Overview
The Chief of Mission (CoM) of Country Office with Coordination Functions (COCF) is responsible and accountable for the activities of IOM within a country cluster, overseeing policy, administrative, programme, and financial support. The role also involves direct supervision of other CoMs/HoOs and establishing priorities for project development and resource mobilization.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, clarify, contribute to and promote IOM's overall mandate and strategy and spearhead strategic planning, results orientation and operational excellence, project development and implementation.
- Stimulate, catalyse and support project development through a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy.
- Ensure appropriateness and effectiveness of programmes in line with IOM’s Strategic Plan and Strategic Results Framework.
- Advise on national policy and migration trends and prepare proposals for appropriate action.
- Advocate and support authorities and key stakeholders on the development of appropriate policies and strategies on migration management.
- Advocate for and promote risk management plans aligned with IOM’s framework and policy.
- Provide expert support and monitor project design and implementation.
- Take full responsibility for the successful execution of on-going operational programmes and the development of new ones.
- Supervise the implementation and assure high quality performance of a large variety of migration related projects.
- Contribute to the regional and international processes and dialogues on migration.
- Establish priorities for project development and resource mobilization; support project development; provide monitoring and backstopping support in the Cluster of Offices.
- Ensure oversight of programmes implemented within the cluster are in line with IOM’s Strategic Plan and in line with IOM’s accountability principles.
- Participate actively within the UN Country Team UNCT under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator (RC).
- Play an integral role in policy discussions with internal and external stakeholders.
- Actively pursue opportunities for joint programming.
- Report to the RC on issues linked to the implementation of programmes stemming from the UNSDCF and led by IOM.
- Where a Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) exists, participate actively in the HCT.
- Proactively engage with the UN/HCT on issues related to the prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment (PSEA/SH), as well as xenophobia and discrimination.
- Ensure Country Offices within the cluster adequately engage with the UN.
- Direct the operational, human resources, administrative, budgetary and financial activities of the Country Office and oversee those of the Project offices.
- Ensure adequate support provision to countries within the clusters to ensure resources are adequately managed.
- Report regularly to the Director General, Regional Director, Sub-Regional Director and other interested partners on progress achieved and developments.
- Facilitate knowledge generation and management through the identification of best practices and lessons learned.
- Coordinate the Country Office’s knowledge products development and knowledge service delivery.
- Conduct regular field visits and represent IOM at events and meetings and monitor programme activities.
- Facilitate learning through organization of competency advancement training initiatives.
- Develop partnerships within and beyond the UNCT, and promote liaison with governmental authorities and diplomatic missions, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, the private sector, and public media.
- Support Country Offices within the cluster to establish partnerships and where contextually appropriate spearhead the development of liaison activities.
- Identify needs and priorities for cooperation and project development as well as for fundraising purposes.
- Support the Sub-Regional Office and the Regional Office and, when relevant, HQ in the preparation and implementation of high-level meetings.
- Represent the Organization at national and international conferences, events and meetings.
- Develop public relations and media activities to promote IOM's image and programmes.
- Ensure that safety and security management of IOM personnel, facilities and assets are addressed.
- Lead the PSEA/SH Strategy for IOM at the country level.
- Conduct regular monitoring visits to establish relationships and monitor the quality of project implementation and Country Office management.
- Actively coordinate Country Office cluster functions to deal with specific migration dynamics and supervise the IOM operations and engagements of the Countries within the cluster.
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Experience
- Seven years of relevant professional experience with a Master's degree; or nine years of relevant professional experience with a University degree.
- Significant experience in general management as well as project and resources management.
- Significant experience in diplomacy, fundraising and public relations, as well as in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions.
- Experience in delivering large and diverse programmes in complex settings in a range of migration programming, both in the context of emergency and development programming.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited academic institution; or University degree in the above fields.
- Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
