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.
This Vacancy Notice is part of IOMโs competitive mobility exercise, open for applications from internal and internal-equivalent candidatesย only.
Organizational Context and Scope
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Regional Director (DRD) for Operations and overall supervision of the Regional Director (RD), the guidance of the Department of Humanitarian Response and Recovery (DHRR) and in coordination with the Department of Data, Insight and Policy (DDIP), the Regional Thematic Specialist (Data and Research) will lead the management of the RO Data and Research Unit, including the implementation of institutional policy from relevant Headquarters (HQ) counterparts in Country Offices (COs) across the Region.ย
The successful candidate serves the data and analysis needs of the Region and further collaborates with a network of Regional Thematic Specialists (Data and Research) at other IOM Regional Offices, the Migration and Displacement Data and Research Analytics Division (MDDRAD) and other relevant entities in HQ. The successful candidate will provide oversight, quality control, and operational support to promote consistent, cohesive, and quality evidence-based policies and programming. Together with other Regional Thematic Units (RTUs), the successful candidate will contribute to thought leadership on saving lives and protecting individuals on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating regular pathways for migration, as well as to help strengthen global and regional evidence bases, develop capacity of States to collect and utilize accurate and disaggregated data as a basis for evidence based policies (GCM Objective 1), and ensure evidence-based programming, operations, policy advice, and communication.ย
The Regional Thematic Specialist (Data and Research) converts data, analysis, and research relevant to migration and displacement, and other forms of human mobility as required, into actionable information, information that yields deeper insights into mobility patterns in the Region, and information to inform foresight that serve IOMโs Regional Office and Country Offices. Through a range of data and research-driven products, the successful candidate will help colleagues identify and communicate facts, trends, and patterns to support evidence-based decision- making, strategy development, and strategy execution.ย
In line with the IOM Strategic Plan, promote, integrate, and mainstream cross-cutting priorities in all areas of RO Data and Research Unitโs work in the Region, as well as evidence-based programming and policy, to enhance programme leadership, strategy, design and implementation across all thematic areas. The successful candidate will seek to provide strategic guidance and coordination in alignment with IOMโs Strategic Plan, technical support and capacity development, external positioning and coordination, and data analysis and use.
Strategy, Advocacy, and Representation:ย
Lead and manage the RO Data and Research Unit in the delivery of regular guidance and technical support to COs in the contextualization of relevant strategic plans while playing a pivotal role in developing and shaping evidence programming of the Region and contributing to internal and external frameworks, including the Global Compact on Migration (GCM).ย Support and provide advice to the DRD for Operations by articulating IOM's Strategic Plan to external stakeholders or in fora, discussions, and platforms, based on DHRR and Global Offices' (GOs) guidance for improved evidence-based programming and policy. Represent IOM in regional forums and dialogues, including regional United Nations Network on Migration as relevant, leveraging data and research expertise to advance IOM's Strategic Plan.ยTechnical leadership: Strengthening the Regional Evidence Base on Migration:ย
Oversee the design and production of in-depth analyses of regional migration trends using IOM and partnersโ data, supporting route-based analyses.ย Lead efforts on identification, analysis and interpretation of trends or patterns, using machine learning techniques, statistical methods to identify relevant features and variables in structured and unstructured sources of information and data.ยPartnerships and Resource Mobilisation:ย
Develop and maintain partnerships with a diverse range of regional actors, including donors, regional political and economic bodies, UN, private sector, non-government institutions, academic institutions, community-based organizations, international financial institutions, international organizations, and Member States, to promote IOMโs Strategic Vision.ย In coordination with HQ, GOs, Country Offices for Partnerships and Advocacy (COPAs), COs, and the Regional Project Development Officer (RPDO), advocate programmatic priorities with new and traditional donors, including the private sector.ยTechnical Support and Capacity Building:ย
Foster collaboration with key stakeholders to leverage the use of data science methods to support their programmatic areas with products, tools and processes to extend the capabilities of Country and Regional Offices.ย Provide technical guidance and oversight to COs in harmonizing and consolidating data, adapting methodologies in line with global practices to fit country needs.ย Provide technical support and guidance to internal and external stakeholders on migration data, identifying capacity gaps and offering solutions.ย Assess and enhance data capacities of COs and RO staff and partners, collaborate with national statistical offices to strengthen the evidence base on migration.ย Work closely with HQ to support effective humanitarian data operations, ensuring alignment with strategic goals to protect displaced individuals and provide surge support during emergencies.ยQuality Control and Oversight:ย
Review data collection and statistical methodologies and reports and ensure adherence to IOM and UN standards, and support COs in addressing data quality issues.ย In coordination with MDDRAD, review research design, methodology and research publication by supporting compliance with IOM standards and guidelines, and support COs in addressing research quality issues.ย In coordination with the RPDOs, facilitate the project development and reporting process through technical inputs, review, approval, and endorsement in line with IOMโs Project Handbook. Review data projects and non-data project with data components (in coordination with other RTUs).ย Ensure a high standard of data responsibility -the safe, ethical and effective management of data- across IOM's data management in the Region, in accordance with established frameworks for personal data protection and in line with relevant institutional and sector-wide policies and guidance.ย In coordination with the Regional Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Officer (RPMEO), hold regular bilateral discussions with focal points in COs to assess challenges, opportunities, and trends. Flag issues and opportunities to senior regional and HQ staff and guide CO adjustments. Actively support COs integrate audit, evaluation and donor feedback.ย In coordination with the Risk and Compliance Officer, provide oversight and support to COs on the identification, management, and treatment of risks pertaining to data and research, in line with IOM's Risk Management Framework and Policy (IN/213 Rev.1).ยKnowledge Management, Policy, and Research:ย
Develop and maintain internal communication strategies and regional platforms for disseminating migration data and information. In coordination with MDDRAD and, support the development efforts and maintenance of online portals, to promote information sharing.ย In close coordination with the Regional Policy and Liaison Officer, RPMEO, RPDO, and DHRR HQ, contribute to knowledge sharing platforms and disseminate innovative and best practices from within and outside of the Region to external partners and stakeholders, COs, ROs, and HQ, including the Migration Network Hub.ย Identify evidence gaps through multi-stakeholder processes and engage research institutions, think tanks, researchers and students to address the gaps.ย Provide thematic and institutional inputs to regional and country level non-IOM data regulation and frameworks as requested.ยCommunication and Coordination:ย
Coordinate the production of briefings and reports that highlight migration trends, ensuring comparability with external data sources. Collaborate across departments to produce impactful analyses on migration and displacement.ย Convene and maintain a community of practice in the Region for thematic focal points in COs, with involvement of functional Units as relevant, to promote the sharing of new practices, innovative approaches, partnerships, training opportunities, and other areas of regional thematic interest.ย Lead engagement in inter-regional, continental, and multi-country initiatives, programmes, and strategies with corresponding RTS, Global Thematic Specialists (GTS), and CO focal points; where necessary, coordinate the involvement of HQ functional Units.ย Perform any other duties as may be assigned.ยCross Cutting Priorities:ย
Mainstream: In line with the IOM Strategic Plan and corresponding custodianship outlined in the Regional Office Terms of Reference, promote, integrate, and mainstream cross-cutting priorities in all areas of RDHโs work in the region. Furthermore, promote the integration of evidencebased programming and policy at RO and CO levels to enhance programme leadership, strategy, design and implementation across all thematic areas. The Regional Thematic Specialist (Data and Research) is responsible for mainstreaming protection-centred approaches in all areas of IOM's work.ยRegional Data Hub Management:ย
Manage the Regional Data Hub, including overseeing and managing the delivery of the Hub's specific responsibilities in their entirety as outlined in the RDH Terms of Reference. Ensure organization and delivery of data work programme, providing both methodical and managerial supervision of all activities.ย Perform any other duties as may be assigned.Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Masterโs degree in demography, sociology, political science, geography or related field with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,ย University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.Experience
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience working on migration data, research and analysis is required, ideally in a managerial role;ย Experience in using data to advance decisions, strategies and execution is required. Experience in data collection, statistical methods, database merging, data processing (incl. cleaning) data analysis for research, policy and report writing required;ย Experience in information management, reporting, coordination and analysis of data triangulation and analysis from multiple large and complex information systems required;ย Professional experience in coordinating multi-cultural teams and field-based staff required;ย Practical field experience and understanding in domains related to relief interventions and humanitarian action (including support to displaced populations and implementation of emergency and early recovery activities), UN, and the cluster system is an advantage;ย Experience in quantitative and qualitative migration research design, such as survey and questionnaire design is an advantage; and, Experience in internal and/or international mixed migration data analyses is required.Skills
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, 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
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.ย Please refer to this link for guidance onย 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.
For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty stationโs country and who do not have prior experience outside the duty stationโs 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-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: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies