Director, Special Liaison Office to the Africa Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Full Time NEW

Strategy and Vision

1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Engage directly with UN Development Coordination Office (UNDCO) 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

9. Share regular information/updates with the EO, relevant HQ departments, ROs and Country Offices (COs), on evolving issues/trends within the continent.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. Lead and institutionalize strategic information, knowledge and experience- sharing frameworks by fostering collaboration between AU, UNECA, relevant organizations and IOM specialised entities.
Cooperation and Partnership

13. 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.

14. In coordination with the ROs, strengthen regional cooperation on migration governance with continental organizations and institutions, inter-governmental partners, and non-state actors.

15. Create strategic partnerships with relevant continental bodies (including the private sector) with a view to identifying opportunities for IOM as well as develop and foster catalytic partnerships that reinforce attainment of migration objectives and priorities in Africa.

16. Lead and create synergies with relevant Regional Consultative Processes (RCPs) and Inter-State Consultation Mechanisms on Migration (ISCMs)in Africa such as the Pan African Forum on Migration (PAFoM), the AU-Horn of Africa Initiative on Countering Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (AU-HoAI) by providing technical expertise, policy guidance, and capacity building, in coordination with Africa Capacity Building Center in Moshi as may be requested by respective ROs.

Policy and Strategy Development Support

17. Represent IOM in initiatives led by AU, UNECA and other relevant partners related to the development and implementation of rights – based and gender- responsive continental strategies and policy frameworks on migration across thematic sectors, in coordination with HQ and ROs.

18. Lead the development, implementation, and regular review of the Continental Strategy for Africa and corresponding Plan of Action, in line with the IOM Strategic Plan and the Strategic Results Framework (SRF), ensuring timely information sharing and consultation processes with relevant stakeholders within and outside of IOM.

19. Ensure IOM’s representation in key policy and coordination processes at the AU, UNECA and other continental institutions.

20. Ensure coherence and application of approved policy and strategic guidelines and directives at the continental level, in accordance with the IOM Constitution and Council Resolutions, IOM Strategic Plan, other relevant UN resolutions and regional priorities and strategies.

Programme Development and Implementation

21. 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.

Representation and strategic partnerships

22. In coordination with the Regional Director of IOM RO for West and Central Africa in Dakar, maintain relationships with continental bodies such as the African Development Bank in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire and AU institutions such as the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) Secretariat in Accra, Ghana.

23. Establish strategic working relationships and develop joint advocacy towards the AUC and , UNECA in coordination with the Chief of Staff and in coordination with the Regional Directors of IOM ROs , for events of global importance and/or regional emergencies which require coordinated outreach with other UN entities, where necessary.

24. Lead and maintain bilateral relationships between AU and IOM leadership team as stipulated in the MoU.

25. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

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.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

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;
• 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 communication skills, both oral and written;
• Intrinsic knowledge and understanding of the AUC, UNECA and AU Regional Economic Communities;
• 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 resource 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 is an added advantage.

A working knowledge of any other official language of the African Union (Arabic, Kiswahili, Portuguese, and Spanish) is 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 – 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  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.

Notes

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.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

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.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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