Job Identification (Reference Number): 17294
Position Title: Head of Humanitarian Assistance and Operations (P)
Duty Station City: Cox’s Bazar
Duty Station Country: Bangladesh
Grade: P-4
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to six months with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: Six months with possibility of extension
Closing date: 06 November 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.

Organizational Context and Scope

Following escalation of violence in Rakhine State, Myanmar, on the 25 August 2017, more than half a million Rohingya have fled across the border into Bangladesh, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis. IOM, in support of the Government of Bangladesh, has been mandated to support coordination of humanitarian activities in Cox’s Bazar. 

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and direct supervision of Head of Sub-Office/ Senior Emergency Coordinator, the Head of Humanitarian Assistance and Operations will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the refugee response programmes being conducted in Cox’s Bazar Sub-Office. 

1. Responsible and accountable for project development, management and implementation of preparedness and response programmes/ projects funded by multiple donors including private sectors, in line with the Organization’s policies, standards and operating modalities, as well as donor requirements.
2. In collaboration with the Resource Management Unit (RMU), exercise financial oversight responsibility for projects and activities, and support Programme Managers to closely monitor programme expenditures and commitments in line with donor agreements. Assist the Head of Sub Office (HoSo) and ensure that the unit is continuously staffed with qualified personnel.
3. In close coordination with the Transition and Recovery Unit, provide strong leadership to context analysis and strategic planning efforts in support of mid- to long-term programming objectives; and identify areas of collaboration between the units to deliver an integrated assistance to the refugees. 
4. In close coordination with the Programme Support Unit (PSU), assess programmatic opportunities and support project development and reporting efforts, including on site management, planning and development, shelter and Non-Food Items (NFI), Health, Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), Protection, Needs and Population Monitoring (NPM) and IOM led sectors and working groups.
5. In coordination with Head of Sub Office (HoSo) represent IOM in high-level government coordination meetings at the national, district and sub-district levels on issues related to IOM in Cox’s Bazar; participate in other relevant inter-agency and governmental coordination mechanisms and meetings to ensure harmonization of approaches and strategies as they relate to the ongoing crisis response.
6. Ensure IOM representation and meaningful programme reporting and participation in the Inter Sector Coordination Group (ISCG) coordination mechanisms in Cox’s Bazar. 
7. In close coordination with the Head of Sub Office (HoSo)  and PSU, assist donor outreach and engagement, including working with IOM’s sector teams and partners on upcoming funding opportunities relevant to the thematic area.
8. Identify, evaluate and, as appropriate, establish operational partnerships with UN agencies, INGOs, government institutions and civil-society in support of IOM’s programmatic objectives.
9. Undertake regular on-site monitoring and field travel to assess programme performance; identify and follow up on measures to remedy problems in implementation; design, plan and carry out, or sub-contract, programme impact evaluations, as necessary, and in line with donor requirements.
10. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Economics, International Relations, Political Science, Physical Sciences, Engineering 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.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of humanitarian/recovery affairs, knowledge on global policies and guidelines related to humanitarian/recovery affairs and humanitarian reform;
• Experience working in implementation and delivery of humanitarian/recovery projects at the field level is a must;
• Experience working in complex settings that requires sound judgment, and operational flexibility; and,
• Previous experience in a similar capacity with humanitarian agencies, in particular the UN, preferred. 

Skills

• Have coordination and negotiation skills with a range of different stakeholders including government partners, UN agencies, NGOs, sectors; 
• Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely in English, with Bengali/Chittagonian or Rohingya language a strong advantage;
• Strong computer skills; 
• Proven high-level representation skills, such as speaking at meetings and providing situational analysis;
• Proven capacity to work effectively in small teams;
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and manage staff at an operational level in humanitarian emergencies;
• Excellent knowledge of the IOM project management cycle;
• Good knowledge of UN and donor programming;
• Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely in English;
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds; and,
• Proven ability to produce quality work accurately and concisely according to set deadlines.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

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

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 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 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.