Job Identification (Reference Number): 16306
Position Title: Head, Accountability and Quality Control Unit (P)
Duty Station City: Kyiv
Duty Station Country: Ukraine
Grade: P-4
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Six months with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: Six months with possibility of extension
Closing date: 25 August 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 atย 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:
Internal candidates External female candidates 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 Scopeย
The Accountability and Quality Control Unit (AQCU) of IOM Ukraine supports the Missionโs adherence to commitments on accountability, learning, and continuous quality improvement. The Unit works in close coordination with the Office of Legal Affairs (LEG) at HQ to ensure legal compliance for Mission operations and the integration of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and compliance measures to safeguard operational integrity and inform programme improvement.
Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director in Vienna and the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM) in Ukraine โ and in collaboration with relevant units (e.g., Partnerships, Heads of Programmes, PSEA & Gender, etc.) within the Mission, as well as LEG at HQ โ the Head, Accountability and Quality Control Unit will provide strategic oversight of the Unitโs functions. The role facilitates coordination among HQ Legal, the Missionโs Risk and Compliance and MEAL/AAP functions and contributes to the Missionโs strategic objectives by strengthening accountability and quality control mechanisms, in full alignment with existing programme and partnership structures.
Management and Coordination
Lead and oversee the AQCU, ensuring effective coordination across its sub-units: Legal (with national Legal staff under administrative supervision but technical reporting to LEG HQ), Risk and Compliance, and MEAL/AAP.Provide advice to the Chief of Mission and Senior Management on accountability, compliance, quality control mechanisms, and risk management, and work with relevant Mission units to integrate and strengthen these mechanisms and strategies.Provide key inputs and recommendations on strategic and operational risks, compliance issues, and quality assurance, ensuring that advice is evidence-based and aligned with Mission priorities.Ensure alignment of AQCU activities with IOMโs global frameworks and the Missionโs strategic objectives and contribute strategic inputs to donor reporting from the accountability and compliance perspective.Risk and Compliance
Oversee the implementation of risk management frameworks to identify and mitigate operational vulnerabilities, in coordination with relevant units.Ensure adherence to organizational policies and donor requirements through regular compliance reviews, with the participation of operational and programme teams, and provide capacity-building initiatives for Mission staff.Work to ensure Mission compliance with national and international legal frameworks and IOMโs internal policies, in close coordination with โ and following the guidance of โ LEG HQ.Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)/Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)
Provide expert guidance and advice for the development of MEAL frameworks to measure programme outcomes and impact and work with programme teams for the incorporation of lessons learned.Promote accountability to affected populations through the establishment and maintenance of complaints and feedback mechanisms, ensuring a participatory and rights-based approach.In an effort to ensure data-driven decision-making and adaptive management, promote organizational learning across relevant units.Capacity Building
Build the capacity of Mission staff and partners in risk management, compliance, and MEAL/AAP frameworks and practices, including chairing or co-chairing the Risk Committee and substantively participating in other Mission platforms as designated by the COM.Perform such other duties as assigned.Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Masterโs degree in Law, Public Administration, International Relations, Development Studies, 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
Demonstrated experience managing complex, crisis-focused programmes in an international or humanitarian context, with a proven record of integrating accountability, compliance, and risk management into programme delivery;Experience in leading legal advisory, risk management, or MEAL/AAP initiatives at the mission or country programme level, ensuring operational compliance with donor and institutional requirements;Proven ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams and facilitate cross-functional coordination across operations, programme, and support units; and,Experience working in large-scale emergency or post-crisis operations is a distinct advantage.Skills
Strong expertise in operational risk management, compliance frameworks, and results-based management, including their application in complex programme environments;Demonstrated ability to translate compliance and accountability requirements into practical guidance for programme implementation;Excellent analytical and report-writing skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to different audiences;Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with a proven track record of fostering collaboration across diverse teams and functions; and,Proficiency in data analysis and visualization tools is an asset.Languages
IOMโs official languages are English, French, and Spanish.ย
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, French 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
IOMโs competency framework can be found at thisย link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Valuesย - 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 โ 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 Organizationโs 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 โ behavioural indicators Level 3
Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organizationโs 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 Organizationโs goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.ยNotes
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 stationโs 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 theย IOM e-Recruitmentย systemย (for internal candidates linkย here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.ย
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website:ย IOM Careers and Job Vacancies.