Chief, Gender, and Diversity Unit

Position Title: Chief, Gender, and Diversity Unit

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P5

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

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 31 October 2023

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; Saint Lucia; 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:

The Gender and Diversity Unit is dedicated to integrating Gender Equality and Diversity Inclusion perspectives into IOM’s policies and programmes. The Unit provides thematic expert guidance and advice, champions gender equality and diversity awareness, and fortifies the IOM workforce by addressing and anticipating the unique needs of all migrants and other population in need, while valuing the diversity of age, gender, orientation, ethnicity, race, religion, disability status, and family composition.

The Chief, Gender and Diversity Unit collaborates with various Offices/Departments/Divisions/Units in Headquarters (HQ) and Global Staff Association Committee (GSAC) to promote gender equality and parity, disability inclusion, race equity, and broader diversity consideration throughout the Organization. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing policies, shaping strategies for an inclusive workplace, and ensuring that IOM’s institutional ethos resonates in our support for populations in need.

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Director General for Management and Reform, the candidate will lead the implementation of the Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion agenda within IOM by offering subject-matter expertise, representing IOM in pertinent forums, and advising the Organization to ensure these principles are seamlessly woven into all IOM initiatives and activities.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of IOM approaches in Gender Equality and Diversity Inclusion, pinpointing key priorities, challenges, and opportunities. Coordinate follow-up actions and implement corrective measures in coordination with relevant stakeholders.
2. In coordination with relevant departmental stakeholders in HQ, lead the development and implementation of strategies, policies, and work plans centered on gender equality and diversity inclusion.
3. Provide policy advice to Senior Management, Headquarters (HQ), Regional and CountryOffices to integrate gender equality and diversity inclusion issues into the IOM framework.
4. Provide oversight and support to the Gender and Diversity thematic specialist in the coordination of the IOM network of Gender Focal Points; the internal network of employees with disabilities and the internal network of LGBTQI+ personnel in IOM missions worldwide. Provide them with resources, tools, and references.
5. Contributes and provides substantive inputs to the design of programmes focusing on knowledge sharing and capacity building related to gender and diversity. This may include standalone thematic areas such as humanitarian service sectors, migration and development, and cross-cutting areas such as data and analysis, climate and environment, protection, and other relevant topics.
6. Lead the development and revision of key gender and diversity resources such as glossaries, guidance notes, toolkits, and checklists to aid IOM operational stakeholders, regional and country Offices in assisting migrants.
7. Advocate for innovative initiatives on Gender mainstreaming and parity, Diversity inclusion, and organization culture in line with IOM policies and institutional position on Gender Equality and Diversity.
8. Coordinate with relevant Offices/Departments/Divisions/Offices/Units on the implementation of the System-Wide Action Plan on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in IOM, UN Disability Inclusion Strategy, and other UN system-wide Action Plan (UN-SWAP) on diversity issues under development.
9. Represent IOM in interagency initiatives, events, and meetings linked to the Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion agenda. Engage in thematic committees, and working groups and champion IOM’s stance on gender and diversity.
10. Support the Director General and Deputy Directors General by strengthening the IOM’s relationship with UN agencies, Governments, and Civil Societies, emphasizing for the importance of Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion in the migration context.
11. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Law and/or International Relations or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience designing, implementing, and advocating for organizational change initiatives; • Field operational experience in program implementation and management is an advantage.

Skills

• Effectively interfaces with government officials of appropriate level on matters related to substantive migration and gender and diversity and the work of IOM;
• Proven interpersonal and influencing skills, including the ability to successfully drive agenda and work effectively with senior level stakeholders;
• Proven track record of building strategic alliances within own organization and with external stakeholders in public and private sectors;
• Proven track record of diverse management issues;
• Sound knowledge of IOM’s program implementation and familiarity with IOM’s administrative, financial, and business rules and practices;
• Knowledge of PRISM, PRIMA, and other IOM technical systems;
• Good computer literacy and communication skills.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of other UN Languages 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.p df

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 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.