Deputy Head of Policy Research and Migration Law

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 are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the Policy Research and Migration Law Unit, and overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, the incumbent is responsible and accountable for developing, supervising, coordinating and implementing research activities of the Policy Research and Migration Law Unit. The most important activity of the Policy Research and Migration Law Unit is the implementation of the National Contact Point Austria in the European Migration Network.

Responsibilities

1. Act as Deputy for the Head of Unit and perform her/ his duties when s/he is absent and/or for specific activities;

2. Assist in the supervision of researching and drafting of studies and reports on migration, integration and asylum issues within the Austrian and European context in the framework of the National Contact Point (NCP) Austria in the European Migration Network (EMN);

3. Author studies, informs, policy briefs and other migration and asylum related research outputs;

4. Conduct statistical analysis and data visualization for research outputs; 

5. Present study outcomes and research findings to national stakeholders, in international fora and to senior management; 

6. Contribute to the development and maintenance of a network of relevant stakeholders in the field of migration and asylum;

7. Support the activities related to the implementation and oversight of project work including monitoring budgets, expenses and donor reporting;

8. Assist in project development by drafting concept notes and project narratives; defining activities and results-based indicators as well as drafting the budget; identifying potential donors; and preparing submission packages for calls for proposals;

9. Plan, organize and prepare events, workshops and conferences in close coordination with supervisor;

10. Organize, chair and attend meetings if necessary and in coordination with supervisor;

11. General administrative support for projects and related activities;

12. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelors’ degree or equivalent, in Law, Economics, Political or Social Sciences and/or International Relations or a related field from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience. PhD and Master’s degree or equivalent in these areas are a distinct advantage

or

• High school degree with 6 (six) years of relevant experience.

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

Experience

• Experience with budgets, donor reporting and project development;

• Prior experience at IOM or other international organizations is a distinct advantage;

• Experience in overseeing research activities;

• Experience in academic research is a strong advantage;

• Academic publications in the field of migration and asylum are an advantage;

• Experience in working with statistics is a distinct advantage; 

• Publications in the field of migration and asylum are an advantage; and 

• Knowledge of the Austrian and EU migration and asylum policies and context.

Skills

• Strong communication and presentation skills both written and oral; 

• Excellent computer skills (MS Office, in particular MS Excel);

• Ability to draft clear and concise research papers in German and English.

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 German and English is required (oral and written).

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, if with direct reports

• 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

Starting date is 01 January 2027.

Classification: General Service Staff, Grade G6 (full-time)

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.

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.

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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