CFA: Head of External Relations

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required.

Internal and external candidates will be considered for this vacancy.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the administrative supervision of the Head of Office, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Canada and the technical supervision of the Senior Director, Strategy and External Engagement in HQ, the Head of External Relations will lead strategic external engagement, partnerships and resource mobilization efforts in Canada.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a country-level resource mobilization strategy aligned with IOM priorities.
• Represent IOM in political engagement with high-level government officials and policy dialogue.
• Develop approaches to maximize IOM visibility and influence.
• Lead resource mobilization initiatives and donor engagement.
• Identify and prioritize strategic donors and funding opportunities.
• Lead strategic integration of external relations and resource mobilization.
• Maintain understanding of donor priorities, funding cycles and emerging trends.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master's degree in Political, Social Sciences, International Relations or related field with ten years of relevant experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant experience.

Experience

• Senior-level donor relations experience;
• Experience in policy dialogue related to international migration;
• Resource mobilization experience across donor types;
• Experience developing institutional resource mobilization strategies;
• Experience managing internal networks and knowledge sharing;
• Experience leading capacity-building initiatives;
• Experience advising senior leadership;
• Experience managing project budgets and staff.

Skills

• Engagement with Canada's political and governmental system;
• Knowledge of IOM systems and processes;
• Excellent public speaking and communication skills;
• Excellent capacity-building and management skills;
• Excellent writing skills;
• Familiarity with the global aid system;
• Ability to work in multicultural environments;
• Ability to prioritize and deliver under pressure.

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 and French is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

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

• 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

• 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.

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. Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. 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, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.