Senior Policy and Liaison Associate

 

Open to Internal and External Candidate 

 

Position Title: Senior Policy and Liaison Associate

Duty Station: Bangkok, Thailand

Classification: General Service, G.6 

Type of Appointment: One Year Fixed Term

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 23 January 2026

  Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners with 174 member states and a presence in over 100 countries. 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. 

Context: 

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Policy and Liaison Officer (RPLO), the incumbent will support the Regional Policy and Liaison Unit (RPLU), which provides technical guidance on policy and strategic engagement with internal and external partners with guidance from the Department of Data, Insight and Policy Coordination (DIPC) and the Office of Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications (OPAC) in Headquarters (HQ). The incumbent will support the RPLO in the coordination within the Regional Office (RO) to other Regional Thematic Units (RTUs) in respect to policy development and liaison. Furthermore, they will provide support to Country Offices (COs) on evidence-based policy guidance, engagement external partners, and project development.

Core Functions / Responsibilities: 

1. Support the RPLO to carry out capacity building, training, monitoring and evaluation and technical support to Country Offices, and by extension Member States, in the Region in respect to policy development, the UN Network for Migration (UNNM), and the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM).
2. Support the RPLO’s engagement with external partners including regional UN agencies, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), donors, as well as fora, dialogues, and groups related to IOM priorities.
3. Support the RPLO with the development of project proposals developed in the region, related to policy, research, international migration law, and UNNM-related issues as requested.
4. Together with the RPLO, serve as a resource person for COs in the Region by providing insights on policy developments efforts and opportunities at global, regional, and country levels as well as best practices.
5. Support the development of internal reports, presentations, talking points, speeches, statements and briefings as relevant.
6. Under guidance of the RPLO, contribute to ongoing knowledge management processes at the RO and COs in the Region.
7. In the absence of the RPLO, ensure the continued functioning of the RPLU by coordinating incoming requests from internal or external partners.
8. Participate in workshops and meetings related to the technical area of expertise, as required by the RPLO and/or the Deputy Regional Director (DRD) for Operations.
9. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Business Administration, Migration Studies, International Relations, Law, or related field with four years of relevant professional experience; or,   
• High School diploma with six years of relevant experience.

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

• Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience, with project management, policy development and liaison, and other relevant technical experience;
• Demonstrated expertise in the technical area particularly project development;
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions, private sector and NGOs; and,
• Work experience in policy development and liaison in the region is an asset.

Skills

• Strong writing and analytical skills, including the development of projects and policies;
• Takes responsibility for action and manages constructive criticisms;
• Promotes continuous learning for self and others;
• Listens and communicates clearly, adapting delivery to the audience;
• Plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility;
• Displays strong understanding of technical area; and,
• Knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, and learning;
• Contributes to a collegial team environment; incorporates gender related needs, perspectives, concerns and promotes equ