Head of Operations (P)

Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number):  17175
Position Title: Head of Operations
Duty Station City: Quito
Duty Station Country: Ecuador
Grade: P-3
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: 27 October 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

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

                1.        Internal candidates

                2.        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

Context

IOM Ecuador seeks to provide safe, orderly, and dignified migration support to the various migrant populations within the territory, with a focus on saving lives, advancing durable solutions in response to displacement, and facilitating regular pathways for migration.

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director and the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission, and in close coordination with the mission’s Senior Management Team, the Head of Operations will be responsible for providing technical, programmatic, administrative and logistical oversight for the management of IOM Ecuador’s different programmes.

Responsibilities

1. Oversee the effective development and implementation of the various projects of IOM Ecuador by exercising administrative, operational and financial management responsibility for relevant projects. 
2. Provide operational management, guidance and technical supervision to staff, assisting with programmatic strategy and implementation, including where to focus programme resources and operational challenges as they arise. 
3. Establish, maintain and further expand strong relationships across UN Agencies, humanitarian organizations, government and community interlocutors, and with a broad range of other local interests toward the successful implementation of IOM’s programmes through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.  
4. Under the guidance of the CoM, ensure continuous, effective, and efficient planning, coordination, in support of the IOM Country Strategy, contribute to the development of external planning strategies, external coordination on strategic areas of engagement.  
5. Ensure key programmatic directions are shared with international stakeholders, including donors, to maximize impact, minimize overlapping and drive resource mobilization for the new programmes. 
6. Ensure timely and quality preparation and submission of all programme reports, in close coordination with the Programme Support Units, Resource Management Unit and CoM according to requirements of IOM, donors and relevant stakeholders. 
7. Coordinate and manage the elaboration and compilation of programme updates/briefs for donors, government and other relevant stakeholders, by ensuring compliance with donor requirements and procedures. 
8. Monitor progress against strategic objectives, programme benchmarks, and provide advice with respect to improvements and corrections; oversee the establishment of a common Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework that incorporates regular reporting requirements, IOM’s Strategic Results Framework (SRF) and impact evaluation strategies, in close coordination with Country Office (CO) M&E Officer. 
9. Ensure objectives set in programme documents, in IOM’s SRF, budgets, M&E frameworks and work plans are compliant with IOM’s organizational policies and donor’s contractual requirements, interests and expectations. 
10. Guide, monitor and follow-up with relevant staff in support of CO’s strategic inputs and key decisions, including substantively contributing to the CO’s development of the country programme.  
11. Participate and engage actively at relevant donor or partner meetings, briefings and conferences at the international and national level. 
12. Supervise and provide technical support to all relevant Operations pillar staff. Mentor and support staff, conduct relevant training and ensure the capacity building of Operations staff. 
13. Coordinate the development, dissemination and regular update of assessment and monitoring tools. Draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Programme activities, if required.  
14. Undertake travel duties nationally or internationally, as required, including regular visits to Sub-Offices, to coordinate, develop and/or support programme implementation. 
15. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.  

Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in international relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Economic Development, Business or Public Administration, International Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or, 
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in programme conceptualisation, development, monitoring, reporting and evaluation;  
• Experience in programme development and capacity-building activities; 
• Experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities as well as with national and international institutions; 
• Experience with infrastructure projects, and/or shelter and settlements programming is a strong advantage; and,
• Experience in organizing consultations, workshops and seminars with high level stakeholders.

Skills

• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming;
• Familiarity with financial and business administration;
• Sound and proven understanding of internal and international migration issues in the country and in the region;
• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant Government counterparts, international organizations, private sector entities, and civil society, for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach;  
• Excellent leadership, coordination, and information management skills;
• Detailed knowledge of the UN System, NGOs and other international organizations/institutions;
• Knowledge of migration data, Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, labour and circular migration patterns in Ecuador and ability to negotiate;  
• Good knowledge of human and financial resources management;  
• Strong conceptualization, analytical and writing skills;  
• Strong communication, organizational and interpersonal relationship skills;  
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure with minimum supervision; and,  
• Ability to establish and maintain partnerships with development partners, government counterparts, UN agencies, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders.

Language

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

For this position, fluency in Spanish and English required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, and Russian) is an advantage.

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 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 2

•  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 2

• 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.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, 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.

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

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