Deputy Director, EU Policy, Partnerships and Programmes (D), Brussels

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn 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 IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the direct supervision of the Director, Global Office, the Deputy Director, EU Policy, Partnerships and Programmes provides executive leadership for IOM’s strategic relationship with the European Union and EU Member States, and directs the EU Policy and Programme Support Division (EUPPSD). The role shapes and advances IOM’s institutional positioning with EU Institutions, Bodies and Agencies; Permanent Representations and relevant Member State authorities; translates organizational priorities into coherent policy, advocacy, partnership and programme strategies; and provides authoritative advice to the Director, Global Office and senior leadership on EU political, policy, programmatic and funding matters. They direct forward-looking political and stakeholder analysis and advises senior leadership on emerging policy, reputational, partnership and funding implications. The Deputy Director leads the Global Programme Support Unit and Global Thematic Units, ensures alignment with relevant organizational frameworks, policies, strategies and workplans, and directs coordinated support to Headquarters, Regional Offices and Country Offices worldwide on EU engagement and on the development, negotiation, implementation, oversight and compliance of EU-funded programmes.

The Deputy Director is accountable for the strategic direction, integration and performance of IOM’s EU policy, programme support, resource mobilization and donor-compliance functions on thematic and programmatic issues. The incumbent sets priorities across these functions; ensures that IOM presents coherent institutional positions to EU counterparts; and directs support to Country and Regional Offices on advocacy, programme design, negotiations, implementation, narrative reporting and evaluations. The incumbent also advances strategic engagement with Team Europe, Global Gateway, international financial institutions, multilateral development banks and other financing partners, including on blended, innovative and development-finance approaches relevant to migration and displacement. The incumbent establishes systems for organizational learning, anticipates material policy, funding, partnership and compliance risks, and advises senior leadership on measures required to protect, diversify and expand IOM’s global EU-funded portfolio.

Responsibilities

Strategic Engagement

1. Policy and Advocacy: Set the strategic direction for GO Brussels’ technical and thematic advocacy with the European Union within the areas covered by the PPSD and ensure coherent, evidence-based positions within PPSD’ mandate. Exercise judgment on politically sensitive and high-impact issues, reconcile perspectives across Headquarters, Regional and Country Offices, and provide authoritative recommendations to the Director and senior leadership.
2. Political and Stakeholder Analysis: Direct political, policy and stakeholder analysis of EU and Member State developments and provide forward-looking assessments to senior leadership on emerging institutional, operational, reputational and funding implications.
3. Liaison and Engagement: As delegated by the Director, represent IOM at senior and executive levels and serve as lead focal point for EU Institutions, Bodies and Agencies on matters within the portfolio. Lead strategic engagement with EU Member States and their Permanent Representations in Brussels on priority migration, displacement, development and financing issues. Build and sustain partnerships with EU institutions and other global stakeholders, including financial institutions, academic institutions, think tanks and United Nations mechanisms; lead high-level consultations and negotiations; and secure outcomes that advance IOM’s mandate and operational interests.
4. Senior Representation: Serve as one of IOM’s senior representatives on EU affairs and maintain relationships with senior officials of EU institutions, Member States, international financial institutions, multilateral development banks and other strategic partners.
5. Strategic Planning: Guide the formulation, implementation and review of GO Brussels’ EU policy and programme strategies, aligned with IOM’s Strategic Plan and relevant global and regional frameworks. Establish measurable objectives, governance arrangements and accountability for delivery; identify emerging political and funding scenarios; and lead coordinated organizational responses.
6. Monitoring: Analyse and advise the Director and senior leadership on regional developments, policy changes, challenges and positions of EU Institutions, Bodies and Agencies, and ensure relevant information is relayed to Regional and Country Offices and Headquarters.
7. Deputize for and represent the Director, Global Office, as required, exercising delegated authority for strategic, representational and management decisions and ensuring continuity of leadership and accountability across the Office.

Technical Support to Regional and Country Offices

8. Coordination: Lead coordination within EUPPSD and ensure timely information exchange with Headquarters, Regional and Country Offices on emerging opportunities, risks and challenges related to EU policy, visibility and funding.
9. Capacity Building: In coordination with the Chief, EU Financial Liaison and Compliance Division, direct capacity-building initiatives on EU engagement, advocacy, priorities, fundraising, programme development, implementation, reporting and compliance.
10. Programmatic Guidance: Lead the provision of strategic, technical and thematic guidance to Regional and Country Offices on EU policies, priorities and strategies to strengthen programming, outreach and engagement.
11. Programmatic Review: Alongside the EU Financial Liaison and Compliance Division and the Media and Communications Unit, coordinate review arrangements between the Global Programme Support Unit and Global Thematic Units for EU-funded projects under centralised and decentralised, direct and indirect funding modalities.
12. Resource Mobilization and Funding: Define and lead IOM’s strategic approach to EU resource mobilization within the mandate of GO Brussels, in consultation with the Director and informed by systematic analysis of priorities, funding instruments and portfolio performance. Determine strategic positioning for major opportunities within agreed organizational priorities; direct support to Regional and Country Offices in complex or high-value negotiations; and provide authoritative recommendations to senior leadership on investment choices, partnership models and portfolio diversification. Drive strategic positioning under Team Europe and Global Gateway and strengthen engagement with international financial institutions and multilateral development banks to mobilize complementary and innovative financing.
13. Portfolio Risk and Performance: Advise Country and Regional Offices on follow-up to EU-funded programmes, determine when material issues require coordinated course correction, and direct or recommend appropriate remedial action within the assigned authority. Maintain senior oversight of material political, reputational, partnership and portfolio risks whose consequences may affect IOM’s institutional relationship with the European Union, its funding position or delivery across multiple regions, and recommend mitigation or escalation to the Director and other senior leaders.

Knowledge Management and Learning

14. Knowledge Management: Direct knowledge-sharing platforms and the dissemination of innovative practice relating to EU funding, advocacy and engagement. Ensure regular internal positioning papers and analysis on EU policy, decisions, funding priorities, opportunities and interests.
15. Learning: Promote organizational learning from evaluations, audits and implementation of EU-funded programmes and ensure lessons inform policy, programme design, negotiation and portfolio decisions.

EUPPSD and Office Management

16. Lead and manage EUPPSD, set its strategic and delivery priorities and remain accountable for the delivery of the Division’s responsibilities under the approved Terms of Reference.
17. Supervise and provide strategic direction, performance oversight and technical support to EUPPSD staff.
18. Support the Director in the overall management of GO Brussels and contribute to coherent office-wide priorities, accountability and delivery.
19. While serving as Officer in Charge, exercise delegated authority on behalf of the Director, including supervision of operations, administration and programmes and liaison and negotiations with EU institutions and other strategic counterparts.
20. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Business Administration, Economics, Migration Studies, International Relations, Law 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 in senior liaison with governmental and diplomatic officials, EU Institutions, Bodies, Agencies or Delegations, national and international organizations, civil society and private-sector actors;
• Demonstrated experience providing political, policy and strategic advice to senior leadership on sensitive or high-impact matters;
• Senior-level experience engaging EU Member States, Permanent Representations and donor governments on policy, partnership or funding priorities;
• Experience leading resource mobilization and complex negotiations involving EU funding instruments, major donors or strategic financing partners;
• Experience with Team Europe, Global Gateway, international financial institutions, multilateral development banks or innovative financing is an advantage;
• Experience in non-OECD countries is a distinct advantage;
• Experience working across varied operational contexts and leading diverse teams, programmes and projects;
• Experience in capacity development, complex programme development and implementation, including budget management; and,
• Experience in an international organization, the United Nations, or an EU Institution, Body or Agency.

Skills

• Ability to analyse complex, fast-changing migration and displacement dynamics and frame them in their regional, global and political contexts;
• Demonstrated political judgement and ability to translate analysis into practical institutional positioning, engagement strategies and senior-level advice;
• Proven track record of engagement with EU donors and of connecting EU policies and frameworks with IOM operations;
• Sound knowledge of the EU, its institutions, decision-making processes, external action and principal funding instruments;
• Ability to build and sustain relationships across EU institutions, Member States, donors, financial institutions and other strategic partners;
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage diverse specialist teams;
• Strong analytical, drafting, presentation and executive-communication skills; and,
• Demonstrated ability to lead change and foster a culture of accountability, learning and knowledge management.

Languages

For this position, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of Spanish and another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese and Russian) 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 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.

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 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 is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

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 (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

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 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.