Position Title : Head, International Migration Law Unit
Duty Station : Geneva, Switzerland
Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P4
Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible
Closing Date : 20 August 2020
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.
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
- External female candidates
- Candidates from the following non-represented member states: Antigua and Barbuda; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Cook Islands; Cuba; Djibouti; Fiji; Gabon; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People's Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Papua New Guinea; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; and Vanuatu.
Second tier candidates include all external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.
Context
Under the direct supervision of the Director, Department of International Cooperation and Partnerships (ICP) and in close collaboration with the Office of Legal Affairs and other relevant Departments and Divisions, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing and managing the development and implementation of the Organization's International Migration Law (IML) activities.
Core Functions / Responsibilities
- Provide direct oversight of the activities of the IML Unit, including the development and management of IML project activities, to ensure the successful implementation of the Organization's technical cooperation, training and research projects in the field of IML.
- Provide expert advice, guidance, and support in the area of IML in Headquarters and IOM Country and Regional Offices in the development and implementation of operations and programs.
- Provide advice in the development and review of IOM strategies and policies to ensure compliance with international migration law.
- Promote knowledge about international migration law within IOM through training and other activities; develop, and conduct pertinent external IML training activities. Liaise with diplomatic training institutions/academies at the country level in view of establishing and developing collaborative partnerships and joint programming.
- Provide expertise and legal advice on migration legislation and international migration law and related policies to external stakeholders such as governments, national, regional and international institutions, academia, and civil society.
- Draft, initiate, or review academic research, including academic papers as required. Review and provide legal comments on research reports, articles, presentations, policy documents and proposals prepared by governments, international organizations, NGOs, and members of the academic community dealing with IML.
- Supervise the development of an IML Database.
- Represent the Organization at expert-level meetings and seminars with governments and other stakeholders and prepare and/or deliver presentations.
- Liaise and collaborate on IML and related policy and research issues and initiatives with relevant experts in the UN system and in other international and regional organizations, including inter alia the ILO, UNESCO, OHCHR, UNHCR,OSCE, the EU, the Council of Europe, and the academic community.
- Develop and supervise the collaboration with UN treaty bodies as relevant.
- Develop and oversee implementation of the work programme and priorities of colleagues in the IML Unit.
- Perform such other duties that may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Master's degree in Law, International Law, Administrative Law, Institutional Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or
- University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- At least seven years of experience, including at least some at the international level, in lega issues related to migration acquired with a government, an international organization, a university, or an NGO.issues related to migration acquired with a government, an international organization, a university, or an NGO.
- Excellent knowledge of international migration law issues, jurisprudence and literature.
- Demonstrated track record of providing substantive advice to government bodies, academia, and civil society on IML issues.
- Experience managing and implementing projects related to migration law.
- Experience designing and delivering IML trainings.
- Experience conducting legal research.
Skills
- First-rate legal, research, analytical, and drafting skills.
- Demonstrated ability to draft publication-ready papers (primary in English) on various issues.
Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.
For this position, fluency in English and working knowledge of French is required. Working knowledge of 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:
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
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.
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 action 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 carry out the organization's vision; assists others to realize and develop their potential.
- Empowering others and building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
- Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization's goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.
Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.
Other:
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.
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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members.
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 Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.