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
- Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.
Organizational Context and Scope
Under the overall supervision of the Sub-Regional Director for Southern Africa and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist for Immigration and Border Governance (IBG), the Senior Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) Specialist will provide strategic leadership, technical expertise, programme development support and partnership engagement to advance IOM's Immigration and Border Governance portfolio across Southern Africa. The Senior Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) Specialist will coordinate regional initiatives, support resource mobilization efforts, and promote integrated border governance approaches in line with IOM's Strategic Plan and IBG Framework.
1. Strategic Leadership and Technical Advice
- Provide senior-level technical leadership and strategic guidance on immigration and border governance programming across the Southern Africa sub-region.
- Advise governments and regional institutions on border governance policies, border management modernization, identity management, traveller processing, and migration management systems.
- Support the development of regional and national border governance strategies, frameworks, operational plans and roadmaps.
- Promote whole-of-government and regional approaches to border governance, facilitating coherence between migration, security, trade and development priorities.
2. Programme Development and Oversight
- Lead the identification, design and development of new IBG programmes and projects in Southern Africa.
- Coordinate the expansion and implementation of regional and country-level border governance initiatives.
- Provide technical oversight and quality assurance of ongoing IBG projects and ensure consistency with IOM standards and methodologies.
3. Resource Mobilization and Partnerships
- Identify funding opportunities and lead resource mobilization efforts for IBG interventions across the sub-region.
- Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with governments, regional economic communities, development banks, donors and implementing partners.
- Support engagement with the African Development Bank, bilateral donors and other funding partners interested in border governance and migration management initiatives.
4. Government and Regional Engagement
- Serve as the principal technical focal point on IBG matters for governments and regional stakeholders.
- Support engagement with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and relevant regional mechanisms.
- Facilitate regional dialogue, technical exchanges and capacity-building initiatives among Member States.
- Provide substantive support during high-level missions, conferences, workshops and bilateral consultations.
5. Capacity Development and Technical Assistance
- Lead assessments of border governance systems, capacities and operational needs.
- Develop and deliver technical assistance and capacity-building activities for border management authorities and other relevant institutions.
- Promote the deployment and effective use of border governance technologies and solutions, including migration information and border management systems.
- Support Member States in enhancing operational border management capacities while upholding human rights and international standards.
6. Coordination and Knowledge Management
- Coordinate border governance activities across Country Offices in the Southern Africa sub-region.
- Foster collaboration among thematic areas including protection, labour mobility, migration data, counter-trafficking and emergency preparedness.
- Document good practices, lessons learned and emerging trends in border governance.
- Represent IOM in relevant internal and external technical working groups and coordination mechanisms.
7. Management Responsibilities
- Supervise consultants, project personnel and technical experts assigned to IBG initiatives as required.
- Monitor project implementation, budgets and results frameworks under assigned programmes.
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Education
- Master's degree from an accredited academic institution in: International Relations; Law; Political Science; Security Studies; Public Administration; Migration Studies; Border Management; or.
University degree in the above fields with at least nine years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
Minimum nine years (or seven years with a Master's degree) of progressively responsible experience in Immigration and Border Governance, Migration Management, Border Security, Identity Management, or related fields;
- Experience working with governments, regional organizations and international partners;
- Demonstrated experience in programme development and resource mobilization;
- Experience providing policy and technical advice at senior government level;
- Experience managing multi-country or regional programmes is an advantage;
- Experience in Africa and familiarity with SADC migration and border governance issues is highly desirable; and,
- Experience with border management technologies and digital solutions is an advantage.
Skills
- Demonstrated strategic planning and analytical skills;
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical programmes;
- Demonstrated drafting and proposal development skills;
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments;
- Sound knowledge of migration governance and border management trends; and,
- Demonstrated coordination and partnership-building skills.
Languages
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 3
Notes
Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security, as well as accreditation, and any residency or visa requirements. 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, 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.