or Social Science, or a related field from an accredited academic institution, along with seven years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the same fields with nine years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of migration management and the socio-political landscape in which IOM operates.

Experience:
The position requires proven experience in building and maintaining strategic and operational partnerships with key stakeholders, including state actors, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in managing large teams and overseeing the development of strategic documents at the country level. Experience in project development and management, particularly in humanitarian, transition, recovery, and migration-related activities, is crucial. Additionally, experience working in emergency contexts and familiarity with regional issues in Europe will be considered a distinct advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, both oral and written. Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, or Spanish) and/or Ukrainian is considered an advantage. Proficiency in the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is Special Short Term Graded, with an initial duration of nine months and the possibility of extension. The position is classified at the P-4 grade level, and internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. 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. Candidates must meet medical fitness requirements and comply with residency or visa requirements. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 202

• IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims of the United Nations and IOM, including discrimination and harassment. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.