Director, Special Liaison Office to the Africa Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) (D) - Call for Expression of Interest (Internal applicants only)

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Staff, the Director of the Special Liaison Office to the AU and ECA is accountable and responsible for the management of the representation of IOM towards all AU institutions, and ECA and directly manages the liaison, fundraising and positioning of IOM with the African Union and its member states. Additionally, the Director represents IOM at the UN Liaison Team and the Humanitarian Coordination Forum, in Addis Ababa as well as other AU-UN initiatives such as the College to College (C2C) platform, an institution established to facilitate dialogue between the two entities (AUC and UN).

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with fifteen years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Extensive experience with the Africa Union Commission (AUC), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), AU Regional Economic Communities and Diplomatic Missions accredited to them and administrative budget;
• Intrinsic knowledge and understanding of the AUC, UNECA and AU Regional Economic Communities and its institutions;
• Extensive experience in diplomacy, fundraising and public relations, as well as in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions;
• Extensive experience leading strategic implementation processes in diverse regions; and, Demonstrated experience developing and managing high-performing diverse teams.

Skills

• Excellent communications skills, both oral and written;
• Ability to prepare and deliver speeches on various activities of the Organization.
• Excellent liaison and negotiation skills;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Knowledge of the AUC, UNECA and UN and bilateral donor programming;
• Knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation procedures and Frameworks;
• Effective resources management skills, sound knowledge of financial and business administration and of the principles and practices of management; and, Good level of computer literacy.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Fluency and working knowledge of French an added advantage.

A working knowledge of any other official language of the African Union (Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Kiswahili) desirable.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity
• Integrity and transparency
• Professionalism
• Courage
• Empathy

Core Competencies

• Teamwork
• Delivering results
• Managing and sharing knowledge
• Accountability
• Communication

Managerial Competencies

• Leadership
• Empowering others
• Building Trust
• Strategic thinking and vision
• Humility

Notes

• Current staff members who are members of the Pathways Pool will now also be able to express interest in relevant roles at lower-level grade(s);
• Current staff members who are not members of the Pathways Pool may also express interest in roles covered by the Pathways Pool if the positions they encumber are due to be abolished as part of structural adjustments and if they meet certain requirements (as per Pathways Pool guidelines section 4). However, they will have to undergo a Fast-Track Pathways Assessment if they are being considered for the role.

For any questions, please contact pathwayspool@iom.int.

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.

IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Strategy and Vision

• Lead and oversee the implementation of the IOM Strategic Plan through the strengthening and holistic management of the relationship with the African Union, its institutions and other relevant institutions on the continent.

Advocacy and Coordination

• Lead IOM’s strategic engagement with the AU, its Organs and Specialised Institutions, UNECA and other continental institutions to facilitate the mainstreaming of migration in relevant policy, political and programming priorities at continental level.
• Lead in the improved understanding of IOM's mandate, advocate for inclusion of migration in key strategic documents and policy decisions ensuring alignment with and contribution to the GCM objectives, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the AU Agenda 2063 among other related regional frameworks.
• As co-convenor of the Continental GCM Review for Africa, together with partners and the Continental Network, lead the contribution to regional/sub-regional GCM reviews and Member States briefing ahead of continental and international forums in coordination with ROs and IOM HQ.
• Analyse migration issues, AU and UNECA processes and decisions, and emerging trends on the continent and prepare internal analytical briefing papers/updates to HQ and ROs.
• Inform the Executive Office (EO), relevant HQ departments and ROs, as appropriate, and in advance, of upcoming continental events or programmes, coordinate IOM's participation and contribution to the processes and ensure due follow up for implementation of decisions.
• Enhance IOM's visibility at the continental level by promoting IOM’s initiatives in engagements with key counterparts including Member States, International Organizations, Civil Society, the Private Sector, and other partners.
• Engage directly with UN Development Coordination Office (UN DCO) Africa based in Addis Ababa, UN Liaison Team, and coordinate IOM's presence and voice at the UN Regional Collaborative Platform (RCP) meetings, retreats and annual UN meetings, disseminating information to HQ and ROs, as relevant.

Communication and Information Sharing

• Share regular information/updates with the EO, relevant HQ departments, ROs, and COs, on evolving issues/trends within the continent.
• Establish open communication channels with IOM COs, through the respective ROs, on key continental initiatives by providing information that is of relevance to their country contexts whenever possible.
• Communicate, recommend and monitor actions to HQ, ROs and COs in response to or in anticipation of opportunities, risks, and potential challenges to be mitigated for IOM at continental level.
• Lead and institutionalize strategic information, knowledge and experience-sharing frameworks by fostering collaboration between AU, UNECA, relevant organizations and IOM specialised entities.

Cooperation and Partnerships

• Lead on the liaison with the AU, its organs and specialized institutions, UNECA, African Development Bank (AfDB), relevant AU continental institutions, Secretariat, Africa Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) among others through sharing and consolidating information internally with relevant stakeholders.
• In coordination with the ROs, strengthen regional cooperation on migration governance with continental organizations and institutions, inter-governmental partners, and non-state actors.
• Create strategic partnerships with relevant continental bodies (including the private sector) with a view to enhancing IOM’s visibility and impact at the continental level.