Deputy Chief of Mission (P)

Deputy Chief of Mission (P) | IOM - International Organization for Migration

Deputy Chief of Mission (P)

IOM - International Organization for Migration Abuja International P-5, International Professional - Internationally recruited position level Speaks English, French

Application deadline: April 22, 2026

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Summary by Impactpool

The Deputy Chief of Mission (DCoM) at IOM will support the Chief of Mission in ensuring coherence between the Country Office's programs and support services. This role involves representing IOM with national authorities and partners, overseeing the formulation of country strategies, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The DCoM will also lead donor relations and engage in inter-agency coordination to enhance program delivery. The position requires strong leadership and strategic thinking to improve overall performance and achieve program results.

Candidate Requirements:

Master’s degree in relevant field or University degree with additional experience

Ten years of relevant professional experience (or twelve with a University degree)

Experience in inter-agency coordination and strategic engagement

Proven experience in managing programs in crisis and development contexts

Previous experience as Head of Office or Senior Programme Manager

Extensive experience in external relations and liaising with authorities

Sound knowledge of program development and management methodologies

Fluency in English; knowledge of French is an advantage

Job Description

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 at  IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

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

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.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director (RD) and direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and in close coordination with relevant Departments in Headquarters (HQ), the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCoM) will be responsible and accountable for providing support to the CoM in their responsibility to ensure coherence between the Programmes and Support Services of the Country Office (CO), including Programme Development for the CO. The Deputy Chief of Mission will ensure that implementation of IOM programmes is done in an effective and efficient manner consistent with CO’s Strategy as well as Regional Strategy, Global Compact for Migration (GCM) objectives and 203 agenda and in line with the expectations of the IOM’s donors and beneficiaries, while collaborating with the national and regional authorities.

Responsibilities

1. In coordination with the CoM, represent the CO by promoting IOM activities with the national authorities, diplomatic corps, governmental and private donors, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), government authorities or de facto government authorities, and other partners in the Country and Region.
2. Oversee the formulation of Country Strategies, policies and approaches across IOM’s operational portfolio, and identify and develop new programmes to address emerging needs while ensuring systematic implementation capacity, in close coordination with the Programme Support Unit (PSU).
3. Contribute to ensuring the highest efficiency in CO’s Risk Management and Compliance functions, to ensure strengthening internal controls and compliance with contractual rules and regulations through effective management and the provision of accurate, researched, and documented risk and compliance information, effective delivery of services, transparent utilization, and management of programme resources.
4. Ensure the continuous, effective, and efficient planning, coordination and integration between the CoM and DCoM Offices and the Sub-Offices.
5. Work closely with the CoM/Special Envoy, Heads of Sub-Offices and Heads of Units to enhance inter-unit collaboration and coordination, to maximize efficiencies and efficacy within the CO programming to ensure, that all CO’s Units work towards common goals and a consistent and coherent strategy.
6. Make strategic recommendations and provide advice to the CoM and Senior Management to improve overall performance of the CO and support the CoM’s Office with development of strategy/policies/guidance notes, organize regular Senior Management Meetings (SMT), set¬up meetings with external partners (UN/de facto authorities), prepare speeches/talking points, and support/facilitate consultation process with defector authorities/UN/international community on CO’s strategies.
7. In close coordination with the Resources Management Unit (RMU), Programme Support Unit and respective Programmes Managers, ensure compliance of all projects with IOM and donor regulations, policies and obligations as indicated in the funding agreements, project documents, work plans and budgets.
8. Oversee field operations to ensure implementation of the humanitarian, development and peace building nexus to ensure timely, effective and efficient programming delivery, ensuring through sound leadership, supervision and monitoring that all blockages, disruptions and delays are avoided in order to achieve program results and that these results are measurable.
9. Lead the development of strong donor

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