Head of Office

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

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 and internal-equivalent candidates as well as external women candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the direct supervision of the Sub-Regional Director, and in close coordination with relevant units at the Sub-Regional and Regional Offices, the Head of Office will be responsible and accountable for the activities of IOM Slovakia, including the day-to-day management and implementation of relevant programme activities, donor liaison and staff management.

The Head of Office is responsible for liaising with the Government regarding the full range of IOM activities and for keeping the Sub-Regional Office (SRO) and Headquarters (HQ) Units informed of relevant government concerns, emergencies, and programmatic developments. The Head of Office is responsible and accountable for developing and promoting IOM's strategy and programming within the overall regional framework.

Responsibilities

1. Maintain liaison with governmental authorities and diplomatic missions, UN agencies, international, regional and non-governmental organizations as well as voluntary agencies, airlines and public media.

2. Promote the full range of IOM programmes and services in Slovakia and keep the Sub-Regional Office informed of relevant country-specific concerns and programmatic developments.

3. Identify programmatic opportunities, and develop projects and fundraising strategies.

4. Plan, organize, implement and coordinate all aspects of projects implemented in IOM Slovakia, in close coordination with the donors and other stakeholders. 

5. Ensure that proper monitoring and backstopping mechanisms are in place, including the required internal evaluations of the projects under implementation, and ensure compliance with all reporting obligations.

6. Coordinate the collection, updating and storage of relevant data on project implementation. Prepare statistical analyses, narrative and progress reports, and advise the Sub-Regional Director on recommendations to present to donors and implementing partners.

7. Ensure regular consultation, liaison and organization of meetings with IOM’s implementing partners in matters arising from the implementation of project activities. 

8. Undertake duty trips as necessary for monitoring, coordination and liaison; attend relevant meetings, conferences, etc. 

9. Manage personnel, budgetary and financial matters related to the projects implemented at IOM Slovakia in close coordination with SRO Brussels and other project staff in IOM Slovakia; coordinate on the oversight/management aspects of the IOM Slovakia Country Office.

10. Contribute to the advancement of Sub-Regional and Regional priorities.

11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Business Administration, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five (5) years or relevant professional experience; 
  Or

• University degree in the above fields with seven (7) years of relevant professional experience.
   

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

Experience

• Proven experience in managing multidisciplinary teams in complex operational environments, including field-based humanitarian settings.

• Experience in designing and implementing strategic plans, policies, and frameworks aligned with organizational and donor priorities.

• Experience in overseeing budgets, financial planning, and ensuring compliance with donor and organizational financial regulations.

• Experience in coordinating with UN agencies, NGOs, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders to enhance collaboration and resource mobilization.

• Experience representing an organization at high-level meetings, advocating for humanitarian and migration-related policies with governments and international bodies.

• Experience working in diverse cultural and political contexts, with an understanding of migration dynamics and regional geopolitical factors.

Skills

• Strong leadership, team management, and decision-making skills, with the ability to lead in complex and high-pressure environments.

• Ability to analyze trends, assess risks, and develop strategic plans that align with organizational goals.

• Strong diplomatic and negotiation skills for engaging with governments, donors, and other key stakeholders.

• Expertise in managing multi-sectoral humanitarian programs, including planning, implementation, and evaluation.

• Ability to identify funding opportunities, develop proposals, and maintain relationships with donors.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to advocate for humanitarian and migration-related issues effectively.

• Familiarity with national and international migration policies, human rights frameworks, and relevant legal frameworks.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English and Slovak is required.

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 2

• 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 2

• 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

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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.

No late applications will be accepted. 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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