Chief of Party (P)

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, 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. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

• Internal candidates

Organizational Context and Scope

On 10 April 2026, Super Typhoon Sinlaku impacted Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), bringing heavy torrential rains and damaging gusts that caused widespread destruction across Chuuk Lagoon and the outer islands. The storm’s slow movement prolonged exposure, resulting in extensive damage to housing, public infrastructure, agriculture, and critical services across several communities in Chuuk State. On 13 April 2026, the FSM declared a State of Emergency, allocated funds from the Disaster Assistance Emergency Fund (DAEF), and requested assistance from the United States Government (USG) for disaster relief and humanitarian support, in accordance with the COMPACT agreement. As the USG’s implementing partner, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will support Chuuk with relief efforts and the reconstruction of public facilities and housing. IOM is therefore seeking a Chief of Party (CoP) to oversee the reconstruction in Chuuk component of the COFA READY project.

Under the direct supervision of the supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia, the CoP will be responsible and accountable for providing leadership and managing the overall implementation of the reconstruction component funded by the USG, ensuring that all tasks are carried out effectively to achieve the project objectives.

• Lead strategically and oversee the overall management, operations, and coordination of the COFA READY project’s multi-year reconstruction component in Chuuk State, FSM, ensuring that all programming activities and objectives across all phases of reconstruction are effectively achieved in alignment with organisational standards and donor requirements.
• Collaborate closely and coordinate with the Construction Manager to align strategic planning with technical implementation, ensuring that operational challenges are addressed, and that quality, safety and technical standards are consistently maintained.
• Provide technical guidance and advise, refine project benchmarks, and develop comprehensive monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure that reconstruction component targets are met, technical deliverables and reports are completed on schedule, and lessons learned are systematically captured, documented, and integrated into project implementation.
• Represent the programme through collaboration and liaison with relevant agencies, including the Department of State (DoS), local and national government authorities, humanitarian organi sations, foreign and local disaster response experts, and other key stakeholders to ensure coordinated and integrated disaster response and recovery efforts.
• Establish and maintain robust internal controls that ensure compliance with contractual obligations, transparency, and accountability in all operations, grants management, and financial administration, in accordance with policies and regulations of IOM and USG.
• In collaboration with the CoM, Head of Programmes (HoP), and Resource Management Unit (RMU), oversee the recruitment and management of support staff, short-term consultants, and personnel required for the reconstruction activities.
• Coordinate with DoS and guide the project team on roles, responsibilities, and compliance standards to ensure consistent and informed performance.
• Oversee the development and implementation of a strategic communications plan, in close coordination with the Communications Officer, that convey project achievements highlights, lessons learned, and impact stories to relevant audiences.
• Incorporate lessons learned from previous disasters into preparedness, response, and reconstruction planning to strengthen resilience and operational effectiveness.
• Organise and oversee simulation exercises, emergency preparedness drills, and capacity building trainings for local and national authorities, emergency responders, and affected communities to strengthen disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
• In the event of a US Disaster Declaration, lead and manage relief, recovery, and initial reconstruction activities and directing multi-sectoral initiatives such as voucher programs, assessments, and the restoration of private housing, public infrastructure, and utilities.
• Lead the technical training of personnel in emergency response activities following a disaster, including shelter management, camp coordination, water and sanitation, distribution of food and relief items in adherence to Sphere standards and coordinate with the host government and other response agencies to ensure effective response operations.
• Coordinate logistical and operational support for deployed USG response teams, including arrangements for office space, accommodations, and communication and provide regular situational updates on ongoing or impending disasters and response activities to senior management and partners.
• Perform such other relevant duties as maybe assigned.

Education

• Master’s degree in Management, Public Administration, Economics, Social Science, International Relations, Development Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Extensive experience in implementing programmes of disaster preparenedess and response, community recovery and strengthening government and community capacity;
• Previous experience coordinating a multi-year donor-funded project with a strong reputation for developing excellent collaborative working relationships with counterparts, other contracts and international organisations and donors;
• Demonstrated experience managing programmes that effectively address solutions for disaster readiness and response;
• Experience working in the North Pacific is strongly preferred; and,
• Experience in managing staff from diverse environments and backgrounds.

Skills

• Demonstrated skills in effectively managing, coordinating and negotiating with other durable solutions actors, donors, other USG projects, U.S. embassies and host country governments and local authorities; and,
• Ability to manage USG and other donor awards and all required reporting requirements.

Languages

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

Notes

Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

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, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.

IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.