Director, Special Liaison Office to the Africa Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) (D) - Call for Expression of Interest (Internal applicants only)

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.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Eligibility for this call for Expression of Interest (EOI) is limited to internal and internal-equivalent candidates who are currently part of the Pathways Pool. The selection for this assignment will be carried out through the Pathways Pool process.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Staff, the Director of the Special Liaison Office to the AU and ECA is accountable and responsible for the management of the representation of IOM towards all AU institutions, and ECA and directly manages the liaison, fundraising and positioning of IOM with the African Union and its member states. Additionally, the Director represents IOM at the UN Liaison Team and the Humanitarian Coordination Forum, in Addis Ababa as well as other AU-UN initiatives such as the College to College (C2C) platform, an institution established to facilitate dialogue between the two entities (AUC and UN).

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with fifteen years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Extensive experience with the Africa Union Commission (AUC), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), AU Regional Economic Communities and Diplomatic Missions accredited to them and administrative budget;
• Intrinsic knowledge and understanding of the AUC, UNECA and AU Regional Economic Communities and its institutions;
• Extensive experience  in  diplomacy,  fundraising  and  public  relations,  as  well  as  in  liaising  with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions;
• Extensive experience leading strategic implementation processes in diverse regions; and,
  Demonstrated experience developing and managing high-performing diverse teams.
   

Skills

• Excellent communications skills, both oral and written;
• Ability to prepare and deliver speeches on various activities of the Organization.
  Excellent liaison and negotiation skills;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Knowledge of the AUC , UNECA and , UN and bilateral donor programming;
  Knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation procedures and Frameworks;
• Effective resources management skills, sound knowledge of financial and business administration and of the principles and practices of management; and,
• Good level of computer literacy.
   

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). Fluency and working knowledge of French an added advantage.

A working knowledge of any other official language of the African Union (Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Kiswahili) desirable. 

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

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 3

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 3

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings. 

Notes

The eligibility criteria for expressing interest in roles covered by the Pathways Pool have been widened, as outlined in the Pathways Pool guidelines. 

• Current staff members who are members of the Pathways Pool will now also be able to express interest in relevant roles at lower-level grade(s);
• Current staff members who are not members of the Pathways Pool may also express interest in roles covered by the Pathways Pool if the positions they encumber are due to be abolished as part of structural adjustments and if they meet certain requirements (as per Pathways Pool guidelines section 4). However, they will have to undergo a Fast-Track Pathways Assessment if they are being considered for the role.

For any questions, please contact pathwayspool@iom.int. 

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. 

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.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies