Job Identification (Referenceย Number):ย 15269
Position Title:ย Head of Sub-Office (P)
Duty Station City: Aleppo
Duty Station Country: Syria
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Special Short Termย (up to 9 months)
Recruiting Type:ย Professional
Vacancy Type:ย Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration:ย 6 Months
Closing date: 18 September 2025
Introduction:ย ย ย
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:
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, Lao People's Democratic Republic, 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.
Context
Following the rapid political shift in Damascus on 8 December 2024, Syria is undergoing a critical period of transformation. The transition has been marked by escalating tensions with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), renewed regional disputes, and growing concerns over a potential resurgence of other groups. These developments have further intensified displacement across the country and complicated the dynamics of return, placing increased pressure on already vulnerable communities.
In response to the evolving situation, IOM has re-established its presence in Damascus and is rapidly scaling up emergency and transition operations across the country. To meet the urgent humanitarian needs, this response aims to assist 1.1 million people with life-saving support, including shelter, winterization, health care, protection services, camp coordination and management, and early recovery assistance.
Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director and direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM), and in close coordination with the Programme Managers, Programme Support Unit and Resources Management Unit, the Head of Sub Office will be responsible and accountable for overall management and administration of the IOM Sub Office, as well as for coordinating the implementation of the broad IOM programming in line with IOM policies, standards and commitments.
Manage the Operational, Human Resources, Administrative, Financial and Supply Chain functions of the Sub-Office and in accordance with the IOMโs rules and regulations, and streamline the implementation of institutional procedures across the Sub-Office and Field Offices.Lead the management, recruitment, training and capacity building of Sub-Officeโs staff and third-party contractors, if applicable, based on programme assessment, available budget and performance indicators.Participate in meetings with Government Authorities, International Organizations, non-governmental organizations, voluntary agencies, as well as public media and Private Sector.In coordination with the CoM, maintain, promote and strengthen working relationships with national, regional and local governmental authorities, international organizations and NGOs, and other stakeholders in the field of migration management.Contribute to the design and development of new projects in close coordination with the Emergency Coordinator and other Programme Management counterparts.Ensure adherence to the safety and security procedures for IOM staff, premises and assets in the Sub-Office, in coordination with the local Office of the United National Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and other relevant stakeholders, through regular participation in Area Security Management meetings.Monitor and support the implementation and reporting of all programme activities in the area in line with IOM standards and in accordance with the donor/grant agreements.ย Provide regular updates to the COM on the progress on programme implementation, achievements, challenges, cluster/sector discussions, donor liaison issues, as well as on possible opportunities for geographical, operational and thematic expansion of IOM portfolio and other opportunities that might benefit the Country Office, IOM in the Region or globally.ย Assess and identify key gaps and operational challenges, provide technical support/ guidance for programme implementation in coordination with the Senior Programme Coordinator /Emergency Coordinator/ Senior Management Team to ensure the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of staff performance.Ensure the visibility of IOM and the donors as established in donor agreement and as relevant to the context.ย Perform such other duties as may be assigned.Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.ย
Experience
Experience in managing humanitarian, complex and post conflict emergencies at an international level; ย Experience in liaison with the government authorities, donors, national/international institutions and multi-stakeholdersย Experience in project development and reporting;Experience in programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation; and,ย Experience working in the Region.Skills
Languages
IOM's official languages are English, French and Spanish.ย
For all applicants, fluency in English and Arabic is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another UN official language (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 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 โ behavioural indicators Level 2
Teamwork: Develops and promotes effectiveย 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 theย 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 โ ย 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.ย
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.