Head, International Migration Law Unit

at  International Organization for Migration

Position Title : Head, International Migration Law Unit
Duty Station : Geneva, Switzerland
Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P4
Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible
Closing Date : 24 September 2024
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:
1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:
Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands;
Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic
Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated
States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Samoa; Sao
Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga;
Tuvalu; Vanuatu
Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and
female candidates.

EDUCATION

• Master’s degree in Law, International Law, Human Rights and Humanitarian Law,
  Administrative Law, Constitutional Law, or a related law field from an accredited academic

institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,

• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

EXPERIENCE

• At least seven years of experience, including at least some at the international level, in legal
  issues related to migration acquired with a government, an international organization, a

university, or an NGO.

• Excellent knowledge of international migration law issues, jurisprudence and literature.
• Demonstrated track record of providing substantive advice to government bodies, academia,

and civil society on IML issues.

• Experience in managing and implementing projects related to migration law.
• Experience in designing and delivering IML trainings.
• Experience in conducting legal research.

SKILLS

• First-rate legal, research, analytical, and drafting skills; and
• Demonstrated ability to draft publication-ready papers (primarily in English) on various
  subjects.

1. Strategize, plan and implement IML Unit’s work and activities to contribute to and support the
   implementation of the Department and Organizational priorities, strategic plans and policies on
   HQ, regional and country levels.
2. Provide direct oversight of the activities of the IML Unit, including the development and
   management of IML project activities, to ensure the successful implementation of the
   Organization’s technical cooperation, training and research projects in the field of IML.
3. Provide expert advice, guidance, and support on IML matters in Headquarters and IOM
   Country and Regional Offices, including in the development and implementation of operations
   and programs.
4. Provide advice in the development and review of IOM strategies and policies to ensure
   compliance with international migration law
5. Promote knowledge about international migration law within IOM through training and other
   activities; develop, and conduct pertinent external IML training activities. Liaise with training
   institutions / academies at the country level in view of establishing and developing collaborative
   partnerships and joint programming.
6. Provide expertise and legal advice on migration legislation and international migration law
   and related policies to external stakeholders such as governments, national, regional and
   international institutions, academia, and civil society.
7. Draft, initiate, or review academic research, including academic papers as required. Review
   and provide legal comments on research reports, articles, presentations, policy documents and
   proposals prepared by governments, international organizations, NGOs, and members of the
   academic community dealing with IML.
8. Supervise the development of an IML Database.
9. Represent the Organization at expert-level meetings and seminars with governments and
   other stakeholders and prepare and/or deliver presentations.
10. Liaise and collaborate on IML and related policy and research issues and initiatives with
    relevant experts in the UN system and in other international and regional organizations,
    including inter alia the ILO, UNESCO, OHCHR, UNHCR, the EU, the Council of Europe, and the
    academic community.
11. Develop and supervise the collaboration with UN treaty bodies as relevant and UN initiatives
    related to respect, fulfillment and promotion of human rights.
12. Set up structure , develop and oversee the implementation of the work and priorities of IML
    Unit and its staff.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.