Job Identification (Reference Number): 15853
Position Title: Head, Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)
Duty Station City: Geneva
Duty Station Country: Switzerland
Grade: P-5
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 5 August 2025

Introduction:

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 ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

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. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second-tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from nonrepresented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

Under the direct supervision of the Director, Border Management, Returns and Readmission (BMRR) Division and the overall supervision of the Director, Department, Mobility Pathways and Inclusion, the Head, Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) is responsible the immigration and border management portfolio of the organization, in support of the following objectives of the IOM Strategic Plan:

• Objective 1: Saving lives and protecting people on the move;

• Objective 2: Driving solutions to displacement; and,

• Objective 3: Facilitating pathways for regular migration.

In partnership with governments, UN agencies, Regional Organizations and multilateral entities as well as civil society and private sector actors, the Unit has oversight border management processes in support of security and facilitation, admission and readmission services, legal, counter migrant smuggling, search and rescue, passenger data processes (Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR)) and alternatives to immigration detention.

Responsibilities

1. Provide strategic direction, substantive inputs, and advice to the BMRR Director, in line with IOM’s Strategic Plan, mission, and values.

2. Develop institutional positioning and capacities, innovative policies, and strategic advice and guidance on immigration and border governance area of works, while ensuring alignment with global standards, and contribute to enhancing the capacities of HQ and field staff with guidance on efficient and cost-effective IBG operational solutions.

3. Lead and enhance IOM's strategic engagement and dialogue with governments to foster stronger partnerships and influence policy development on IBG.

4. Ensure regular liaison with, and participate in, meetings with governments, international organizations, and private sector partners to promote cooperation, and raise funds for new IBG programming.

5. Oversee the management of global programmes providing services to member states (MIDAS, API/PNR) as well as IOM migrant services (Canadian Visa Application Centre (CVAC), Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC), Family Assistance Programme (FAP)) as requested by governments and private partners.

6. Monitor the quality and impact of IOM’s IBG work and deliverables while promoting evidence base and research for policy development to ensure learning and innovation in this field, including provision of expert advice on emerging issues.

7. Advise and provide substantial and technical inputs and guidance to governmental counterparts and internal stakeholders notably BMRR Regional Thematic Specialists (RTS) so as to ensure tailored IBG programmatic offer and positioning.

8. Represent the Organization at national and international conferences, events and meetings, and ensure the organization remains in the lead as a convening entity on IBG.

9. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration, 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.

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

Experience:

• Extensive experience in working in various regions and contexts leading and managing complex missions; and,

• Experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions.

Skills:

• Excellent and demonstrated knowledge and practice of technical programming such as robust border management technology and systems; preventing and responding to transnational crimes; strengthening identity management; and bolstering return and readmission cooperation;

• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate others;

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders;

• Articulate and possess strong advocacy and public speaking skills; and,

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to think strategically and creatively.

Languages:

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

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.

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 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.

Notes:

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.

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-Recruitmentsystem (for internal candidates link here). 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

How to apply

To apply, interested applicants are invited to submit their applications HERE via the IOM Career Gateways by 05 August 2025.