Head, Global Facilities Management Unit

Position description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 16035
Position Title: Head, Global Facilities Management Unit
Duty Station City: Geneva
Duty Station Country: Switzerland
Grade: P-4
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: 25 August 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, 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 direct supervision of the Comptroller and Director of Financial and Administrative Management and in coordination with relevant units at Headquarters and the Administrative Centres, the Head, Global Facilities Management Unit will be responsible and accountable for overseeing the development and implementation of comprehensive facility management strategies and standards at IOM operated premises.

Responsibilities

1. Spearhead the development and continuous improvement of the global facility management strategy, ensuring it is fully integrated with IOM’s organizational objectives and long-term vision.
2. Oversee the formulation, dissemination, and enforcement of specialized global policies, frameworks, and guidance designed to address diverse facility management challenges across the Organization’s global footprint.
3. Facilitate organizational compliance with international standards and facilitate the adoption of best practices in facility management throughout IOM offices, both at Headquarters and in the field.
4. Serve as the principal advisor to senior leadership, providing authoritative counsel on all aspects of facility management, risk mitigation, operational efficiency, and strategic resource allocation.
5. Direct the design and maintenance of comprehensive facility inventories and spatial databases, leveraging data-driven insights to inform executive decision-making and strategic investments
6. Establish and maintain robust reporting and monitoring systems to track global facility performance, compliance, risk, and long-term asset value.
7. Champion sustainability initiatives by integrating environmentally responsible practices and innovative technologies into global facility management operations, driving both financial and environmental stewardship.
8. Coordinate necessary data on sustainability initiatives, energy consumption and carbon footprint of IOM premises globally in coordination with the Environmental Sustainability Unit.
9. Provide expert advice to major lease negotiations, office space planning, and capital renovation projects worldwide, ensuring optimal alignment with organizational policies, security requirements, and local regulations. Advise on necessary updates of relevant policies.
10. Represent IOM in high-level external engagements, partnerships, and interagency forums on facility management, advocating for the Organization’s interests and sharing expertise on emerging trends and solutions.
11. Oversee the global framework of of archives and records management, ensuring the safekeeping of archival documents after the closure or displacement of premises in close coordination with Regional and Country Offices.
12. Perform such other duties as required to advance the strategic objectives of global facility management within IOM.

Qualifications

• Master´s degree in Facility Management, Architecture, Engineering, Business 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.

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

Experience:

• Extensive experience in facility management and project management, including at least five years in a managerial capacity.

Skills:

• Extensive experience in facility management and project management, including at least five years in a managerial capacity;
• Proven expertise in developing and implementing facility management policies and frameworks;
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills;
• In-depth knowledge of international facility management standards and best practices;
• Knowledge of building systems operations, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and safety infrastructure;
• Knowledge of asset lifecycle planning, preventive maintenance, and infrastructure optimization;
• Knowledge of renovation project management principles as applied to workspace and facility management;
• Familiarity with energy, utilities, sustainability initiatives, and facility performance monitoring best practices;
• Excellent space planning and workplace optimization skills;
• Knowledge of compliance requirements with regards to workplace health, safety, and fire regulations;
• Excellent negotiation and administrative skills, including contract, lease, vendor, security, and access control management; and,
• Knowledge of tools such as MS Office, AutoCAD, or GIS platforms relevant to facility planning and reporting.

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 three 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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

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.

 

Application instructions

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