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Chief, Regional Coordination and Support Unit (P) - Job Opportunity at International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Geneva, Switzerland

Contract

Executive

Posted: June 9, 2025

On-site

USD 120,000 - 160,000 per year, reflecting P-5 grade level within the UN common system. This estimate includes base salary plus potential expatriate benefits, hardship allowances, and comprehensive UN benefits package. Geneva duty station typically commands premium compensation due to high cost of living, with total compensation package potentially reaching USD 180,000-220,000 annually including benefits.

Benefits

Fixed-term contract with possibility of extension providing career stability and flexibility

Position within the UN system offering comprehensive international benefits package including health insurance, pension contributions, and diplomatic privileges

Opportunity to work in Geneva, Switzerland, providing access to international community and high quality of life

Professional development opportunities through IOM's extensive global network and training programs

Mobility opportunities across 580+ locations worldwide for career advancement

Work-life balance support through UN system policies and Geneva's favorable working conditions

Key Responsibilities

Serve as primary strategic liaison between headquarters and 580+ field locations, managing critical cross-functional coordination that directly impacts global migration operations

Lead development and implementation of comprehensive tracking systems for organizational challenges, providing executive-level intelligence to Senior Leadership Team for strategic decision-making

Direct supervision and strategic guidance of Regional Coordination and Support Unit team, ensuring alignment with IOM's global operational objectives and annual work plans

Facilitate high-level diplomatic and operational correspondence clearance processes, maintaining organizational integrity and consistency across all regional communications

Orchestrate corporate scale-up advisory board coordination, representing Chief of Staff in critical strategic initiatives that shape IOM's global response capacity

Design and execute long-term strategic plans for enhancing headquarters-regional-country office coordination, directly supporting IOM's $1.8+ billion annual operations

Lead crisis management coordination across multiple regions, ensuring rapid response capabilities and maintaining operational continuity during emergencies

Establish and monitor Key Performance Indicators for regional satisfaction and effectiveness, driving continuous improvement in organizational coordination

Conduct strategic analyses to identify operational bottlenecks and develop solutions that enhance efficiency across IOM's global network

Manage capacity-building initiatives and training programs that strengthen cross-regional engagement capabilities throughout the organization

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience or, Bachelor's degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience

Experience

Extensive experience in general management as well as project and resources management; Extensive experience in diplomacy, fundraising and public relations, as well as in liaising with managing diverse teams in multiple locations; Extensive experience leading strategic implementation processes in diverse regions; Demonstrated experience developing and managing high-performing diverse teams; Demonstrated experience with change management processes; and, Significant experience in managing crises and emergencies

Required Skills

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written Ability to prepare and deliver speeches on various activities of the Organization Excellent 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 Fluency in English is required (oral and written) Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish)

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The global migration sector is experiencing unprecedented growth with over 281 million international migrants worldwide, driving demand for sophisticated coordination mechanisms between international organizations, governments, and NGOs. This trend necessitates senior leadership roles that can navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments and manage large-scale operational coordination across diverse geographical regions. Digital transformation in international development is revolutionizing how global organizations coordinate field operations, with increasing emphasis on real-time data analytics, remote coordination capabilities, and integrated management systems. Organizations like IOM are investing heavily in leaders who can bridge traditional diplomatic approaches with modern digital coordination tools. Crisis response coordination has become a critical competency following recent global events including climate-induced displacement, conflict-driven migration, and pandemic-related mobility restrictions. International organizations are prioritizing leadership roles that can rapidly scale operations across multiple regions while maintaining diplomatic relationships and operational effectiveness.

Role Significance

Direct supervision of the Regional Coordination and Support Unit team, typically consisting of 8-15 professional and support staff members. Indirect influence extends to coordination relationships with hundreds of staff across regional offices, country offices, and headquarters departments, effectively managing matrix relationships with senior leaders across the organization's global network.

This is a senior executive position reporting directly to the Deputy Chief of Staff and Chief of Staff, placing the incumbent within the top 1% of IOM's 18,000+ global workforce. The role carries significant organizational influence, with direct impact on coordination effectiveness across all regional operations and strategic decision-making authority on cross-functional matters affecting field operations worldwide.

Key Projects

Implementation of organization-wide strategic plan coordination across 580+ locations, ensuring alignment between headquarters priorities and field-level execution while managing resource allocation and performance monitoring systems Crisis response coordination during large-scale emergencies, including rapid deployment coordination, resource mobilization, and inter-agency collaboration management that can involve coordinating responses affecting millions of displaced persons Development and implementation of digital transformation initiatives for headquarters-field coordination, including new communication protocols, reporting systems, and performance management frameworks that enhance organizational effectiveness

Success Factors

Exceptional diplomatic and relationship management skills are crucial for success, as the role requires building consensus among diverse stakeholders including government officials, UN agency representatives, and field-based operational teams across different cultural and political contexts while maintaining IOM's neutrality and effectiveness. Strategic thinking combined with operational excellence is essential, requiring the ability to translate high-level organizational priorities into actionable coordination mechanisms while maintaining oversight of day-to-day operational challenges across multiple time zones and regulatory environments. Crisis management capabilities and adaptability are fundamental, as the role demands rapid response coordination during emergencies while maintaining normal operational oversight, requiring exceptional stress management and decision-making abilities under pressure. Advanced communication and presentation skills in multiple languages are necessary for effective coordination across diverse cultural contexts, including ability to prepare executive-level briefings, facilitate high-level diplomatic meetings, and represent the organization in international forums.

Market Demand

High demand for executive-level coordination roles in international organizations, particularly those combining diplomatic experience with operational management capabilities. The specialized nature of regional coordination in migration and humanitarian sectors creates limited but highly competitive market for qualified candidates.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Diplomatic negotiation and relationship management skills are absolutely essential for success in this role, as the incumbent must navigate complex political and cultural dynamics while building consensus among diverse stakeholders across different regions and organizational levels. These skills directly impact the organization's ability to maintain effective operations and achieve strategic objectives. Strategic coordination and project management capabilities are fundamental requirements, as the role involves simultaneously managing multiple complex initiatives across different time zones, regulatory environments, and cultural contexts while ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and donor requirements. The ability to see both big picture strategy and operational details is crucial for effectiveness. Crisis management and emergency response coordination expertise is critical given IOM's role in humanitarian emergencies and displacement crises worldwide. The incumbent must be able to rapidly mobilize resources, coordinate multi-agency responses, and maintain operational effectiveness under extreme pressure while making decisions that can affect thousands of people. Advanced multilingual communication skills are essential for effective coordination across IOM's global network, requiring not only language proficiency but also cultural competency and ability to adapt communication styles for different audiences ranging from field staff to senior government officials and UN leadership.

Beneficial Skills

Digital transformation and technology management skills are increasingly valuable as international organizations modernize their coordination mechanisms, with knowledge of data analytics, digital communication platforms, and remote management tools becoming essential for maintaining competitive advantage in global coordination effectiveness Financial management and resource mobilization expertise would significantly enhance effectiveness in this role, particularly understanding of UN budgeting processes, donor relations, and resource allocation strategies that could improve the incumbent's ability to support field operations and strategic initiatives Regional expertise in specific geographical areas, particularly those experiencing significant migration challenges such as Africa, Middle East, or Latin America, would provide valuable context for coordination decisions and enhance credibility with regional offices and government counterparts Private sector management experience could bring valuable perspectives on efficiency, innovation, and performance management that could enhance IOM's operational effectiveness and provide fresh approaches to traditional UN coordination challenges

Unique Aspects

This role represents a unique combination of diplomatic coordination and operational management at the highest levels of international migration governance, offering direct influence on policies and programs affecting millions of migrants and displaced persons worldwide

The position provides exceptional exposure to crisis response coordination at a global scale, offering professional experience that is highly valued across the humanitarian and development sectors while building expertise in emergency management and international coordination

Located at the heart of international Geneva, this role offers unparalleled networking opportunities with senior officials from governments, UN agencies, international NGOs, and diplomatic missions, creating significant potential for career advancement within the international community

The role offers unique insights into organizational transformation and change management within large international bureaucracies, providing experience in leading digital transformation, process improvement, and strategic planning initiatives that are highly transferable to other senior leadership positions

Career Growth

Career advancement to next level typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing candidates, with progression dependent on organizational restructuring, geographic mobility willingness, and additional language or technical skill development. Senior executive roles in UN system generally require 15-20 years total experience.

Potential Next Roles

Deputy Chief of Staff or Chief of Staff positions within IOM or other UN agencies, representing natural progression within organizational hierarchy with expanded strategic oversight responsibilities Regional Director positions managing large geographical regions with full operational authority, combining current coordination expertise with direct field management responsibility Director-level positions in other UN agencies or international organizations, leveraging coordination expertise and diplomatic experience in humanitarian, development, or peacekeeping contexts Senior advisor or consultant roles with governments, multilateral organizations, or major NGOs specializing in migration, humanitarian coordination, or international development program management

Company Overview

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration, established in 1951 and serving as a related organization of the United Nations. With 175 member states and a global presence spanning over 580 locations, IOM manages an annual budget exceeding $1.8 billion and employs over 18,000 staff worldwide, making it one of the largest operational agencies within the UN system.

IOM holds the position as the primary global authority on migration management, working directly with governments, other UN agencies, and civil society organizations to address migration challenges worldwide. The organization's market leadership is evidenced by its rapid growth, increasing from a budget of $1.2 billion in 2015 to over $1.8 billion currently, reflecting growing global recognition of migration as a critical policy area requiring specialized international coordination.

Geneva serves as IOM's global headquarters and houses the organization's senior leadership team, making this position central to worldwide operations coordination. The Geneva location provides direct access to other UN agencies, diplomatic missions, and international organizations, creating a unique professional environment for high-level coordination and policy development within the international community.

IOM emphasizes inclusive leadership, cultural diversity, and professional mobility as core organizational values, creating a work environment that values different perspectives and encourages career development across various geographical locations. The organization's commitment to work-life balance, professional development, and meaningful humanitarian impact attracts top-tier international professionals seeking careers in global public service.

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Chief, Regional Coordination and Support Unit (P) - Job Opportunity at International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Benefits

Key Responsibilities

Requirements

Education

Experience

Required Skills

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Role Significance

Key Projects

Success Factors

Market Demand

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Beneficial Skills

Unique Aspects

Career Growth

Potential Next Roles

Company Overview

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

Sauge AI Market Intelligence