Chief of Staff

Of

Organization: IMO - International Maritime Organization
Location: Of
Grade: Senior Executive level - D-1, Director - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Managerial positions
Closing Date: 2025-11-26

Title: Chief of Staff

Vacancy Reference: V.N. 25-31

Location: OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Contract Hours: Fixed Term (Professional and Higher categories)

Role: Fixed Term (Professional and Higher categories)

Salary:

US$ 116,095 net per annum, plus post adjustment (currently US$ 93,687). Salary is free of income tax in the United Kingdom.

Date of Issue: 05/11/2025

Deadline for Applications: 26/11/2025

Purpose for the Post

Reporting to the Secretary-General, the Chief of Staff is responsible for overseeing the core processes that enable the integrated delivery of the Organization’s mandate, in particular strategic, corporate planning, policy coordination and facilitating, senior-level decision-making and information management.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Secretary-General, the incumbent will have direct responsibility for leading and coordinating operations across the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG), while undertaking managerial and advisory roles that encompass functions as follows:

1. Provide overall support to the Secretary-General to ensure the effective direction and integrated management of the IMO Secretariat in line with his strategic vision and provide expert advice on the substance, design and implementation of forward leaning strategies and approaches to support and enable the Organization’s work, while ensuring effective and coherent communications for execution of duties within the Secretariat.

2. Hold the management responsibility for the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) staff to ensure that the Secretary-General receives the required support to carry out his functions, including preparation of the work programme of the Office, determining priorities, allocation resources for the completion of outputs in a timely manner.

3. In close collaboration with the Director of the Legal and External Affairs Division (LED), co-ordinates and oversees all aspects of internal and external communications in line with the Organization’s communications strategy, including by working with other Divisions to plan, coordinate and develop communications products, and oversee content management.

4. Assists the Secretary-General with driving organizational change across the Divisions and hand in hand with the Divisions’ Directors, including the identification of associated risk mitigation strategies.

5. Manage and participate in, the Organization-wide strategic planning processes providing oversight of the strategic planning, ensuring coherence between mandated tasks and plans including the Secretariat’s business plan and the development of the risk management, as required by the Assembly resolutions and guidance of the Council.

6. Coordinate, in consultation with the Director of the Administrative Division (AD) and the LED Director, as well as other Directors as necessary, the preparations of the Assembly and the Council and support the meetings of the Assembly, Council and Council Working Groups on various agenda items, as appropriate.

7. Provide assistance and advice to the Secretary-General in the development of strategic and managerial policies and procedures of the Secretariat, taking into account relevant policy and best practices available in the United Nations (UN) common system and/or in the public sector.

8. Lead the development of policies on issues related to the achievements of the Organization’s mission, in conjunction with the Internal Oversight Services, monitor the effectiveness of internal administrative procedures and make proposals for streamlining them, as appropriate.

9. Serve as a member of the Senior Management Committee (SMC) with focus on IMO’s strategic discussions and policy development.

10. Coordinate work in the different areas both within the Office of the Secretary-General and across the Secretariat, and with other organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate.

11. Serve as the principal focal point for communication with the UN common system, in particular, with regards to the Chief Executive Board (CEB) and the High Level Committee on Programmes (HLCP) and keep the Secretary-General informed of critical issues requiring his intervention or decision on behalf of IMO.

12. Manage communications and information flow between Member States/Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)/Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the Secretary-General’s Office on issues related to IMO’s functions and, if necessary, facilitate discussions on them through the SMC or with relevant division/department.

13. Advise the Secretary-General on protocol matters and supervise and provide guidance on the preparation and coordination of the Secretary-General’s official missions, participation in various events and delivery of speeches and addresses.

14. Promote cooperation and coordination of all Divisions of the IMO Secretariat and all external stakeholders engaged in the activities of the Organization; and

15. Assume responsibility from time to time for specific areas of work, as required and as assigned by the Secretary-General.

Required Competencies

a) Ability to implement the strategic vision of the Secretary-General and make decisions with a focus on obtaining results.
b) Strong leadership skills and experience in managing a diverse team of staff and budgetary resources.
c) Proven analytical and organizational skills with the ability to focus on outcomes and thorough implementation of activities. Ability to think creatively and improve services.
d) Ability to negotiate and influence effectively to build consensus and achieve objectives.
e) Excellent spoken, written and presentation skills, and ability to provide guidance and explain complex issues and positions to a variety of audiences.
f) Excellent diplomatic skills including ability to establish and maintain strategic networks and partnerships with Member States, United Nations agencies and other international partners.

Professional Experience

Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in the maritime sector, including five years in a senior management position is required. Experience in international organizations or governmental services is highly desirable. A proven track record of leadership and management in multicultural settings, including coordination of interdisciplinary teams is required. Experience coordinating inter-agency and operational planning and analysis in or for an organization is also required.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree) is required in one of the following disciplines: nautical sciences, marine engineering, maritime administration, business administration, public administration, management, maritime law, or a related field.

Language Skills

Advanced level of proficiency in English, both written and oral, is essential. Proficiency in another official language(s) of the UN will be highly desirable.

Other Skills

Experience in management of diverse teams and international activities is essential. Senior management experience in the United Nations, government service or maritime sector context would be advantageous.

Contract Information

Fixed-term for two years (first year is probationary) with the possibility of further extension, subject to satisfactory performance

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

Apply