Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 18372
Position Title: Director, Supply Chain Division (D)
Duty Station City: Thessaloniki
Duty Station Country: Greece
Grade: D-1
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: 09 February 2026

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, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, 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.

Context

Under the overall supervision of the Director General and direct supervision of the Deputy Director General for Management and Reform, the SCD Director will be accountable and responsible for directing, planning, organizing, managing, and controlling the global Supply Chain Management function of the Organization, including developing and establishing supply chain strategies, policy positions and procedures of the Organization and leading the transformative interventions as part of the ongoing Business Transformation Initiatives. IOM is a project-based organization and works in a decentralized manner. The Supply Chain Division (SCD) provides global support and ensures compliance for all supply chain management related activities worldwide.

SCD Director will provide an authoritative leadership role to the supply chain services, that are critical to various IOM projects implemented by missions worldwide, both regular and emergency related. The SCM scope will include Planning, Sourcing, Warehousing, Transportation/Distribution, Analytics and Reporting, development of related policies and instructions for procurement of goods and services, as well as construction and infrastructure needs of IOM and intervene in addressing and resolving difficult or sensitive matters or disputes, including those affecting efficient implementation by the field missions and offices worldwide.

The SCD Director will be responsible for, and have direct management oversight over, staff of the Supply Chain Division (SCD) in Geneva, and the Manila Supply Chain Unit (MSCU) staff within IOM Global Shared Services including Supply Chain Management specialists in Regional Offices, and will provide authoritative technical and policy advice, innovative leadership, and ensure the development and awareness raising, learning and capacity building for supply chain staff throughout the organization.

Plan, direct and coordinate an integrated system of supply chain management and contractual arrangements related to the provision of items and services necessary to meet the requirements of all programmes and projects executed by the Organization worldwide in the most effective and economic manner.
Formulate, advocate for and establish policies, operational directives, priorities, programme schedules, budgetary proposals and guidelines relating to supply chain management worldwide with emphasis on institutionalizing sound internal controls, cost effectiveness, donor compliance and rapid, high-quality service.
Provide strategic direction for IOM in its supply chain management to maximize efficiencies and speed of delivery, in line with operational needs in cooperation with the Headquarters Departments and relevant IOM Offices. Direct technical groups of staff and coordinate the interrelated activities by subordinate groups of staff and with other technical programmes in the Organization.
Develop and maintain effective liaison channels and relations with member states, donors and other external stakeholders (including UN agencies, Private Sector and Academia) on the coordination of related contractual interests and supply chain management activities, reporting on institutional matters, significant developments, participation in UN conferences and networks; represent IOM and speak at SCM related conferences, events, workshops and other international, technical and administrative meetings; interface with auditors, evaluators, and other such external institutions and organizations.
Establish, implement and monitor the Organization’s procurement and contract standards, ensure that an effective balance is established between global supply and national procurement capacity, and ensure that specification requirements, identification of supply sources, the determination of contract types, and ways and means of settling disputes and production problems are followed and regularly reviewed.
Oversee the planning and delivery of procurement requirements, ensuring appropriate controls, and consistent application and interpretation of IOM’s policies in making procurement decisions.
Develop and establish policy positions for the Organization's procurement and contract programmes for review and analysis; provide technical advice and guidance to senior management.
Manage, direct, support and supervise staff in the SCD and MSCU in IOM Global Shared Services and Regional Offices. Establish objectives and results based expected outputs, evaluate performance in compliance with IOM’s Performance Appraisal System (PAS), and develop the IOM community of practice for IOM staff involved in supply chain management. Create opportunities for desired change, promote professionalization, career planning and staff development for all staff engaged in supply chain management in the Division, GPSU, Regional and Country Offices.
Exercise strategic asset management and direct the financial, budgetary and administrative activities of the Division. Exercise oversight on financial expenditure and ensure accountable reporting. Direct the inputs of SCD for the preparation of the Programme and Budget.
Develop IOM global staff and surge capacity in supply chain management. Liaise effectively with the Office of the Legal Services on issues regarding contract administration, procurement arrangements, and contractual disputes.
Advise programme sections to ensure SCD involvement in programme design, planning, product selection and forecasting, as well as quality control, monitoring and evaluation which can be used to improve future processes and supplies.
Provide authoritative technical advice to Country Offices on procurement activities, ensure consistent application of the IOM Procurement Manual (IN/168) and other relevant policies, procedures and regulations and their regular updates as needed.
Ensure that support through supply chain technical assistance and oversight is provided to the Country Offices in the implementation of their supply chain operations.
Create models and frameworks to ensure an integrated risk management approach and robust internal controls for supply chain management activities.
Orchestrate and prioritize interventions required to strengthen the existing supply chain processes, introducing modern Operational system solutions to improve the overall supply chain effectiveness and efficiency. Promote supply chain transformation agenda, focusing on simplification, harmonization, digitization, and automation.
Provide support to IOM Country Offices engaged in construction and procurement, both regular and emergency, including travel to IOM Country Offices to advise on and assist with the setup of new programmes and projects, as needed, or requested.
Plan, establish and manage the effective and efficient division of supply chain management tasks and responsibilities between the Thessaloniki Hub, Headquarters, MSCU in Global Shared Services, Regional and Country Offices.
Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Education

Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with fifteen years of relevant professional experience.
Certified Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Level Professional Diploma in Procurement and Logistics, or Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS), is of significant advantage.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

Progressive responsible experience in managing diverse supply chain operations in a global setting;
Excellent level of computer literacy and good knowledge of systems in areas such as supply/procurement/logistics/finance/accounting;
Knowledge or experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems would be an advantage;
Experience in managing and developing teams of co-workers (including remote teams), and in managing relationships with vendors, suppliers and partners;
Demonstrated experience of working with procurement and supply in complex operations of multiple continents and contexts;
Experience with procuring both goods and services under significant contracts;
Direct experience with conducting international public tenders of a certain magnitude;
Experience in transformative business process mapping in the supply chain landscape and/or systems improvement;
Experience sourcing goods and services under challenging conditions, including in developing countries, post-conflict and emergency situations, or following major disasters;
Experience in managing projects an advantage, and demonstrating understanding of the challenges of project management;
Experience with typical procurement-related challenges, including but not limited to shortage of essential supplies and material, dearth of qualified and reputable suppliers, government regulatory environments, tax issues, export and import regulations and obstacles, customs and duties, etc;
Experience in international settings, with international entities and agencies considered a plus;
Experience with construction, and with managing complex construction projects a plus; and,
Experience with staff development and learning, and any particular programs related to this in the field of supply chain management, would be also be desirable.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in supply chain management skills;
Significant background in sourcing product and in competitive bidding, both at the international level and also in a domestic setting in a single country;
Effectively applies extensive knowledge of supply chain management to be able to source goods and services and develop relevant policies and practices;
Effectively works with vendors and service providers in compliance with IOM procedures to secure cost-effective quality solution for IOM;
Effective knowledge of international public tendering procedures;
Understanding of both public and private sector procurement practices.
Good working knowledge of basic financial and accounting practices; as well as basic knowledge of project management;
Some knowledge of construction, construction projects and the technical aspects of this type of work would be very useful, although not necessarily mandatory;
Able to oversee, develop and implement new policies, roll them out to the field, and design programs to educate staff globally in these policies and best practices; and,
Can apply extensive knowledge in implementing and overseeing compliance programs; to ensure missions and units have a high rate of compliance with policies and procedures in this area.

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 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

Apply on Organization Website

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