Head, International Migration Law Unit

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

Applications are welcome from first
- 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_

**_ Context:_**

The International Migration Law Unit, part of the Policy, Knowledge and Research is the
institutional Focal Point on all the aspects of international law and standards relevant to
migration. A key objective of the Unit is to encourage the dissemination and understanding both
within IOM and among IOM counterparts of the international legal standards that govern
migration and protect the rights of all individuals involved into or affected by migration. IML Unit
contributes to the objectives of the Department of Data, Insight and Policy Coordination and
promotes migration governance through policy and legislation that is more effective and
consistent with international standards.

The Unit assists governments in developing and implementing migration legislation, policies and
procedures in line with international and regional frameworks and promotes a rights-based
approach to policy and IOM programming. The Unit provides guidance, expert advice and
technical support to IOM country and regional offices, as well as to HQ, on issues and projects
linked to international migration law. Moreover, the Unit is responsible for promoting the
Organization’s compliance with human rights standards in its activities and the implementation
of a rights-based approach to IOM programming in line with and contributing to IOM priorities. It
also represents IOM in forums dedicated to monitoring and implementation of international law
and cooperates with the United Nations treaty monitoring bodies, other United Nations agencies
and academia, among others.

Under the direct supervision of the Director, Policy, Knowledge and Research Division and in
close collaboration with other relevant Departments and Divisions, the Head, International
Migration Law Unit will be responsible for overseeing and managing the development and
implementation of the Organization's International Migration Law (IML) activities.

**_ Core Functions / Responsibilities:_**

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 g