Job Identification (Reference Number): 15281
Position Title: Policy and Legal Officer
Duty Station City: Geneva
Duty Station Country: Switzerland
Grade: P-3
Contract Type:ย Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration:ย 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 16 June 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. ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:ย
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 1. Internal candidates
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 2. External female candidates:
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 3. 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, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, 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.
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Context:
Under the overall supervision of Chief, HR Policy and Staff Relations Division and direct supervision of the Senior HR Officer (Policy and Legal) and in close coordination with the Department of Legal Affairs,ย General and Administrative Law Division, and other relevant units, theย Policy and Legal Officer will be responsible and accountable forย providing legal and HR policy advice, guidance and recommendations related to the HR policies and processes, rules and regulations, and other relevant activities of the Organization.
In close coordination with the Senior HR Officer (Policy and Legal), provide advice and guidance to the Chief, HR Policy and Staff Relations division, and the Director of Human Resources (DHR) on internal justice-related matters.Produceย accurate, comprehensive documentation required from DHR on internal justice-related matters, including on Requests for Review and appeals to the Joint Administrative Review Board (JARB) submitted by IOM staff members in close coordination with the Department of Legal Affairs.Analyse administrative appeals received to assess the adequacy of existing HR policies and practices, identify issues and gaps that need to be addressed, propose modifications and improvements to IOMโs HR policies and processes to limit the number of appeals received.Work closely with IOMโs Regional and Country Offices on complex HR cases and conflict management, in particular related to IOMโs policy for a respectful working environment, and complex performance-related issues such as rebuttals and performance improvement plans, where necessary. Focus on the informal resolution of issues where possible.Support the HR Policy and Staff Relations Division with the development, implementation, and monitoring of action plans introducing measures to create a more respectful, inclusive, and positive work environment, addressing the needs of a diverse workforce, including on disability, mental health, and staff wellbeing.Reactively advise and as well as proactively assist IOM managers in respect of relevant human resources challenges associated with administrative review e.g. terminations, non-renewals, rightsizing. Develop and deliver trainings in this regard.Suggest changes to policies and tools to improve efficiency in the management of contractual disputes.Participate in relevant task forces and/or ad hoc working groups internally.Keep abreast of HR-related developments in internal justice-related matter, and conduct trainings on internal justice-related matters to IOM managers and other relevant stakeholders.Perform such other duties as may be assigned.ย
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:
Master's degree inย Law from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; orUniversity degree in the above field with seven years of relevant professional experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in theย UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience:
Experience in HR Policyย and the Administration of Justice, preferably in an international organization, non-profit environment or the public sector;Experience in navigating the International Labour Organization Administrative Tribunal proceedings; and,Experience in one of the organizations of the UN Common System and field experience a distinct advantage.
Skills:
Ability to draft complex documents in English;Ability to communicate issues to a variety of audiences; and,Ability to anticipate and mitigate against issues.
Languages:
IOMโs official languages are English, French, and Spanish.ย
For all applicants, 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 values:
ย 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.
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Core Competenciesย โ behavioural indicators Level 2
ย Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.ย Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.ย 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.
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.ย 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.
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-Recruitment 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.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website:ย IOM Careers and Job Vacancies