Integrated Border Stability Mechanism (IBSM) Coordinator (P)

Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 15866
Position Title: Integrated Border Stability Mechanism (IBSM) Coordinator (P)
Duty Station City: Dakar
Duty Station Country: Senegal
Grade: P-5
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 24 July 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 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:

1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates
3. 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.

Context

The International Organization for Migration, Regional Office for West and Central Africa is the Coordinator of the Integrated Border Stability Mechanism (IBSM), a multilateral coordinating structure established in September 2023 and uniting the complementary mandates and expertise of IOM, UNOCT (United Nations Office for Counter Terrorism), UNODC (United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime) and INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization). The principal objective of the IBSM is to improve integrated border governance and security in areas strategically relevant for regional stability, with a particular focus on promoting cross-border cooperation between neighboring states. By improving coordination and cooperation among relevant national, regional, and international stakeholders, the IBSM aims at specifically supporting West African states, and international partners in facilitating joint action and in implementing regional and national strategies and policy frameworks in support of border stability.

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Regional Director for Operations, the Integrated Border Stability Mechanism (IBSM) Coordinator will be responsible and accountable for coordinating the joint action of the IBSM agencies within the Secretariat, reporting to the Strategic management Board of the IBSM, managing the IBSM Secretariat and all components related to the achievement of the objectives of the IBSM.

Responsibilities

1. Direct IOM’s operational, human resources, administrative, budgetary and financial activities of the Integrated Border Stability Mechanism (IBSM) in accordance with the Organization's rules and procedures.

2. Serve as the primary point for the IBSM and play an integral role in maintaining strong relationships and engaging in strategic discussions with all Secretariat agencies, IBSM partners and stakeholders (including Government and donors) and in developing new partnerships to inform the actions of the IBSM.

3. Represent the IBSM Secretariat at the highest level to IBSM focus countries, donors, implementing organizations, media, and other stakeholders. Develop, contribute to and promote the IBSM's overall mandate and strategy and spearhead strategic planning, results orientation and operational excellence, following appropriate consultation with the IBSM focus countries, the Strategic Management Board, donors and other relevant partners and stakeholders.

4. Coordinate the joint action of the IBSM agencies within the Secretariat to promote the IBSM identity, the progressive integration of the IBSM cross-cutting thematic areas and the implementation of the Secretariat’s recommendations in the initiatives being funded in the focus countries.

5. Establish, in coordination with the Strategic Management Board, an effective onboarding process for all Agency focal points in the Secretariat to foster a shared understanding of objectives and goals of the IBSM, oversee their responsibilities and ensure high quality performance.

6. Lead and entrust, as required, to relevant Secretariat focal points, the implementation of relevant activities indicated in the IBSM Workplan, the development of comprehensive working documents including analyses, impact, policy, evaluation, statistics, terms of reference, workplans and action plans, among others in alignment with the goals of the IBSM and its thematic areas.

7. Support the Strategic Management Board in:

a. developing the vision and direction of the IBSM, ensuring alignment with national, regional and global objectives.

b. providing expert recommendations to shape decisions and actions to advance security and stability in line with the objectives of the IBSM.

c. identifying potential risks and mitigating measures that may impact on the work of the IBSM.

d. developing and/or strengthening partnerships and complementing existing coordination formats in order to establish regular exchanges at policy and technical levels on matters related the thematic areas of the IBSM.

e. coordinating projects and programs with relevance for the IBSM, including mapping out resource mobilization opportunities and aligning needs with international support, among others.

8. Prepare and manage meetings and other activities of the Strategic Management Board and the IBSM Secretariat, including developing focused and well-structured agenda, preparing supporting materials, making logistical arrangements, and maintaining records, minutes and supporting documentation, highlighting key decisions and actionable tasks.

9. Monitor adherence to the approved Terms of Reference and Workplan of the IBSM Secretariat, identifying any deviations that may necessitate immediate attention and proposing appropriate measures at the relevant level. Report regularly to the Strategic Management Board on progress achieved and developments and prepare briefings and background information requested by the Board and/or the Regional Office, Headquarters (HQ), the Governments and other entities.

10. Enhance, in coordination with the Strategic Management Board, the visibility of the IBSM and professionalize external communications, by developing a comprehensive strategy that incorporates clear and consistent messaging, web design, effective use of digital platforms, and tailored outreach to key stakeholders, among others.

11. Facilitate knowledge generation and management through the identification of best practices and lessons learned and knowledge products development to ensure efficiency of the IBSM.

12. Perform such other duties that may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Extensive experience in general management, resources management and fundraising; governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions;
• Proven record of establishing and maintaining good working relationships with governmental and diplomatic authorities, national, regional and international institutions, international agencies (i.e., UN), and civil society organizations;
• Extensive experience in formulating and delivering large and diverse programmes in complex settings in a range of migration programming, both in the context of emergency and development programming; and,
• Work experience in the Region.

Skills

• Excellent communications and public relations skills, both oral and written; Ability to prepare strategic documents, reports and speeches, among others for the various audiences and activities of the IBSM;
• Strong leadership, management and coordination capacity and liaison and negotiation skills;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Effective resources management skills, sound knowledge of financial and business administration and of the principles and practices of management;
• Sound judgment, ability to analyze information and make decisions rapidly to resolve operational problems;
• Efficiency, flexibility, high level of professionalism and ability to adhere to strict deadlines;
• Strong knowledge of programme development, management and capacity-building methodologies; and,
• Knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation procedures and Frameworks.

Languages

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

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) is an advantage.

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

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 - 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. 

Notes

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, 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

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Initial Contract Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type: Professional
Grade: P-5
Alternative Required Language 1: English
Alternative Required Language2: French