Position Title: Head, Climate Mobility Innovation Lab

Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya

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: 03 July 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; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Fiji; 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.

Context:

IOM has been engaged in migration, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction efforts since the early 1990s. IOM’s vision is to support States in their efforts to achieve safe, orderly, and regular international migration and to ensure that all people on the move and those internally displaced by the adverse impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters, are assisted and protected. In this regard, IOM`s activities reinforce local and national initiatives to prevent and prepare for disasters and related population movements, provide emergency assistance and protection where displacement cannot be avoided, and foster post-disaster recovery solutions and resilience-building.

In line with IOM’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028, the Climate Road Map and the Institutional Strategy on Migration, Environment and Climate Change 2021-2030, IOM’s Climate Change programming is informed by the following three broad objectives in managing environmental migration, intervening at each stage of the migration cycle:

1. “Solutions for people to move” - Managing migration in the context of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters due to natural hazards.
2. “Solutions for people on the move” - Assisting and protecting migrants and displaced persons in the context of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters due to natural hazards.
3. “Solutions for people to stay” - Making migration a choice by building resilience and addressing the adverse climatic and environmental drivers that compel people to move.

Under the overall supervision of the Climate Action Division (CAD) Director and the direct supervision of the Chief of Climate Mobility Innovation Lab and in collaboration with other CAD colleagues and relevant units, the Head, Climate Mobility Innovation Lab will use a laboratory approach, that will leverage transformative change by co-designing innovative and customized quality solutions for climate adaptation and just transition which will reduce pressure on ecosystems, drive resilience and sustainability for people and biodiversity, and generate financial return for sustainable development for communities and investors. Under the lab, IOM will lead with diverse partnerships private sector, academia, financial institutions, diaspora alliance and local stakeholders and will develop models and initiatives that allow for new financing with a high return on investment with a focus on depth of transformation, scale and reach a strategic response to the pressing challenges faced by communities affected by climate-induced migration.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

The Head, Climate Mobility Innovation Lab will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Oversee and lead the establishment of the Climate Mobility Innovation lab (CMIL) at the Africa region to develop bankable climate solutions on climate adaptation and green transition.
2. Cultivate and manage high-level relationships with key UN agencies, Academia, Private sector, expert organizations, and stakeholders. Act as IOM's primary Climate Mobility Innovation Lab lead for Africa Region ensuring alignment with global initiatives at Geneva level.
3. Present as IOM lead in Africa Climate Mobility Innovation Lab “Innovation Committee”.
4. Lead the coordination role in Africa for Climate Mobility Innovation lab (CMIL) peer to peer community of practice and joint forces and learning with GCM coordination mechanisms.
5. Lead with the innovation committee for Africa on the acceleration of existing ideas within IOM to facilitate their scaling up and replication. This service aims to lead the implementation and expansion of successful concepts, fostering their widespread adoption and impact.
6. Enhanced capacity, strategic thinking, and continuous adaptive learning on Climate Action and human mobility in Africa Region.
7. Lead on focused partnerships developed with academia and private sector on the use of science.
8. Develop and deliver impactful advocacy and leadership efforts in influence by evidence policy engagement on Climate Action. Stronger understanding and data on blockages and barriers to mainstreaming and scaling up Climate Action in different regions identified and addressed.
9. Lead on complementary actors unified and convening role established through evidence based and joint messaging on cross regional levels to support global level policies.
10. Lead on building collaboration across IOM divisions/units to integrate innovative tested climate solutions into IOM's sectoral interventions and programmes on emergency, resilience, and peace in Africa.
11. Develop and deliver targeted Climate Mobility Innovative webinars, and information sessions for country-level staff in Africa and across regions. Foster a culture of climate awareness and action throughout the organization.
12. Identify and build relationships with core Climate Action practitioners, focused donors and private sector entities in coordination with the Resource Mobilization Division and relevant IOM focal points.
13. Undertake duty travel as required.
14. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, Engineering, Emergency Management, Social Sciences, Environment, International Relations, or a related 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

• Leadership experience in Climate Change, Migration, and displacement; and,
• Demonstrated experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, crisis management, climate change adaptation, Knowledge management, Innovation, policy development, and planned relocation.

Skills

• Proven track record in fundraising for complex programs, coordinating inter-sectoral initiatives, and delivering capacity-building programs;
• Knowledge of humanitarian coordination mechanisms (HCTs, Clusters, etc.) and previous experience within the UN Common System is desirable;
• Ability to conceptualize and strategically analyse complex issues related to climate Change and human mobility;
• Excellent technical writing skills, including the ability to draft policy papers, thematic reports, and funding proposals;
• Proven ability to create networks and build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector;
• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively in English; tailors communication style to different audiences; and,
• Proven high-level representation skills – ability to speak at conferences and provide insightful analysis.

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 is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Arabic, Spanish or French is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five 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 – 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 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 – behavioural indicators level 3

• 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.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p df

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

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.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country and who do not have prior experience outside the duty station’s country as staff member in the Professional category cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.