Head of Sub-Office

International Organization for Migration

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM), the Head of Sub-Office (HoSO) in Erbil serves as International Organization for Migration s (IOM s) senior representative in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), leading the coordination, management, and operational oversight of IOM s activities and strategic engagement across the region.

While the position s primary geographic responsibility is the KRI, the HoSO also provides support to field coordination beyond the KRI, working closely with Head of Sub-Office nationwide to promote harmonized operational approaches, ensure effective information flow, and reinforce mission-wide coherence in line with IOM s policies, procedures, and strategic priorities.

The HoSO oversees the office s programme enabling functions including Information Management Systems (IMS), Cash-Based Interventions (CBI), Infrastructure, Data tracking Matrix (DTM)/Research, and Partnerships & Localization ensuring these technical and operational support areas effectively underpin the design, operationalization, and delivery of programmes across all field locations.

The HoSO contributes to programme development, operational planning, donor engagement, and external representation with regional authorities, United Nations (UN) counterparts, and other partners. The Head of Sub-Office ensures that IOM s operational systems, field structures, and enabling functions remain coordinated, responsive, and aligned with mission objectives and the broader organizational mandate.

Education

• Master s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Public Administration, 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.

Skills

• Demonstrated background in government liaison, inter-agency coordination, and donor engagement;
• Demonstrated ability to manage and coordinate complex operations within a UN or international organization, including working effectively across programmatic, operational and support functions;
• Demonstrated programme management skills, with experience overseeing multi-sector programmes, implementation modalities, and operational delivery in complex and evolving contexts;
• Proven capacity to manage and supervise large, multi-disciplinary teams across multiple locations, including remote management of field-based staff;
• Solid understanding of UN coordination mechanisms, inter-agency processes, and partnership modalities, including engagement with government counterparts, UN agencies, donors and implementing partners;
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess operational challenges, identify risks, and propose practical, context-appropriate solutions;
• Excellent communication and representation skills, with the ability to convey operational and programmatic information clearly to senior management, partners and donors;
• Ability to plan, prioritize and manage competing demands in high-pressure environments, ensuring continuity of programme delivery;
• Demonstrated leadership, negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster collaboration, accountability and performance across teams; and,
• Proficiency in drafting operational briefs, reports and inputs for senior management and external stakeholders.

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 and/or Kurdish is an advantage.

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.