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.
ย Context
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and direct supervision of Head of Liaison and Project Support Unit and working collaboratively with colleagues across the UK Mission and wider Organisation, the Senior External Relations Associateย will support the implementation of engagement activities with parliamentary and political stakeholders, think tanks, as well as other key counterparts. This includes assisting with information gathering, preparation of materials, logistical arrangements, and follow-up to help IOM as a trusted advisor on migration-related issues and to contribute to building understanding and support for IOMโs work.
Responsibilities and Accountabilities
- Support the development and implementation of political engagement activities, including by compiling information, preparing documentation, and assisting with follow-up.
- Contribute to maintaining IOMโs profile and relationships with political stakeholders and networks by supporting meeting preparation, drafting notes, and assisting senior colleagues at events.
- Monitor and summarise political positions and policy developments on current and emerging issues and assist in preparing key messages, talking points and other relevant documents for IOMโs use.ย
- Monitor the parliamentary calendar and political processes (e.g. relevant Bills, Select Committee inquiries, debates) and provide timely updates to inform the Missionโs engagement.
- Assist in the preparation of strategic messaging, briefings, and other materials in support of the Missionโs policy engagement.
- Coordinate with IOM programme teams to gather data, research, and insights to feed into policy notes and briefings.ย
- Assist in drafting communications materials to raise awareness of IOMโs mandate and work in the UK, tailored to political stakeholders.
- Support the organisation of meetings, events and other activities, including handling logistical arrangements and preparing relevant content.
- Support with the preparation of visits of UK political stakeholders to IOMโs overseas operations and offices, and of IOM staff visits to the UK.ย
- Contribute to liaison efforts with UK Government departments, think tanks, and other relevant institutions including by supporting communication and coordination tasks.
- Assist in identifying opportunities to engage with other relevant stakeholders, including non-traditional partners, and documenting possible areas of collaboration.
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned. Education
- High school diploma with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
- Bachelorโs degree in International Relations, Development Studies or related field from an accredited institution with five years of relevant professional experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in theย UNESCO World Higher Education Database. ย Experience
- Experience in providing administrative, coordination, or substantive support in internal relations, public affairs, communications, or related areas.
- Experience in supporting meetings or engagement with parliamentarians, government bodies, or other institutional stakeholders.
- Experience in organising and supporting events, including handling logistics and documentation.
- Experience in drafting, formatting, and editing institutional documents and documentation.ย
- Experience working on migration, humanitarian or development issues is an advantage.ย
- Prior experience working in the UN, NGOs or similar international organisations is desirable.
- Lived experience of migration or displacement an advantage.
ย
Skills- Strong drafting and communication skills with attention to accuracy and clarity.
- Good knowledge of UK political and parliamentary processes is an advantage.
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues and external stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
- High level of professionalism with ability to work independently and prioritise work to meet deadlines in a complex and fast changing environment.
- Demonstrated awareness of gender, diversity and inclusion principles. Languages
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.ย IOMโs 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. ย Required Competencies ย IOMโs competency framework can be found atย this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process. ย Valuesย - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three 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.