Job Identification (Reference Number): 16851
Position Title: Chief of Mission (P)
Duty Station City: Bangkok
Duty Station Country: Thailand
Grade: P-5
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Call for Expression of Interest
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 29 September 2025
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.
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture atย IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
Internal and external candidates will be considered for this vacancy. For the purposes of this vacancy, internal candidates are defined as staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded or ungraded contract, including Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), staff on Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP), and staff members on secondment/loan released by the Organization, unless otherwise specified in their contract.
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 call, the following are considered first-tier candidates:
Internal candidates External female candidates: Candidates from the following non-represented member states:Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Madagascar, 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 and female candidates.ย
Organizational Context and Scope
Under the overall guidance of the Director General, the direct supervision of the Regional Director (RD) of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) in Bangkok, Thailand and in close cooperation with relevant Units at ROAP and Headquarters (HQ), theย Chief of Mission will be responsible and accountable for the activities of IOM Thailand, overseeing and providing policy, administrative, programme and financial support.ย
The successful candidate will be IOM's principal interlocutor with the Government of Thailand (GoT) relevant ministries, diplomatic representatives, UN Agencies and other organizations, as well as local and international Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in country. The successful candidate will be responsible for liaising with the GoT on the full range of IOMโs migration-related services and ensuring the Regional Office (RO) and Headquarters (HQs) Units are informed of relevant issues and programmatic developments. The successful candidate will also be responsible and accountable for developing and promoting IOM's Strategic Vision and programming within the overall regional and global strategic frameworks.
Development and follow up of strategies, policies and programmes
1. Develop, clarify and contribute to IOM's overall mandate and strategy through the development and implementation of programming, ensuring appropriate consultation with the Regional Office, Headquarters and other relevant stakeholders.
2. Keep abreast of migration issues and emerging trends, including the formulation of action plans, priority setting, and identify programme and project opportunities, in consultation with the RD, Regional Thematic Specialists (RTS) and HQs.
3. Play an integral role in migration policy discussions and ensure approved policies are appropriately integrated in national initiatives. Support the regional and international processes and dialogues on migration.
4. Ensure implementation of the IOM Strategic Vision and the application of the Internal Governance Framework (IGF).
5. Work closely with relevant government authorities to secure appropriate P&I at the country level.
6. Stimulate, catalyse and support programme development in-country through regular stakeholder consultations. Assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of programme development strategies and fundraising and recommend process improvements.
7. Direct and monitor project planning, design and implementation of IOMโs migration management programmes. Evaluate IOM's operational activities and prepare recommendations with a view to increasing their effectiveness.
8. Advise the RO and HQ on national policy and emerging migration issues affecting the activities of IOM and make recommendations or prepare proposals for appropriate action; develop and update the respective country strategy, as guided by IOMโs Strategic Vision and Migration Governance Framework (MiGOF).
9. Support government in realizing the objectives of the Global Compact on Migration (GCM).ย
10. Ensure that safety and security management of IOM personnel, facilities and assets are implemented, in coordination with the Regional Field Security Officer and that safety and security oversight in-country is implemented.ย
11. Ensure the establishment and regular maintenance of the IOM Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for Thailand and risk mitigation and management mechanisms are in place.
12. Promote and strengthen relationships and identify opportunities for IOM programming in response to changing trends and situations and, where relevant, ensure that IOM cluster-led functions are carried out and reported upon regularly.
13. Advocate and support relevant government authorities and key stakeholders on the development of appropriate policies and strategies on migration management, including the mainstreaming of migration into national plan and budgets. Support their proactive engagement within global/regional processes.ย
14. Prepare regular and ad hoc reports highlighting impact, policy formulation, financial, evaluation and data covering IOM activities. Prepare briefings and background information requested by the Regional Office, HQ, government and other entities, donors and stakeholders.
15. Oversee the back-office support to the Bali Process Regional Support Office (RSO) and maintain coordination and collaboration with co-Managers at the RSO, in consultation with RO and other IOM missions as when appropriate.ย
Resources Management and Capacity Building
16. In coordination with the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, direct the operational, human resources, administrative, budgetary and financial activities of the main office and sub-offices in accordance with the Organizationโs rules and procedures.
17. Exercise oversight of financial management, expenditure, and budget preparation, ensure appropriate and timely reporting to donors, and prepare briefings and background information requested by the RO and HQ, government and other entities.
18. Ensure establishment and strengthening of internal controls aimed at preventing fraud and mismanagement in all operations.ย
19. Gather and promote sustainable/best practices, as well as lessons learned from activities carried out by the respective IOM office(s) under its supervision.
Resource Mobilization
20. Explore funding opportunities, programme development, and secure funding and partnerships in coordination with governmental departments/ministries, private sector, and donors. Assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of resource mobilization and donor liaison strategies and recommend process improvements.
Representation of IOM
21. Support regional and international processes and dialogues on migration. Ensure the participation of relevant government officials across these initiatives in order to promote IOM's image and programmes.
22. Represent the Organization at national and international conferences and meetings, develop public relations and media activities, and ensure participation in appropriate policy and operational United Nations Country Team (UNCT) inter-agency mechanisms; engage with UN agencies and partners in the development and implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) as applicable and review processes of the migration-relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), GCM; and coordinate with the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and partners on the UN Migration Network.
23. Chair the UN Migration Network Working Group in Thailand.ย
24. Develop strong partnerships with national and local authorities, diplomatic missions, international organizations, NGOs, private sector, academia, and media within country, particularly with the view to identify migration-related areas for developing common activities/projects in a complementary manner.
25. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Masterโs degree in field of Social Sciences, Political Sciences, International Relations or law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; orUniversity degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.Experience
Experience in diplomacy, fundraising and public relations, as well as in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions;Experience to work in international organization; and,Experience in working in Southeast Asia and East Asia an advantage.Skills
In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;Demonstrated strategic and creative thinking;Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming;Knowledge of programme planning, development, and management; and,Effective resource management skills, sound knowledge of financial and business administration and of the principles and practices of management; ability to motivate, supervise and coach/ direct staff;Excellent communications skills, both oral and written; ability to prepare and deliver speeches on various activities of the Organization;Proven liaison and negotiation skills; and,Knowledge of financial rules and regulations.Languages
IOMโs official languages are English, French, and Spanish.ย
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russia and Spanish) and/or any Thai or any Asian regional 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.
Required Competencies
IOMโs competency framework can be found at this link Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
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.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 โ 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 Organizationโs 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 โ behavioural indicators Level 3
Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organizationโs 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 Organizationโs goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.ยNotes
The eligibility criteria for expressing interest in roles covered by the Pathways Pool have been widened, as outlined in the Pathways Pool guidelinesย (see section 4):
current staff members who are members of the Pathways Pool will now also be able to express interest in relevant roles at lower-level grade(s);current staff members who are not members of the Pathways Pool may also express interest in roles covered by the Pathways Pool if the positions they encumber are due to be abolished as part of structural adjustments and if they meet certain requirements (as per Pathways Pool guidelinesย section 4). However, they will have to undergo a Fast-Track Pathways Assessment if they are being considered for the role.ยFor any questions, please contact pathwayspool@iom.int.
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.
For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty stationโs country cannot be considered eligible.
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 theย IOM e-Recruitmentย systemย (for internal candidates linkย 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:ย IOM Careers and Job Vacancies.