Introduction
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration.
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 the Deputy Regional Director (DRD) for Operations, the overall supervision of the Regional Director (RD), and the guidance of the Climate Action Division (CAD) in Headquarters (HQ), the Regional Thematic Specialist on Climate Action and Mobility (CAD RTS) provides advice and support to the implementation of institutional policies from HQ to Country Offices (COs) across the Region. Specifically, the Regional Thematic Specialist provides oversight, quality control, and thematic and operational support to promote consistent, cohesive, and quality evidence-based programming. Together with other Regional Thematic Units (RTUs), the Regional Thematic Specialist on Climate Action and Mobility contributes to thought leadership on saving lives and protecting individuals on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating regular pathways for migration.
The Regional Thematic Specialist will also lead the CAD RTU, which will provide thematic oversight and support on regional efforts to address the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change on human mobility while advocating sustainable and inclusive solutions on a regional scale in collaboration with CAD HQ. Special focus will be placed on leveraging IOM’s expertise and role in the new Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage and access to climate financing and technical support to Member States on National Adaptation Plans (NAP) and National Determination Commitments (NDC), especially for Small Islands Developing States and Least Developed Countries that experience interconnected social, environmental and economic challenges. The CAD RTU will also identify regional opportunities and risks, foster knowledge sharing, encourage policy and research development, and support cross-thematic collaboration internally. Externally, the CAD RTU offers advocacy, policy, and technical programme recommendations to regional entities, Member States, and relevant migration fora, spearheaded by IOM’s Regional Office (RO) and CO leadership. For both IOM teams and partners in the Region, the CAD RTU is the go-to source for climate action and mobility expertise and guidance.
Leadership, Advocacy, and Representation
Technical Support and Capacity Building
a. In coordination with CAD HQ and the Staff Development and Learning Unit, provide thematic training and capacity building to COs and RO staff as well as external partners as requested.
b. Spearhead the consultation, development, consensus-building, implementation, and oversight of global Climate migration and displacement governance frameworks across member states, international organizations, and civil society on the global stage.
c. In coordination with and in support of COs, strengthen the technical and institutional capacity of national governments and local actors to absorb, account for, report on, allocate, and leverage climate finance effectively.
Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
Quality Control and Oversight
Climate Action Policy and Research
a. Promote policy coherence and inclusive partnerships to mainstream climate mobility in relevant agendas, including biodiversity, water management, mountains, oceans/seas, human rights, protection, security, gender, health, urbanization, SDGs, youth engagement, diaspora empowerment, local actors’ mobilization.
b. Scale up advocacy, policy, and partnership in early warning (EW4AI), and climate and environmental action at policy and advocacy levels, in support of priorities identified by affected countries in national or regional and global climate strategies.
c. Support CAD HQ in the mainstreaming of human mobility considerations in climate change, environmental and disaster policy agendas, including via its work on UNFCCC Constituted Bodies, Workstreams, Initiatives and Fora (WIM Excom, AC, SNLD, COP, NAPs, NDCs, climate funds, etc.), as well as the UNCCD, UNEA and Sendai Framework policy processes, and the engagement with the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF).
Communication and Coordination
Cross-Cutting Priorities
CAD Regional Thematic Unit Management
16. Manage the CAD Regional Thematic Unit, including overseeing and managing the delivery of the Unit’s specific responsibilities in their entirety as outlined in the CAD RTU Terms of Reference.
17. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.
Education
- Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Social Science, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
- University degree in the above fields with at least nine years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- Demonstrated experience in climate action and mobility, and related areas relevant to project development and management, thematic capacity building, and liaison;
- Minimum 5 years' experience working in non-OECD countries managing climate action and mobility projects;
- Experience in liaison, resource mobilization, and advocacy with governmental and diplomatic officials, national and international institutions and organizations, civil society, and private sector actors;
- Experience working in an international, inter-governmental, or non-governmental organization, the United Nations, or government; and,
- Experience in the design and implementation of capacity building on climate action and mobility.
Skills
- Ability to understand complex contexts and fast-changing migration and displacement dynamics and ability to frame them in their regional, global, and political contexts;
- Proven track record of successful engagement with donors, developing projects, and mobilizing resources for IOM priority areas;
- Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and manage a diverse teams of specialists;
- Strong analytical skills combined with the ability to effectively summarize, present, and communicate findings;
- Demonstrated knowledge and expertise of relevant international standards and classifications relevant to climate action and mobility; and,
- Proven agent of change or willingness to foster a culture of learning and knowledge management.
Languages
All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of Portuguese and other official UN languages (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
Previous candidates do not need to re-apply.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
Vacancies close at 23:59 local time in 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, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.