Head, Climate Resilience and Human Security

Position Title: Head, Climate Resilience and Human Security

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: 04 July 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; Fiji; 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:

IOM has been engaged in migration, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction efforts since the early 1990s. IOM’s vision is to support States in their efforts to achieve safe, orderly, and regular international migration and to ensure that all people on the move and those internally displaced by the adverse impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters, are assisted and protected. In this regard, IOM`s activities reinforce local and national initiatives to prevent and prepare for disasters and related population movements, provide emergency assistance and protection where displacement cannot be avoided, and foster post-disaster recovery solutions and resilience-building.

In line with IOM’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028, the Climate Road Map and the Institutional

Strategy on Migration, Environment and Climate Change 2021-2030, IOM’s Climate Change programming is informed by the following three broad objectives in managing environmental migration, intervening at each stage of the migration cycle:

1. “Solutions for people to move” – Managing migration in the context of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters due to natural hazards.
2. “Solutions for people on the move” – Assisting and protecting migrants and displaced persons in the context of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters due to natural hazards.
3. “Solutions for people to stay” – Making migration a choice by building resilience and addressing the adverse climatic and environmental drivers that compel people to move.

Under the overall supervision of the Climate Action Division (CAD) Director and the direct supervision of the Chief of Climate Policy and Advocacy and in collaboration with other CAD colleagues and relevant Divisions at Headquarters (HQ) and Regional Offices (ROs), the Head, Climate Resilience and Human Security will provide technical leadership, representation and managerial oversight on Climate Resilience and Human Security programming. The post will be situated in HQ with regular travel and regional or country office support as required. This position will work closely with the other units including the Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation Division, the Peace and Recovery Division, the Global Data Institute, as well as with Emergency and Post-Crisis and Migration, Environment and Climate Change regional thematic specialists and their teams.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Cultivate and manage high-level relationships with key UN agencies, expert organizations, and stakeholders (e.g., United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)). Act as IOM’s primary technical focal point on climate resilience and human security in the context of climate change and disasters, ensuring alignment with global initiatives.
2. Represent IOM on the Santiago Network’s Technical Advisory Group and other high-profile policy and technical expert forums. Advocate for the integration of human mobility considerations into global climate change policies and frameworks;
3. Serve as the IOM institutional focal point for the engagement on early warnings initiatives and operationalization in coordination with relevant governments, technical actors and UN agencies. Develop and implement strategies to strengthen early warning systems for climate-related hazards, ensuring vulnerable populations are protected.
4. Assume the role of IOM’s institutional focal point for climate and human security in the context of climate change and disasters at the global level. Advocate for the integration of climate and human security considerations into IOM’s programming and strategies. Engage with relevant internal/external stakeholders to address the security implications of climate change and displacement.
5. Design, implement, and oversee comprehensive climate resilience and human security programming initiatives, in the context of climate change and disasters, across HQ, regional, and country levels. Provide strategic guidance and technical support for emergency responses and initiatives in fragile contexts, both remotely and through targeted field deployments, but also to the operationalization of the IOM Climate Mobility Roadmap, the Climate Mobility Innovation Labs;
6. Lead on coordination and IOM technical leadership within inter-agency and bilateral resilience forums and initiatives including but not limited to the Capacity for Disaster Reduction Initiative (CADRI) partnership; Anticipatory Action related initiatives; Words into Action; the Center of Excellence for Disaster and Climate Resilience; et al. Facilitate collaboration and ensure a holistic IOM’s coordinated leadership within these spaces.
7. Lead on building collaboration across IOM divisions (Preparedness and Climate ChangeA daptation, Humanitarian Operations, Peace and Recovery) to integrate climate resilience into IOM’s sectoral interventions on emergency, resilience and peace.
8. Develop and deliver targeted climate resilience and human security trainings, webinars, and information sessions for HQ, regional, and country-level staff. Foster a culture of climate awareness and action throughout the organization;
9. Lead the preparation of critical climate resilience and human security thematic reports, expert papers, and IOM’s contributions to UN-wide policy development, global crisis response planning, and annual appeals. Ensure IOM’s voice is heard on climate resilience and human security;
10. Identify and build relationships with core climate resilience and human security-focused donors and private sector entities in coordination with the Resource Mobilization Division and relevant IOM focal points.
11. Undertake duty travel as required.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, Engineering, Emergency Management, Social Sciences, Environment, International Relations 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

• Leadership experience in emergency situations with a focus on climate resilience and disaster risk reduction at the international level;
• Demonstrated experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, climate change adaptation, early warning systems, policy development, and planned relocation;
• Proven track record in fundraising for complex programs, coordinating inter-sectoral initiatives, and delivering capacity-building programs; and,
• Knowledge of humanitarian coordination mechanisms (HCTs, Clusters, etc.) and previous experience within the UN Common System is desirable.

Skills

• Proven track record in fundraising for complex programs, coordinating inter-sectoral initiatives, and delivering capacity-building programs;
• Ability to conceptualize and strategically analyze complex issues related to climate resilience, human mobility, and disaster risk reduction;
• Excellent technical writing skills, including the ability to draft policy papers, thematic reports, and funding proposals;
• Proven ability to create networks and build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector;
• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively in English; tailors communication style to different audiences; and,
• Proven high-level representation skills – ability to speak at conferences and provide insightful analysis.

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.