Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 18191
Position Title: Senior Liaison Officer (UN Network on Migration Secretariat)
Duty Station City: Brussels
Duty Station Country: Belgium
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: 10 January 2026

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 is an expedited recruitment process 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 United Nations (UN) system is committed to supporting the implementation, follow-up and review of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). To this end, the UN established a Network on Migration (Network) to ensure effective, timely and coordinated system-wide support to Member States.  In carrying out its mandate, the Network prioritizes the rights and wellbeing of migrants and communities of destination, origin, and transit, placing emphasis on issues where a common UN system approach adds value and from which results and impact can be readily gauged. The Network respects the principles of the GCM and is guided, inter alia, by the UN Charter, international law, and the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.  

Established by the Director General of IOM in the capacity as Coordinator of the Network, the Network Secretariat is responsible for servicing the work of the Network.  

Under the overall supervision of the DG Representative, Senior Director of the Office for Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications (OPAC), direct supervision of the Head of the UN Migration Network Secretariat, and  the administrative supervision  of the Director, Global Office in Brussels, the  Senior Liaison Officer (UN Network on Migration Secretariat) will be responsible and accountable for providing expert advice and guidance to the  Network Secretariat’s work in facilitating the Network’s support to Member States in their follow-up and review of the GCM. This includes the preparation and organizing of the International Migration Review Forum and supporting the regional UN Networks on Migration in the regions in servicing the regional reviews of the GCM.  In doing so, the Senior Liaison Officer will closely coordinate with the Regional Liaison and Policy Officers of the Regional Offices Special Liaison Office (SLO) Addis and Global Office (GO) Brussels. They will facilitate the preparation of the Network’s reporting to the Secretary-General, based on inputs from Network members. While being the part of the UN Network on Migration Secretariat in IOM Headquarters, this position will be decentralised to the IOM’s Global Office in Brussels, Belgium till the end of year 2026, with the additional objective of coordinating funding efforts for the organization of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF). 

Responsibilities

1. Provide expert advice and guidance on the Networks’ support to Member States and stakeholders in the follow-up and review of the GCM.

   1. Develop, coordinate and ensure the roll-out of the roadmap for the GCM Regional Reviews.

   2. Develop, coordinate and ensure the roll-out of the IMRF roadmap. 

   3. Provide expert support and guidance on fundraising efforts for the follow-up and review of the GCM. 

2. Oversee the preparation of the Network’s reporting to the Secretary-General, based on inputs from Network members, Member States and stakeholders. 

3. Provide expert support and advice for the discussions with and input from Member States, Network members and stakeholders.

                  a. Provide expert support and advice to the Network secretariat units, including the Network governance and the GCM Capacity Building Mechanism.

       4. Provide expert guidance and advice to the Regional Policy and Liaison Officers in coordinating regional UN Networks on Migration, as well as on the follow-up and          review of the GCM, including for the quadrennial alternating regional GCM reviews and global GCM reviews.

       5. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s Degree in International Studies, or 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

• Sound written and oral communication skills, strong analytical skills, and the ability to speak effectively in internal and external forums;

• Proven analytical, project management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage simultaneous critical tasks; 

• Good understanding of migration issues, trends and policies;

• Excellent communication skills, especially in a multilingual setting; advanced writing skills particularly important;

• Proven ability to work effectively and harmoniously within a team of colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds;

• Capacity to work independently under pressure with tight deadlines; and, 

• Capacity to setup, maintain and work effectively in a team(s).

Skills

• Sound written and oral communication skills, strong analytical skills, and the ability to speak effectively in internal and external forums;

• Proven analytical, project management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage simultaneous critical tasks; 

• Good understanding of migration issues, trends and policies;

• Excellent communication skills, especially in a multilingual setting; advanced writing skills particularly important;

• Proven ability to work effectively and harmoniously within a team of colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds;

• Capacity to work independently under pressure with tight deadlines; and, 

• Capacity to setup, maintain and work effectively in a team(s).

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

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 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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board 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 and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station's country as staff member in the Professional category 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