Job Opportunities in Switzerland

Position Title : Chief, Humanitarian Operations Division
Duty Station : Geneva, Switzerland
Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P5
Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible
Closing Date : 10 October 2024
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:
1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands;
Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People's Democratic
Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated
States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia;
Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas;
Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu
Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and
female candidates.
Context:
IOM’s prominent role in humanitarian operations is central to efforts to promote principled and
inclusive humanitarian action and increase and maintain humanitarian access. The Division
promotes increased localization, with more participation and leadership of governments, and
local actors and affected populations, while delivering responses that save lives and lay the
foundation for recovery and solutions.
Specifically, the Humanitarian Operations Division (HOD) is the institutional focal point for crises
response to sudden-onset and protracted crises. The Division provides technical expertise,
coordination, operational support and policy guidance on emergency response planning,
implementation, and monitoring in line with IOM’s Humanitarian Policy, Principles for
Humanitarian Action (PHA) and with the normative and policy work of the Inter-Agency Standing

Committee (IASC) and leads the development of coordinated emergency resources mobilization
efforts and supports global and country alignments within the Humanitarian Program Cycle
(HPC).
Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Director General for Operations, the direct
supervision of the Director, Department for Humanitarian Response and Recovery (DHRR), and
in close coordination with the Deputy Director, DHRR, the Chief, Humanitarian Operations
Division will be responsible for managing and leading the effective and timely implementation of
IOM’s humanitarian response globally in line with the Objective 1 of the new IOM Strategic Plan.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
1. Manage and coordinate IOM’s responses to humanitarian emergencies including ensuring
IOM’s responses meet standards and coordination requirements by addressing problems when
needed and mobilizing IOM-wide resources to support responses in addition to managing IOM’s
Emergency Response Fund (MEFM) and promoting learning and accountability.
2. Lead the harmonization of operational standards and corporate response for L3 emergencies
and IOM’s global operations, policies and systems for humanitarian response, capacity
development, partnership, external relations and accountability.
3. Provide strategic advice to set forth technical and operational excellence including guidance
and standards to ensure quality programming and consistency across IOM, including in WASH,
Shelter and Settlements, Crisis Coordination and CCCM.
4.Promote local ownership and empowerment, including integrated programming, AAP,
protection risk prevention and mitigation, HDPN, and humanitarian access by coordinating the
development and harmonization of the deployment of Humanitarian Hubs.
5. Coordinate with the Supply Chain Division to ensure that lifesaving supplies meet technical
requirements and to advise on the prioritization of Global Stocks positioning and deployments.
Manage and lead IOM’s common pipeline activities.
6. Represent IOM’s humanitarian and advocacy work externally including through IASC forum,
provide strategic guidance to IOM’s humanitarian appeals and positions, and mobilize of
resources and reporting to donors.
7. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education

• Master’s degree in Political Science, Social Science, International Studies, Public

Administration, Economics or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten
years of relevant professional experience; or,

• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• At least ten years of senior management and leadership experience in both the humanitarian

and development field with international organisations, including substantial experience working
in developing countries.

• Demonstrated experience leading complex emergency responses and recovery programs.

• Work experience within the UN system, particularly in leading and/or coordinating institutional

reform initiatives, would be a strong advantage.

• Work experience managing a team and applying various leadership skills.

Skills

• Demonstrated networking with major humanitarian actors and the humanitarian and

development architecture, including the UN, governments, and institutional donors;

• Proven effectiveness in mobilizing and leveraging capacity from others, influencing and

networking; and,

• Strong knowledge of the humanitarian sector including principles, trends, standards, and laws,

and understanding of how humanitarian work relates to longer-term development. Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be
fluent in one of the three languages.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another
official UN language (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.
Notes
Previous applicants do not need to re-apply.
1 Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database
(https://whed.net/home.php).
Required Competencies:
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.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.
https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p
df
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 background verification and security
clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be
required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the
medical clearance process.
Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No
late applications will be accepted.
How to apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment
system, by 10 October 2024 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment
system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information please refer to: www.iom.int/recruitment
Posting period:

From 27.09.2024 to 10.10.2024
No Fees:
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.
Requisition: VN 2024 194 Chief, Humanitarian Operations Division (P5) Geneva, Switzerland (58752857)
Released
Posting: Posting NC58752858 (58752858) Released