Position Title : Head, International Migration Law Unit
Duty Station : Geneva, Switzerland
Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P4
Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible
Closing Date : 24 September 2024
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 a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and
inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.
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:
1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands;
Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People's Democratic
Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated
States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Samoa; Sao
Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga;
Tuvalu; Vanuatu
Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and
female candidates.
Context:
The International Migration Law Unit, part of the Policy, Knowledge and Research is the
institutional Focal Point on all the aspects of international law and standards relevant to
migration. A key objective of the Unit is to encourage the dissemination and understanding both
within IOM and among IOM counterparts of the international legal standards that govern
migration and protect the rights of all individuals involved into or affected by migration. IML Unit
contributes to the objectives of the Department of Data, Insight and Policy Coordination and
promotes migration governance through policy and legislation that is more effective and
consistent with international standards.

The Unit assists governments in developing and implementing migration legislation, policies and
procedures in line with international and regional frameworks and promotes a rights-based
approach to policy and IOM programming. The Unit provides guidance, expert advice and
technical support to IOM country and regional offices, as well as to HQ, on issues and projects
linked to international migration law. Moreover, the Unit is responsible for promoting the
Organization’s compliance with human rights standards in its activities and the implementation
of a rights-based approach to IOM programming in line with and contributing to IOM priorities. It
also represents IOM in forums dedicated to monitoring and implementation of international law
and cooperates with the United Nations treaty monitoring bodies, other United Nations agencies
and academia, among others.
Under the direct supervision of the Director, Policy, Knowledge and Research Division and in
close collaboration with other relevant Departments and Divisions , the Head, International
Migration Law Unit will be responsible for overseeing and managing the development and
implementation of the Organization's International Migration Law (IML) activities.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
1. Strategize, plan and implement IML Unit’s work and activities to contribute to and support the
implementation of the Department and Organizational priorities, strategic plans and policies on
HQ, regional and country levels.
2. Provide direct oversight of the activities of the IML Unit, including the development and
management of IML project activities, to ensure the successful implementation of the
Organization's technical cooperation, training and research projects in the field of IML.
3. Provide expert advice, guidance, and support on IML matters in Headquarters and IOM
Country and Regional Offices, including in the development and implementation of operations
and programs.
4. Provide advice in the development and review of IOM strategies and policies to ensure
compliance with international migration law
5. Promote knowledge about international migration law within IOM through training and other
activities; develop, and conduct pertinent external IML training activities. Liaise with training
institutions / academies at the country level in view of establishing and developing collaborative
partnerships and joint programming.
6. Provide expertise and legal advice on migration legislation and international migration law
and related policies to external stakeholders such as governments, national, regional and
international institutions, academia, and civil society.
7. Draft, initiate, or review academic research, including academic papers as required. Review
and provide legal comments on research reports, articles, presentations, policy documents and
proposals prepared by governments, international organizations, NGOs, and members of the
academic community dealing with IML.
8. Supervise the development of an IML Database.
9. Represent the Organization at expert-level meetings and seminars with governments and
other stakeholders and prepare and/or deliver presentations.
10. Liaise and collaborate on IML and related policy and research issues and initiatives with
relevant experts in the UN system and in other international and regional organizations,
including inter alia the ILO, UNESCO, OHCHR, UNHCR, the EU, the Council of Europe, and the
academic community.

11. Develop and supervise the collaboration with UN treaty bodies as relevant and UN initiatives
related to respect, fulfillment and promotion of human rights.
12. Set up structure , develop and oversee the implementation of the work and priorities of IML
Unit and its staff.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education

• Master's degree in Law, International Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law,

Administrative Law, Constitutional Law, or a related law 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

• At least seven years of experience, including at least some at the international level, in legal

issues related to migration acquired with a government, an international organization, a
university, or an NGO.

• Excellent knowledge of international migration law issues, jurisprudence and literature.
• Demonstrated track record of providing substantive advice to government bodies, academia,

and civil society on IML issues.

• Experience in managing and implementing projects related to migration law.
• Experience in designing and delivering IML trainings.
• Experience in conducting legal research.

Skills

• First-rate legal, research, analytical, and drafting skills; and
• Demonstrated ability to draft publication-ready papers (primarily in English) on various

subjects. Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be
fluent in one of the three languages.
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.
Notes
1 Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database
(https://whed.net/home.php).
Required Competencies:
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural

Core Competencies – 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 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 3

• 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.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.
https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p
df
Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.
Other:
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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board 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.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment,
accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security
clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be
required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the
medical clearance process.
Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No
late applications will be accepted.
How to apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment
system, by 24 September 2024 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment
system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information please refer to: www.iom.int/recruitment
Posting period:
From 11.09.2024 to 24.09.2024
No Fees:
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.
Requisition: VN 2024 553 Head, International Migration Law Unit (P4) Geneva, Switzerland (59140605)
Released
Posting: Posting NC59140606 (59140606) Released