Director, Department of Data, Insight and Policy Coordination

Position Title : Director, Department of Data, Insight and Policy Coordination

Duty Station : Geneva, Switzerland

Classification : Professional Staff, Grade D2

Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 09 April 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; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; 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; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

Under the overall supervision of the Director General and direct supervision of the Deputy Director General for Operations, the Director, Department for Data, Insight and Policy Coordination (DIPC) is responsible for leading institutional efforts on migration and displacement data, strategic research and foresight, and shaping IOM’s work on evidence and rights-based migration policy, law and innovative and comprehensive programming.

The Department works across IOM and with external partners to deliver on the three objectives of IOM’s Strategic Plan: saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement and facilitating pathways for regular migration as well as advancing the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration and accelerate progress towards attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Comprising the Policy, Knowledge and Research Division, Global Data Institute, and IOM Development Fund, DIPC works as an in-house think tank and enabler that seeks to empower IOM as a thought leader and global convenor on migration and displacement, including as Coordinator and Secretariat of the UN Network on Migration. To this end, the Department plays a leading role in primary data collection and research on human mobility to inform analysis, assistance, evidence-based narratives and anticipatory policy and programmatic action, leveraging emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data, where relevant.

In the context of profound global transformations and challenges impacting migration governance across the globe — from climate change impacts to demographic shifts, digitalization, urbanization and geopolitical tensions — the Department promotes a culture of learning and innovation within IOM. In addition, the Department collaborates closely with external partners in the UN system, governments, academia, civil society and the private sector to develop and promote people-centred solutions and transformative approaches within IOM’s programming for maximum impact and results.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Direct and lead the development and implementation of a vision and strategy for the Department of Data, Insight and Policy on Migration which is aligned with the organization’s Strategic Plan and goals.
2. Provide strategic leadership and expert advice on migration data, research, and policy, both internally and externally by developing new policies, research that is informed by data, evidence, and strategic foresights, and that promote the rights and interests of migrants and their host communities.
3. Provide advisory support and close engagement with Member States on the Global Compact for Migration (GCM), migration governance programming, and migration diplomacy and dialogue.
4. Expand and strengthen partnerships in the pursuit of the GCM and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including direct support for mainstreaming migration consideration into development sectoral policies and facilitating dialogue platforms for exchanging good policy practices and experience, and South-South and Triangular cooperations.
5. Promote the use of Data for insight and strategic foresight that facilitates regular migration pathways, including analytics on gender, age, nationality, educational and skill profile to enable pathways design and timely analysis of emerging trends and population movements.
6. Direct and lead the Department’s budget, staff, and projects while ensuring high-quality outputs and outcomes.
7. Build, strengthen and maintain strong relationships with key actors and networks in the migration field, including governments, donors, civil society, academia, media, and the private sector.
8. Represent the organization in high-level forums, events, and media outlets, and advocate forevidence-based and human rights-based approaches to migration.
9. Identify and pursue new opportunities for funding, partnerships, and innovation in the migration domain.
10. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree or higher in Migration Studies, Economics, Sociology, Political Science, International Relations or related field from an accredited academic institution with fifteen years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• At least fifteen years of professional experience in the migration field, with a proven track record of leading and managing complex projects and teams in developing countries.

Skills

• Excellent leadership and strategic thinking skills with the ability to inspire and motivate others;• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders;
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to think strategically and creatively;
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity;
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to synthesize and present data and evidence in clear and compelling ways; and,
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the global migration context, trends, and challenges, as well as the policy and legal frameworks that govern migration.

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

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.pdf

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.