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
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.
Organizational Context and Scope
Under the direct supervision of Deputy Chief of Mission (CoM), the Head of Mobility Pathways and Inclusion (MPI) will lead the coordination, management, and operational oversight of International Organization for Migration’s (IOM’s) activities and strategic engagement on the migration continuum. This includes participatin in the development of migration governance policies and related thematic areas of work such as Migrant Protection (in particular Counter Trafficking response and Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR)), Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Immigration and Border Governance including the Family Assistance Programe (FAP), Labour Migration as well as Humanitarian Protection (inclusive of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response and Disability Inclusion).
In close coordination with the Executive Office, the Head of MPI leads strategic engagement and coordination with external stakeholders, including government counterparts, UN agencies, and inter-agency coordination mechanisms—particularly the UN Network on Migration (UNNM) and the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) Network.
The Head of MPI contributes to programme development, operational planning, donor engagement, and external representation with national authorities, United Nation (UN) counterparts, donors, and other partners. The Head of Mobility Pathways and Inclusion (MPI) ensures that the MPI portfolio remains coherent, responsive, and aligned with the Mission’s strategic priorities and IOM’s global mandate.
Strategic Thinking and Vision
1. Oversee the implementation of strategic approaches to mobility pathways and related operational modalities, in close collaboration with national and local authorities, beneficiary communities, and relevant stakeholders.
2. Serve as the Mission focal point for mobility-related issues, in coordination with Regional Thematic Specialists and IOM Headquarters’ Department of Mobility Pathways and Inclusion; coordinate IOM’s contributions to the development, review, and implementation of migration management policies.
3. Lead technical reviews and analysis of migration trends, providing evidence-based technical advice to internal stakeholders, government counterparts, and partners.
4. Promote coherence and synergies across MPI programmes and their integration with broader IOM interventions, including peacebuilding, recovery, and development-oriented programming.
Project Management and Implementation
5. Ensure overall consistency and provide technical and strategic guidance for the implementation of all projects under the MPI portfolio, including Migrant Protection (Counter-Trafficking and AVRR), Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Immigration and Border Governance (including FAP), Migration Governance and Labour Mobility, and Humanitarian Protection (including GBV prevention and response and Disability Inclusion).
6. Lead, supervise, and provide technical and strategic guidance to MPI teams, Programme Managers, and consultants on substantive and operational matters, ensuring effective use of human and financial resources, internal and external accountability, and a strong culture of results and performance.
Resource Mobilization and Partnerships
7. Coordinate resource mobilization efforts for the MPI portfolio, in close collaboration with the Deputy Chief of Mission, the Partnership and Programme Support Unit (PPSU), and relevant Programme Managers.
8. Ensure proper documentation, reporting, and visibility of MPI programme components, including the systematic recording of all supporting programme documentation in line with IOM standards.
9. Develop and maintain strong partnerships and liaison with programme partners, relevant government authorities, UN agencies, donors, and coordination mechanisms to facilitate programme implementation, mobilize resources, enhance programme visibility, and strengthen institutional cooperation.
Managing People and Teams
10. Ensure the timely recruitment and management of international consultants and contractors for trainings, technical assistance, and policy development, in accordance with IOM rules and procedures.
11. Undertake duty travel as required for programme oversight, consultations, coordination, and briefings with internal and external counterparts, as requested by the Chief of Mission or Deputy Chief of Mission.
12. Coordinate the systematic integration of cross-cutting priorities—including gender equality, social inclusion, disability inclusion, and human rights—across all MPI strategies and programmes, and promote the application of victim-centred and survivor-sensitive approaches in migration management interventions.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Education
- Master’s degree in Law, Political or Social Sciences, Humanities, International Relations, Development Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
Experience
- Experience in humanitarian, recovery, stabilization, or development settings;
- Demonstrated experience in managing field operations, programme delivery, or multi-sector teams in challenging environments;
- Experience working in a context with overlapping development and conflict-related challenges is a strong asset; and,
- Previous experience in writing training plans, statements of works, standard operating procedures and detailed instructions.
Skills
- Excellent background in government liaison, inter-agency coordination, and donor engagement;
- Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate complex operations within a UN or international organization, including working effectively across programmatic, operational and support functions;
- Excellent programme management skills, with experience overseeing multi-sector programmes, implementation modalities, and operational delivery in complex and evolving contexts;
- Proven capacity to manage and supervise large, multi-disciplinary teams across multiple locations, including remote management of field-based staff;
- Sound understanding of UN coordination mechanisms, inter-agency processes, and partnership modalities, including engagement with government counterparts, UN agencies, donors and implementing partners;
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess operational challenges, identify risks, and propose practical, context-appropriate solutions;
- Excellent communication and representation skills, with the ability to convey operational and programmatic information clearly to senior management, partners and donors;
- Ability to plan, prioritize and manage competing demands in high-pressure environments, ensuring continuity of programme delivery;
- Demonstrated leadership, negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster collaboration, accountability and performance across teams; and,
Languages
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of Arabic and another official UN language (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.