Special Advisor to the Director General (P) (Internal applicants only)

Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 17980
Position Title: Special Advisor to the Director General
Duty Station City: Geneva
Duty Station Country: Switzerland
Grade: P-5
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: 18 December 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

This vacancy are open only to:

a) internal candidates and

b) former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment process.

This process is not open to external applicants; their applications will not be considered at this time. 

Context:

The Director General (DG) of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is elected by the Council and exercises constitutional authority to manage the Organization and carry out activities within its mandate by formulating coherent policies and ensuring that programme development is consistent with strategic priorities. 

Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Executive Office, the Special Advisor to the DG will be responsible and accountable for providing high-level strategic advice and recommendations to the DG ensuring strategic coherence across external engagements, policy priorities, and organizational leadership functions. The role provides authoritative guidance, coordination, and oversight to advance the DG’s mandate and strengthen IOM’s global positioning.

Responsibilities

1. Provide high‑level policy advice and strategic recommendations to the DG on emerging global migration issues.
2. Ensure prompt, effective follow‑up on all matters delegated by the DG, with a focus on strategic outcomes.
3. Exercise authoritative review and clearance of all materials supporting DG’s external engagements, including public remarks, talking points, travel materials, presentations, and media briefs.
4. Oversee the workflow supporting DG’s external engagements, ensuring timely delivery of quality materials aligned with organizational priorities.
5. Provide strategic, organizational, and conceptual context to support DG decision‑making. 
6. Coordinate with Headquarters (HQ), Regional and Country Offices to advance DG requests, priorities, and engagements.
7. Accompany DG on engagements and travel as requested, ensuring accurate capture and strategic dissemination of outcomes and follow‑up actions.
8. Lead any ad hoc special projects or events to advance the DG priorities. 
9. Provide strategic leadership and day-to-day supervision to staff under direct supervision, including setting priorities, guiding performance, and fostering a collaborative and high-quality work environment.
10. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

• Master’s degree in Political Science, Social Science, Law, International Relations, 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

• Experience with executive offices or as Chief of Missions in headquarters and field locations;
• Experience in liaising with government and diplomatic authorities and international institutions; and,
• Experience in strategic advice, writing executive briefings, reports, and recommendations required.

Skills

• Sound knowledge of migration issues; knowledge of IOM institutions. 
• Proven ability to collaborate with staff and stakeholders at various levels;
• Excellent communication and writing skills;
• Ability to analyse complex problems and rapidly identify and convey clear solutions; and,
• Excellent organizational skills in both digital and physical fora.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, 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 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.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected, and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 3

• 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.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 3

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s 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 Organization’s 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 system (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

Required Skills

Job info