Job Identification (Reference Number): 18435
Position Title: Chief of Mission
Duty Station City: Kuwait City
Duty Station Country: Kuwait
Grade: P-4
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Call for Expression of Interest
Initial duration: 1 Year with Possibility of Extension
Closing date: 26 January 2026

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 call, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

Internal candidatesExternal female candidates: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 non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context

IOM is the leading organization in the field of migration and has a staffing complement of 20,000+ staff in more than 580 locations worldwide.

Under the overall guidance of the Director General and direct supervision of the Regional Director (RD) as well as in close cooperation with relevant Units at Headquarters (HQ), the Chief of Mission (CoM) will be responsible and accountable for the activities of IOM, overseeing and providing policy, administrative, programme, and financial support to the Country Office (CO). In programme countries, the Chief of Mission also reports to the Resident Coordinator (RC) with respect to the IOM contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) objectives and the collective results of the UN development system towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda at the country level, in accordance with the Management and Accountability Framework.

Strategic country programme development and planning

Take the lead to develop, clarify and contribute to IOM's overall mandate and strategy and spearhead strategic planning, results orientation and operational excellence, project development and implementation following appropriate consultation with the Regional Office (RO) within the overall regional framework, Headquarters, Member States and other relevant stakeholders.

Stimulate, catalyse and support project development through a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy which includes multilateral and bilateral donors, national and local government and public/private partnerships. In programme countries, work closely with the Resident Coordinator (RC) to contribute to joint resource mobilization efforts.

Ensure appropriateness and effectiveness of programmes in line with IOM’s Strategic Vision and Strategic results framework, as well as the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and the UNSDCF. Ensure accuracy of results reporting, and recommend process improvements including the systematization and transfer of capacities and experiences in support of IOM’s global knowledge management. This includes incorporating lessons learned into the next planning cycle.

Advise RO and HQ, as well as the Office of the RC on national policy and migration trends in the country and in the region as well as governments' migration policies affecting the activities of IOM and prepare proposals for appropriate action.

Advocate and support the authorities and key stakeholders on development of appropriate policies and strategies on migration management including mainstreaming into the national plan and budget, as well as into the joint UNSDCF. Support their proactive engagement in the global/regional processes such as, for example, the Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD), the implementation and follow-up of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) for Orderly, Safe and Regular Migration and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, as well as the Secretary General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement.

Advocate for and promote risk management plans aligned with IOM’s framework and policy. Ensure that risks to the Country Office’s objectives are regularly assessed, with priority risks identified and risk treatment plans are in place and embedded in the Country Office’s activity plans.

Country programme oversight and accountability

Take full responsibility for the successful execution of on-going operational programmes and the development of new ones including a strategy for identifying new opportunities.

Supervise the implementation and assure high quality performance of a large variety of migration related projects, also as part of increasing their impact within the UNSDCF.

UN inter-agency engagement

Participate actively within the UNCT under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator (RC), with a view to ensuring full consideration of all relevant migration-related issues in the CCA and UNSDCF processes and the coordination of the UN Migration Network.

Play an integral role in policy discussions with internal and external stakeholders, participating in UN Country Team (UNCT) meetings, and ensure approved policies are appropriately integrated in and represented by IOM’s activities.

Actively pursue opportunities for joint programming, where relevant to IOM’s role within the UNSDCF and IOM’s country and regional strategy and the IOM Strategic Vision.

Report to the RC on issues linked to the implementation of programmes stemming from the UNSDCF and led by IOM, the individual IOM activities as relevant to CF results, and the collective UNCT results based on the UNSDCF (or the UN Development Assistance Framework, where relevant).

Where a Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) exists, participate in the HCT once established, contributing actively and providing support to inter-agency planning process and the overall humanitarian strategy. Ensure that IOM’s obligations within the humanitarian cluster system are carried out including on reporting and capacity and reported upon regularly if the cluster system is activated.

Proactively engage with the UN/HCT on issues related to the prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment (PSEA/SH), as well as xenophobia and discrimination, in order to strengthen the interagency collective response.

Resources Management

Direct the operational, human resources, administrative, budgetary and financial activities of the Country Office and oversee those of the Project offices in accordance with the Organization's rules and procedures.

Report regularly to the Director General, Regional Director and other interested partners on progress achieved and developments. Prepare regular and special reports including narrative, impact, policy, financial, evaluation and statistics covering IOM activities, including as part of the interagency platform UNINFO. Prepare briefings and background information requested by the Regional Office, HQ, the Government and other entities.

Knowledge management

Facilitate knowledge generation and management through the identification of best practices and lessons learned to ensure more comprehensive and efficient delivery.

Coordinate the Country Office's intra-programmatic knowledge products development and knowledge service delivery, and contribute to UN interagency knowledge management platforms as relevant.

Facilitate learning through organization of competency advancement training initiatives.

Representation and strategic partnerships

Develop partnerships within and beyond the UNCT, and promote liaison with governmental authorities and diplomatic missions, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, the private sector, and public media in the country, particularly with a view to identify migration-related areas for developing common activities/ projects in a complementary manner.

Identify needs and priorities for cooperation and project development as well as for fundraising purposes.

Support the Regional Office and when relevant HQ in the preparation and implementation of high-level meetings, with a view to ensuing high level participation of the Government.

Represent the Organization at national and international conferences, events and meetings.

Develop public relations and media activities to promote IOM's image and programmes.

Other

Ensure that safety and security management of IOM personnel, facilities and assets are addressed, in coordination with the Regional Field Security Officer and that safety/security oversight in COs is provided. Ensure establishment and regular maintenance of Business Continuity Plans (BCP) and risk mitigation and management mechanisms are in place.

Lead the PSEA/SH Strategy for IOM at the country level, ensuring that PSEA/SH is mainstreamed in all operations and programming and is a part of the organizational culture, including but not limited to PSEA/SH awareness raising and training for staff and partners, safe and accessible complaints and referral mechanisms exist within programming and within the office environment, and policies on the reporting of sexual and other types of misconduct are followed.

Perform such other duties that 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 seven years of relevant professional experience; or,University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

Experience in general management as well as project and resources management;Experience in diplomacy, fundraising and public relations, as well as in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions;Experience in managing a range of migration programming, both in the context of emergency and development programming.

Skills

Excellent communications skills, both oral and written; Ability to prepare and deliver speeches on various activities of the Organization;Strong liaison and negotiation skills;In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;Knowledge of 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;Ability to deliver during crisis response;Good level of computer literacy.

Languages

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

For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written). For this vacancy notice, working knowledge of Arabic is required.

Working knowledge of another UN official language (Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish), or a language that may be widely spoken in the country context, 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

The eligibility criteria for expressing interest in roles covered by the Pathways Pool have been widened, as outlined in the Pathways Pool guidelines (see section 4):

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.

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. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

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.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Chief of Mission (P) - Call for Expression of Interest, Kuwait