Job Identification (Reference Number): 15936
Position Title: Head of Migration and Development Unit
Duty Station City: Tunis
Duty Station Country: Tunisia
Grade: P-3
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: August 10 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:ย
Internal 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.
Context
IOM Tunisiaโs Migration and Development (M&D) Unit works to maximize the positive impact of migration as a driver of sustainable development for migrants, host communities, the Government of Tunisia, and society as a whole. In line with IOM Tunisiaโs Country Strategy and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Unit contributes to national and global priorities by implementing a diverse portfolio of projects focused on: (1) regular migration pathways; (2) youth empowerment; (3) diaspora engagement; (4) social cohesion; and (5) the nexus between migration, environment, and climate change.
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Programmes and the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, the Head of Migration and Development Unit will manage the effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of the M&D portfolio. The role will focus on fostering sustainable development through migration, addressing the root causes of irregular migration, and expanding safe and regular migration opportunitiesโthereby contributing to the objectives of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) and multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Head of Migration and Development Unit requires strong managerial capabilities to guide a multidisciplinary team and ensure all activities align with IOMโs standards, donor expectations, and national development frameworks. The Head of Migration and Development Unit will also serve as the Regional Project Manager for Towards a Holistic Approach to Labour Migration Governance and Labour Mobility in North Africa (THAMM) Plus labour migration programme, with responsibility for coordinating implementation across IOM missions in Tunisia, Morocco, and Italy, in close collaboration with the Regional Offices in Cairo and Vienna, the Global Office in Brussels, and IOM Headquarters.
Key responsibilities include:
Unit Management Manage and oversee the work of the Migration and Development Unit, ensuring that all projects and programmes are implemented according to IOM and donor policies.ย Develop and implement strategic plans and operational procedures for the unit, ensuring alignment with IOM Tunisia Country Strategy and Regional Strategy for MENA and the regional strategy on regular pathways for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.Work to ensure that the M&D Unit contributes directly to the three strategic objectives of IOM Tunisiaโs Country Strategy, with a particular focus on Objective 2: Driving Solutions to Human Mobilityโthrough initiatives on diaspora engagement, labour mobility, youth empowerment, Migration, Environment and Climate Change (MECC), and social cohesion โ and Objective 3: Facilitating Regular Pathways for Migration, especially via programming on labour and educational mobility.Project Management and Oversight Develop and ensure the implementation and monitoring of migration and development projects, ensuring compliance with IOM, donor, and governmental standards.Regionally manage the THAMM Plus labour migration project, ensuring effective implementation and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.Monitor project budgets, resources, and financial reporting for transparency and accountability and recommend the resolution of issues.Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective project implementation and alignment with national development strategies.Resource Mobilization and Partnerships Support efforts to mobilize resources, develop funding proposals, and negotiate agreements with donors and partners to expand the unitโs portfolio, in close coordination with the Programme Support Unit (PSU).Foster strong relationships with government counterparts, donors, and other development stakeholders to help advance migration and development objectives.Foster partnerships with the private sector in Tunisia.Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Ensure the implementation of M&E frameworks to assess project outcomes and identify areas for improvement, in collaboration with the Programme Support Unit (PSU), which has overall responsibility for monitoring and evaluation across the Country Office.Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to inform policy recommendations and strategic decisions.Contribute to knowledge-sharing initiatives by producing reports, research papers, and best practices in migration and development.Human Resources and Capacity Development Supervise, mentor, and train unit staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.Participate in recruitment processes and performance evaluations to help ensure a high-performing team.Encourage professional development opportunities for team members to enhance skills and competencies.Communications and Events Management Develop and execute communication strategies to raise awareness of the unitโs projects and achievements.Organize and facilitate high-level events, conferences, and workshops to contribute to visibility for IOMโs work in migration and development.Perform such other duties as may be assigned. ยEducation
Masterโs degree in International Development, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Migration Studies, or a related field from an accredited institution with five years of relevant professional experience; orUniversity degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experienceAccredited Universities are those listed in theย UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in migration and development, including project management, strategic planning, and stakeholder coordination;Experience in managing large-scale complex migration programmes;Demonstrated thematic experience in labour mobility; youth empowerment; diaspora engagement; social cohesion; and/or migration, environment, and climate change;Experience with resource mobilization efforts, including proposal development and donor engagement;Experience managing teams and supervising staff;ย Experience organizing high-level events and working in politically sensitive environments; and,Strong background in monitoring, evaluation, research, and quantitative data analysis.Skills
Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities;Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to manage diverse teams;Excellent organizational, communication, and negotiation skills;Proficiency in project management tools, data analysis software, and M&E frameworks;Strong organizational and planning skills;Effective written and oral communication skills;Candidate should be highly motivated with dynamic personality and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines; and,Attention to details and problem-solving skills.Languages
IOMโs official languages are English, French and Spanish.ย All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the the three languages.
For this position, fluency inย English and French is required (oral and written). Working knowledge in Arabic, and working knowledge of another official UN Language (Chinese, 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
IOMโs competency framework can be found at thisย linkย Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Valuesย - 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 Competenciesย โ behavioural indicators Level 2
ย Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.ย Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.ย Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.ย Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organizationโs priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.ย Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.Managerial Competencies โ behavioural indicators Level 2
Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organizationโs 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 Organizationโs 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 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 systemย (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.