Position Title : Head, Preparedness Unit (Senior Preparedness and
Anticipatory Action Officer)
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 : 05 November 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; Saint Lucia;
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 Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation (PCCA) Division in IOM seeks to establish a
systemic and whole of organization approach to Preparedness, DRR and climate change
adaptation (CCA) as vehicles of transformative action, which contributes to achieving IOM
Strategic Plan 2024-2028. It also works towards initiatives that go beyond responding to
displacement crises to a step change in how risks are understood, identified, and coped with
preparedness, institutionalize early warning systems and anticipatory actions, and strengthen
IOM and states capacities to mitigate and respond effectively to mobility dimensions of crisis.

The Preparedness unit under the PCCA Division is the institutional focal point for preparedness
and any action that is introduced before an emergency to improve the overall effectiveness,
efficiency, and timeliness of response. The unit further seeks to address the humanitarian
impact of climate and conflict induced displacement by increasing predictability, capacity and
consistency in emergency preparedness and readiness planning (including strategic forecasting,
horizon scanning and anticipatory action).
Under the overall supervision of the Director for Humanitarian Response and Recovery (DHRR)
department, and direct supervision of the Chief, Preparedness and Climate Change Adaptation,
the Head, Preparedness Unit (Senior Preparedness and Anticipatory Action Officer) will oversee
the preparedness and anticipatory action work of the PCCA division, including capacity
development and foresight work.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
1. Lead and coordinate IOM’s response to preparedness and Anticipatory Action (AA), ensuring
effective communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, and oversee
the operational management of emergency preparedness and Anticipatory action projects.
2. Provide strategic guidance, contextualize tools and support in the establishment and
maintenance of emergency preparedness and AA strategies and plans and contribute to the
formulation of policies in line with IOM’s objectives and priorities.
3. Facilitate coordination among IOM departments, regional and country offices, to foster an
institutional approach to preparedness, risk analysis and ensure that preparedness plans are
integrated into IOM’s Migration Crisis Operational Framework (MCOF) and are in alignment with
IOM's strategic plan.
4. Contribute to strategic foresight analysis exercises lead by IOM Global Data Institute to
identify potential future crises and trends affecting migration and lead on its operationalization,
including through the Strategic Foresight and Preparedness Dashboard.
5. Support in streamlining various prioritization processes and identifying a standard framework
for preparedness support to prioritized countries.
6. Identify strategic opportunities to enhance the preparedness strategy and support the
implementation of effective preparedness and anticipatory action measures in country and
regional offices to enhance cross-sectoral collaboration.
7. Ensure technical representation of IOM in inter-agency forums and working groups focused
on emergency preparedness and anticipatory action.
8. Integrate inter-agency early warning data and insights into IOM’s Strategic Foresight and
Preparedness Dashboard and foster an institutional approach to early warning and
early/anticipatory action system
9. Develop and maintain strategic partnerships (internal and external) to enhance the
effectiveness and reach of IOM’s preparedness, anticipatory action and foresight initiatives.
10. Identify funding opportunities/ contribute to resource mobilization for preparedness and
anticipatory action initiatives by leveraging internal/external funding streams and support the
development of project proposals to secure resources for emergency response operations.
11. Lead the design and execution of capacity-building initiatives, including the surge learning
platform for adaptive response capacity (SPARC) for IOM staff and partners.

12. Represent the unit in cross-functional management meetings to ensure that preparedness is
streamlined in all functional areas and help strengthen integrated work across IOM's functional
areas across the MCOF to achieve preparedness objectives.
13. Manage and supervise the Preparedness unit and staff and support the Chief, PCCA
Division in establishing the annual work plan, setting priorities/targets and performance
measurements.
14. Provide technical support and guidance to regional preparedness officers and country
offices on preparedness programs, including anticipatory actions.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, Social

Sciences, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of
professional experience; or

• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Relevant professional experience in emergency preparedness and response, including

experience at the international level and in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.

• Knowledge and experience of different aspects of emergency preparedness and response;
• Experience working at an international level with UN, international organization and

non-government organizations in complex humanitarian operations including conflict and
post-conflict contexts;

• Experience in programme coordination, project development and monitoring and evaluation;

and,

• Proven experience in strategic planning, coordination, resource mobilization and project

management skills; excellent communication and negotiation skills; proficiency in data analysis
and reporting; familiarity with humanitarian principles and standards. Skills

• Knowledge of integrating human mobility considerations in disaster risk management.
• In depth knowledge of emergency preparedness, risk analysis, anticipatory action frameworks,

early warning and early actions systems.

• Knowledge of humanitarian delivery considerations, including ensuring accountability to

affected people;

• Ability to conceptualize and strategically analyze capacity, including articulation of the

humanitarian dimension of complex issues that require coordination within a UN response;

• Excellent communication and verbal skills, including capacity to organize and facilitate expert

panels, and to present original materials in international conferences.

• Strong organizational and coordination skills and ability to work independently and as part of a

team

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, accurately and independently, including when working

against sudden, multiple, tight, and demanding deadlines.

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products particularly Share Point and Teams and other

software used for presentations as well as Power Bi and other software used for dashboards.

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

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 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 05 November 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 23.10.2024 to 05.11.2024
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 631 Head, Preparedness Unit (Senior Preparedness and Anticipatory Action
Officer) (P4) Geneva, Switzerland (59227994) Released
Posting: Posting NC59227995 (59227995) Released