Head of Sub-Office (P)

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.

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
• Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories:
• Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second-tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

Context

Irregular migration along the Central Mediterranean Route remains one of the most dangerous migration pathways globally. Migrants face heightened risks of trafficking, exploitation, and abuse along the route, with disproportionate impacts on vulnerable groups. In response, the European Union (EU) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) jointly developed the EU IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration, implemented in 14 countries across West, Central and North Africa, including Cameroon.

The Initiative aims to protect the dignity and rights of migrants, strengthen national migration governance frameworks, and support sustainable reintegration in communities of origin. In Cameroon, the programme is implemented in close coordination with government institutions, local authorities, civil society, and international partners. Activities include protection assistance, voluntary return support, community-based reintegration, Migration Health Assessment Centre (MHAC) health operations, capacity building, and data collection on migration trends.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission, the Head of Sub-Office will manage the operational, administrative, and programmatic functions of the Sub Office in Douala. They will ensure effective coordination of field activities, high quality implementation of reintegration and community initiatives, and sound management of MHAC health assessment operations.

Education

• Master’s degree in Development Studies, Social Sciences, International Relations, Political Science, International Law, or a related field from an accredited institution with a minimum of five years of relevant experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in assisted voluntary return and reintegration, community-based reintegration, or similar direct assistance work;
• Experience working with UN Agencies, international organizations, or international NGOs;
• Experience in protection (child protection, counter-trafficking, MHPSS) is an asset;
• Experience in field coordination, team supervision, and operational oversight required; and,
• Experience in MHAC or health assessment operations is an added advantage.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills;
• Strong organizational, analytical, and strategic thinking skills;
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural environments;
• Ability to guide, supervise, and motivate staff;
• Knowledge of migration governance and operational standards;
• Familiarity with financial rules, procurement procedures, and accountability frameworks; and,
• Understanding of data protection, responsible data use, and digital/AI tools.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of 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

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

Previous applicants do not need to re-apply.

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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 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 the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link 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: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies.

Key Duties

• Lead, coordinate, and supervise daily field operations across targeted regions, ensuring coherent planning, efficient implementation, risk sensitive decision making, and timely reporting. Provide functional oversight to field staff and ensure adherence to institutional and ethical standards.
• Coordinate and administrative, logistical, and procurement processes for effective and timely implementation of activities, including full operational oversight of the MHAC clinic in Douala, in compliance with IOM’s operational and administrative procedures.