International Organization for Migration
Position Title: Deputy Director, Department of Legal Affairs
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
Classification: Professional Staff, Grade D1
Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 26 October 2022
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:
- Internal candidates
- External female candidates:
- Candidate from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba (Netherlands); Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Cuba; Curaçao; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu
Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.
Context:
The Department of Legal Affairs provides legal advice to the Director General, the Deputy Directors General, Regional Offices, Country Offices, and other Departments and Offices of the Organization. The Department provides support to ensure that the activities and operations of the Organization are carried out in accordance with the Legal Framework governing IOM, including the IOM Constitution, decisions of the governing bodies of IOM, the Unified Staff Regulations and Rules, the Financial Regulations and Rules, IOM instructions and international law.
The Department of Legal Affairs is comprised of three Divisions, the Contracts Law Division, the General and Administrative Law Division, and the Institutional Law and Programme Support Division. The Legal Counsel is responsible for managing the Department and providing strategic direction for the work of the Department, as well as providing legal advice to Senior Management.
The Deputy Director will be working under the direct supervision of the Legal Counsel.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
- Supports and provides strategic advice to the Legal Counsel in the management of the Department of Legal Affairs and in the development and implementation of a strategic vision for the Department.
- Provides legal advice on matters referred to the Office of the Legal Counsel, assuming direct responsibility for specific matters as agreed with the Legal Counsel.
- Has a key role in the negotiation, review or supervision of agreements of a cross-cutting nature, including agreements on the privileges and immunities of the Organization.
- Supports the Legal Counsel in advising the governing bodies of the Organization, including on the interpretation of the Constitution and Rules of Procedure.
- Leads in the coordination of the review of reports from audit entities and other oversight mechanisms, requiring a response or input from the Department.
- Leads in the development and coordination of the regional legal hubs.
- Leads in the development and implementation of knowledge management systems and processes for the Department to ensure information flow, tracking of incoming matters, and record-keeping.
- Leads in the development and implementation of standards, processes and templates, ensuring effective quality control in the Department.
- Represents the Department at internal meetings (internal bodies, boards, workings groups or committees) and external meetings (external parties, including Member States, UN system organizations and other partners).
- Has a key role in managing the human and financial resources for the Department, including preparing budget proposals and promoting the professional development of personnel of the Department.
- Acts as Officer-in-Charge in the absence of the Legal Counsel.
- Assumes other duties as required.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education
- Master’s degree or equivalent or a higher Degree in Law from an accredited academic institution with fifteen years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- Of the required years of relevant professional experience, five years of experience in an international organization, or in a government, with substantial experience in international law and the law applicable to international organizations;
- In-depth experience in handling issues of privileges and immunities; constitution, mandate, and rules of procedure of governing bodies of international organizations; and international law, including international humanitarian law; and, • Experience in migration issues.
Skills
- Proven skills in negotiations with governments.
Languages
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.
External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).
For all applicants, fluency in English and another official IOM language is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of third IOM official language 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
This position is classified as “tenured”. The selected candidate will be subject to a maximum tenure of (a) 8 years of service, if they did not hold other positions within IOM at the duty station of the tenured post, and (b) 11 years of service at the duty station, if they held other staff positions at the current IOM duty station of the tenured post (regardless of position type or contract type). Upon reaching the maximum tenure, the incumbent must vacate the position.
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 three values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
- 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.
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 action 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 potential.
- Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
- Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.
https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf
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 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
To apply, interested applicants are invited to submit their applications HERE via the IOM e-Recruitment system by 26 October 2022.
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 06.10.2022 to 26.10.2022
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 2022 333 Deputy Director, Department of Legal Affairs (D1) Geneva, Switzerland (57781778) Released
Posting: Posting NC57781779 (57781779) Released