Policy and Liaison Assistant - G5

Tags: international relations Law English Spanish UNESCO
  • Added Date: Thursday, 04 September 2025
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Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. 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, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates.
  Context Under the direct supervision of the National Programme Officer, and overall supervision of the Officer-in-Charge for IOM The Gambia,  the incumbent will support activities relating to migration policy and governance,  in coordination with various Units of the mission,  Regional Office for West and Central Africa and its Regional Thematic Units, and external counterparts such as Government of  The Gambia, UN Country Team, civil society,  academia and media. The role will overall contribute towards IOM’s interventions related to technical advice, strategic guidance and capacity building support on implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in The Gambia.

  1. Support with delivery of capacity building training, coordination meetings and technical support related to migration policy development and implementation of the GCM following whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches.
  2. Support engagement with external partners including UN agencies, government counterparts, donors, civil society, media, academia and diaspora organizations.
  3. Facilitate coordination meetings of existing structures such as the UN Network for Migration (UNNM) and National Coordination Mechanism on Migration and its related Thematic Groups.
  4. Contribute to the development of project proposals, related to policy, research, international migration law, and GCM implementation.
  5. Contribute to preparing regular insights on policy developments efforts and opportunities at global, regional, and country levels as well as best practices.
  6. Support the development of internal reports, presentations, talking points, speeches, statements and briefings as relevant.
  7. Contribute to ongoing knowledge management processes at the Country Office level.
  8. Participate in workshops and meetings related to the technical area of expertise, as required 
  9. Perform any other duties as may be assigned. Education
    1. Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Business Administration, Migration Studies, International Relations, Law, or related field with three years of relevant professional experience; or,
    2. High School diploma with five years of relevant experience.
        Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.   Experience
      1. Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience, with project management, policy development and liaison, and other relevant technical experience.
      2. Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions, private sector and NGOs; and,
      3. Work experience in policy development and liaison in the region is an asset. Skills
        1. Strong writing and analytical skills, including the drafting of projects reports and policies
        2. Takes responsibility for action and manages constructive criticism
        3. Promotes continuous learning for self and others
        4. Listens and communicates clearly, adapting delivery to the audience
        5. Plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility
        6. Displays strong understanding of technical area
        7. Knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, and learning
        8. Contributes to a collegial team environment; incorporates gender related needs, perspectives, concerns and promotes equal gender participation
        9. Displays awareness of relevant technological solutions Languages
          • For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). 
          • Working knowledge of French is an advantage. IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. 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.
        10. Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
      4. Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
    3. Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
  10. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1)
  11. 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.   Notes 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. This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. 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 online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

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