Chief, United Nations (UN) Efficiency Unit (P)

IOM; Genf; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Geneva seeks a Chief of the UN Efficiency Unit to lead cross‑agency efficiency initiatives and elevate value for money across operations. Reporting to the Director of Global Shared Services, you will drive data‑driven action plans, coordinate with UN partners, and ensure compliance with UN Efficiency agendas.

The role requires a Master’s degree and 10+ years of management experience, with strong diplomacy, budgeting, and policy writing

Qualifications

• Master's degree in MBA/Management/Economics/Finance or related field; 10 years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor's degree with 12 years of experience acceptable in lieu of Master's.
• Extensive general and resource management experience in international/UN settings.
• Proven diplomacy, liaison, and negotiation abilities.
• Experience with Operations Management Teams (OMT) and Budget/Operations Support (BOS) is a plus.
• Strong English, French; Spanish required; Arabic or Russian desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the UN Efficiency Unit, setting goals and action plans based on data analysis.
• Represent IOM in UN interagency efficiency platforms to advance joint programming.
• Ensure compliance with UN Efficiency initiatives and report progress.
• Coordinate engagement with UN High-level Committee Coordination.
• Develop annual workplans and budgets for efficiency initiatives.
• Support GSSC in optimizing services and act as secretariat for the GSSC Board.

Skills

Diplomacy

Liaison and negotiation

Resource management

UN Reform & Efficiency Agenda

Financial & business administration

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration or related field

Job description

Organizational context: The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a UN-related agency focused on promoting humane and orderly migration. It works with governments and partners to save lives, protect people on the move, and facilitate regular migration pathways. The organization fosters an inclusive workplace to maximize the potential of migration and support those on the move.

Job purpose: The Chief, UN Efficiency Unit, reporting to the Director, Global Shared Services, will provide strategic leadership and technical guidance to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and value for money across IOM's operations. This role involves identifying and promoting cross-cutting efficiencies, particularly through inter-agency collaboration. Key responsibilities include leading the Unit's efforts, applying principles of mutual recognition, pricing, costing, and client satisfaction to drive improvements and ensure consistent, high-quality engagement in system-wide efficiency initiatives. The position aims to optimize services, improve operational processes, and strengthen IOM's strategic positioning within UN efficiency agendas.

Responsibilities: Lead the UN Efficiency Unit, setting organizational goals and developing action plans based on data analysis. Provide strategic guidance and represent IOM in UN interagency efficiency platforms to achieve gains and facilitate joint programming. Oversee and ensure compliance with UN Efficiency initiatives, identifying best practices and reporting on progress. Advise and coordinate IOM's engagement in UN High-level Committee Coordination. Respond to internal and external audits related to UN Efficiency. Develop internal reports and visibility materials on efficiency gains. Coordinate with other UN entities to build synergies and develop joint policy, guidance, and training materials. Collaborate with IOM business and policy owners to align internal systems and improve efficiency, simplification, and meet audit recommendations. Monitor and report on efficiency initiatives to Senior Management, identifying and mitigating risks. Build institutional knowledge and capacity in IOM for efficiency implementation. Develop annual workplans and budgets for efficiency initiatives. Support the Global Shared Services Centre (GSSC) in optimizing services and act as secretariat for the GSSC Board. Conduct visits to offices to assess engagement and provide guidance.

Education: A Master's degree in Business Administration, Management, Economics, Finance, or a related field from an accredited institution is required, along with ten years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a university degree in a related field with twelve years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Work experience: Requires significant experience in general management and resource management. Must have substantial experience in diplomacy, including liaising with UN partners, and experience in policy or guideline writing. Experience with Operations Management Teams (OMT) is necessary. Experience in Budget and Operations Support (BOS), Community-Based Organization (CBO), or Country Programme/Project (CP) is a distinct advantage.

Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated liaison and negotiation abilities. In-depth knowledge of resource management. Understanding of the UN Reform and Efficiency Agenda. Effective resource management skills, with sound knowledge of financial and business administration, and management principles.

Required languages: English, French, Spanish

Desired languages: Arabic, Russian