Head of Partnership, Advocacy and Communication (P)

Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 17897
Position Title: Head of Partnership, Advocacy and Communication (P)
Duty Station City: Islamabad
Duty Station Country: Pakistan
Grade: P-4
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: 23 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

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:

1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates
3. 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, 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 non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non–governmental partners. In line with its global priorities, and in coordination with the Government of Pakistan, IOM implements a broad range of projects in Pakistan related to migration management and counter-trafficking, migration health, resettlement movement and operations, humanitarian assistance and community stabilization.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM) in Islamabad, Pakistan and in close coordination with relevant Units at headquarters (HQ) and the Regional Office (RO) in Bangkok, Thailand, the Head of Partnership, Advocacy and Communication will be accountable and responsible for the overall coordination of the Country Office’s activities at policy and strategic level. The successful candidate will also coordinate the programme support functions of the Country Office, such as planning, policy and programme development, communications, donor and government liaison. The successful candidate will ensure fluid coordination among programmes and processes.

Responsibilities

1. In the collaboration with the COM and the Head of Programmes, represents IOM Pakistan Country Office and promotes IOM activities, when required, at relevant external donor, UN, government or partner meetings, briefings and conferences at the international and national level; and coordinates internal IOM engagement and contributions to HQ/RO or external processes, in coordination with the CoM.
2. Ensure IOM participation in appropriate policy and operational UNCT inter-agency mechanisms; engage with UN agencies in the development and implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and coordinate with PMT and partners on the implementation and review processes of the migration-relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Compact for Migration and the UN Network on Migration related activities as these processes move forward.
3. Provide technical inputs and support for policy and liaison functions for overall migration issues within the UN internal planning, programming, working towards frameworks including the UN Sustainable Development Co-operation Framework (UNSDCF), UN Common Country Analysis (CCA), UN Network on Migration and any other IOM and UN core Working Groups or frameworks.
4. Lead and manage the functioning of the UN Network on Migration in Pakistan including coordination and dialogue with relevant partners such as UNCT members, government counterparts both at national and provincial level, the civil society partners including academic institutes.
5. Respond to inquiries and requests from IOM HQ, ROAP, the UNCT and government counterparts, and other stakeholders regarding IOM Pakistan's programming, and migration and displacement trends.
6. Provide guidance and lead relevant and thematic fundraising strategies and actively contribute to the CO’s fundraising efforts by compiling and analyzing information on strategic migration-related initiatives, government policies and priorities, identifying new funding opportunities, and defining proactive approaches to donors, in coordination with Programme Managers.
7. In coordination with the CoM, oversee the implementation of Country Strategies, policies and approaches across IOM’s operational portfolio, and in close collaboration with the Head of Programmes and other relevant heads of units and divisions identify and develop new programmes to address emerging needs while ensuring systematic implementation capacity.
8. Provide advice and guidance to programme units in preparing, compiling, and submitting reports for IOM Member States, the government, and other stakeholders. Coordinate reports reviews to ensure accuracy, clarity, and full compliance with relevant agreements and reporting requirements. 
9. Oversee the work in the Project Support Unit, provide overall direction to identify, assess, coordinate, and lead the design and development of new programme opportunities, projects, or initiatives in coordination with relevant donors, government counterparts, public and private institutions, and UN Agencies.
10. Perform such other duties that may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, Business Administration, International Relations, Development Studies, Communications or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience coordinating activities and working effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from diverse cultures and professional backgrounds;
• Experience in a rapid transition or post-conflict setting with massive displacement of migrants and/or refugees; and,
• Experience in the filed of migration issues, including operational and field experience, IOM project development and management.

Skills

• Proven record of establishing and maintaining good working relationships with governmental and diplomatic authorities, national, regional and international institutions as well as civil society actors;
• Thorough knowledge of dealing with migration related issues;
• Knowledge of negotiations with UN organizations and diplomatic missions in the country;
• Able to promote IOM’s service areas in the host country and donors’ community; and,
• In-depth knowledge of key migration frameworks, including the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) and the UN Network on Migration, is a strong advantage. 

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English language is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish and French) and/or Urdu 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 – 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

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