Job Opportunities in Switzerland

Position Title : Special Assistant to the Director General
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 : 03 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; 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:
The Director General (DG) of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is elected by the
Council for a five-year term. The DG exercises constitutional authority to manage the
Organization and carry out activities within its mandate by formulating coherent policies and
ensuring that programme development is consistent with strategic priorities. The DG appoints
two Deputy Directors General and a Chief of Staff for the duration of the term.
In close cooperation with the Director General and under the direct supervision of the Deputy
Chief of Staff, the Special Assistant to the Director General will provide overall support to the
DG in their travel, coordination, policy, and management functions.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:
1. Work closely with the DG to support in the accomplishment of the mandate, objectives, and
leadership of the Organization.
2. Ensure prompt, effective follow- up on all matters delegated by DG.
3. Oversee the overall workflow supporting the DG’s external engagements, ensuring that
materials are tasked, completed and endorsed and delivered to the DG in a timely manner.
4. Serve as final reviewer of all materials supporting DG’s external engagements, including
public remarks, talking points, travel materials, presentations, and media briefs.
5. Provide strategic, organizational and conceptual context to the DG to support operational and
strategic decision-making, in close coordination with the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff and
the Executive Assistant to the Director General.
6. Coordinate with HQ, Regional Offices (ROs) and Country Offices (COs) colleagues to
communicate, advance and deliver on DG requests, priorities, and engagements.
7. Ensure Executive Office (EO) policies, processes, and resources are appropriate and
implemented consistently across all EO principals, special advisors and assistants, and
executive support.
8. Accompany DG on engagements as requested; take notes, disseminate, and follow up on
action points as appropriate.
9. Accompany DG on travel as requested to include logistical support as requested, managing
scheduling, resolving challenges, taking and disseminating notes, and following up on action
points as appropriate.
10. Advance any ad hoc special projects or events to advance the DG priorities when
requested.
11. Develop and implement guidance and training for IOM staff on EO needs, processes, and
expectations.
12. Directly supervise 1-2 EO Interns.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education

• Master's degree in Political Science, Social Science, Law, International Relations, Public

Relations, Journalism 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

• Experience with executive support in headquarters and field locations.
• Experience in liaising with government and diplomatic authorities and international institutions.
• Experience in writing executive briefings, reports, and recommendations required.
• Sound knowledge of migration issues; knowledge of IOM institutions an advantage.

Skills

• Proven ability to collaborate with staff and stakeholders at various levels;
• Excellent communication and writing skills;
• Ability to analyse complex problems and rapidly identify and convey clear solutions; and,
• Excellent organizational skills in both digital and physical fora.

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 IOM’s
other official languages (French and Spanish) or other official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese,
and Russian) are advantageous.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process,
which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Notes
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 03 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 13.09.2024 to 03.10.2024
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 561 Special Assistant to the Director General (P4) Geneva, Switzerland (59145793)
Released
Posting: Posting NC59145794 (59145794) Released