Posted by the organisation on ReliefWeb · Verified employer
Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery)
International Organization for Migration
Job at a glance
- Employer
- International Organization for Migration
- Position
- Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery)
- Location
- Kenya
- Contract
- Professional (P) grade
- Experience
- 7+ years with Master's or 9+ years with Bachelor's
- Education
- Master’s or University degree in related field
- Salary
- Not stated in the advert
- Application deadline
- 22 October 2026
- Posted on VacancyKE
- 10 October 2026
VacancyKE summary
IOM is hiring a Regional Thematic Specialist to lead humanitarian response and recovery efforts across Country Offices in the region. You will provide technical expertise, manage strategic partnerships, and oversee project quality control from your base in Kenya.
What stands out about this opportunity
- Based in Kenya serving the wider region
- Focus on displacement and migration solutions
- Requires significant field experience in developing nations
What’s offered
- Professional (P) grade position within an intergovernmental organization
Key responsibilities
- Lead the RO Humanitarian Response and Recovery Unit and deliver thematic guidance to Country Offices
- Provide technical assistance on crisis responses, including protection, life-saving actions, and displacement tracking
- Develop partnerships with donors, UN bodies, and private sector actors to mobilize resources
- Oversee project development, reporting, monitoring, and risk management in line with IOM standards
- Convene regional communities of practice and coordinate cross-thematic initiatives
- Mainstream cash-based interventions and equality, diversity, and inclusion principles in all work
Who should apply?
This role suits senior humanitarian professionals with extensive experience in non-OECD regions who excel at strategic leadership, donor relations, and technical programme oversight.
Key requirements
- Master’s degree + 7 years experience
- 5+ years in non-OECD countries
- Expertise in humanitarian response/recovery
- Proven team leadership skills
- Fluency in English
Nice to have
- Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish)
What you should know
- Position is based in Kenya under the Regional Office structure
- Reports directly to the Deputy Regional Director for Operations
- Applications are submitted via the ReliefWeb link provided
How to apply
- Visit https://reliefweb.int/job/4233418/23370-regional-thematic-specialist-humanitarian-response-and-recovery-p
Official source: Posted by the organisation on ReliefWeb · reliefweb.int. VacancyKE never charges job seekers.
Original employer advertisement
Published by International Organization for Migration on reliefweb.int. Shown for reference; the employer’s version is the official one.
The employer’s advert
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Regional Director (DRD) for Operations and overall supervision of the Regional Director (RD), and the guidance of the Department of Humanitarian Response and Recovery (DHRR) at Headquarters (HQ), the Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery) provides advice and supports the implementation of institutional policy from HQ in Country Offices (COs) across the Region. Specifically, the Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery) provides oversight, quality control, and thematic expertise to promote consistent, cohesive, and quality evidence-based programming. Together with other Regional Thematic Units (RTUs), the Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery) contributes to thought leadership on saving lives and protecting individuals on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating regular pathways for migration. The RO Humanitarian Response and Recovery Unit also identifies regional opportunities and risks, fosters knowledge sharing, encourages policy and research development, and supports cross-thematic collaboration internally. Externally, the Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery) offers advocacy, policy, and technical programme recommendations to regional entities, Member States, and relevant migration fora, spearheaded by IOM’s Regional Office (RO) and CO leadership. For both IOM teams and partners
in the region, the Regional Thematic Specialist Humanitarian Response and Recovery is the go-to source for humanitarian response and recovery expertise and guidance.
**Responsibilities**
**Leadership, Advocacy, and Representation:**
1\. Strategic Direction: Lead and manage the RO Humanitarian Response and Recovery Unit in the delivery of regular thematic guidance and technical support to COs in the contextualization of the Strategic Plan.
2\. Advocacy and Representation: Assist and provide strategic advice to the DRD for Operations by articulating IOM's Strategic Plan to external stakeholders or in fora, discussions, and platforms, based on HQ and Global Offices' (GOs) guidance.
**Technical Support and Capacity Building:**
3\. Technical Assistance: Lead the RO Humanitarian Response and Recovery Unit's delivery of technical assistance on thematic and cross-cutting priorities based on identified or requested needs in collaboration with HQ and COs. Coordinate across regional units, relevant COs, and HQ for crisis responses, focusing on preparedness, protection in emergencies and AAP, life-saving actions, displacement tracking, peace, recovery and solutions.
4\. Training and Capacity Development: In coordination with HQ functional homes and the Staff Development and Learning Unit, provide thematic training and capacity building to COs and RO staff as well as external partners as requested.
**Partnerships and Resource Mobilization:**
5\. Strategic Partnerships: Develop and maintain partnerships with a diverse range of regional actors, including donors, regional political and economic bodies, UN, private sector, non-government institutions, academic institutions, community-based organizations, international financial institutions, international organizations, and Member States, to promote IOM’s Strategic Plan.
6\. Resource Mobilization: In coordination with HQ, GOs, Country Offices for Partnership and Advocacy, COs, and the Regional Project Development Officer (RPDO), advocate programmatic priorities with new and traditional donors, including the private sector.
**Quality Control and Oversight:**
7\. Project Development and Reporting: In coordination with the RPDOs, facilitate the project development and reporting process through technical inputs, review, approval, and endorsement in line with IOM’s Project Handbook and thematic guidance from DHRR HQ.
8\. Monitoring and Evaluation: In coordination with the Regional Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, hold regular bilateral discussions with CO thematic focal points to assess
challenges, opportunities, and trends. Flag issues and opportunities to senior regional and HQ staff and guide COs' adjustments. Actively support COs to integrate audit, evaluation, and donor feedback. 9. Risk Management: In coordination with the Risk and Compliance Officer, provide oversight and support to COs on the identification, management, and treatment of risks pertaining to DHRR, in line with IOM's Risk Management Framework and Policy (IN/213 Rev.1).
10\. Cash-Based Interventions: In coordination with the global CBI Officer, promote the use of cash-based modalities, where feasible, in line with IOM's global strategies, standards and commitments, and provide guidance and support to COs in designing, implementing and coordinating CBI.
**Knowledge Management, Policy, and Research:**
11\. Knowledge Management and Innovation: In coordination with the RPDO, contribute to and facilitate the use of knowledge-sharing platforms, and disseminate innovative and best practices related to DHRR.
12\. Policy: In coordination with the Regional Policy and Liaison Officer, provide thematic support and recommendations on regional and country-level policies and frameworks to COs, donors, and key partners.
13\. Data, Research, and Foresight: In coordination with HQ and the Regional Data Hub, analyse and disseminate thematic data to inform evidence-based strategic planning, resource mobilization, policymaking, and programming.
**Communication and Coordination:**
14\. Thematic Community of Practice: Convene and maintain a community of practice in the region for thematic focal points in COs, with involvement of HQ functional homes as relevant, to promote sharing of new practices, innovative approaches, partnerships, training opportunities, and other areas of regional thematic interest.
15\. Coordination: Lead engagement in inter-regional, continental, and multi-country initiatives, programmes, and strategies with corresponding RTSs, Global Thematic Specialists, and CO focal points; where necessary, coordinate the involvement of HQ functional homes.
**Cross-Cutting Priorities:**
16\. Mainstream: In line with the IOM Strategic Plan and corresponding custodianship outlined in the Regional Office Terms of Reference, promote, integrate, and mainstream cross-cutting priorities and modalities (i.e., Cash-Based Interventions) in all areas of DHRR’s work in the region. The Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery) is responsible for mainstreaming protection-centered approaches in all areas of IOM's work.
17\. Custodianship: The Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery) is the regional custodian of IOM’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in humanitarian settings, AAP, and Cash-Based Initiatives. Custodianship entails support to other RTUs, as requested, with technical knowledge and capacity on protection mainstreaming as outlined under the Department of Humanitarian Response and Recovery Terms of Reference and the RO Humanitarian Response and Recovery Unit Terms of Reference.
**DHRR Regional Thematic Unit Management:**
18\. Manage the RO Humanitarian Response and Recovery Unit, including overseeing and managing the delivery of the Unit’s specific responsibilities in their entirety as outlined in the Unit’s Terms of Reference.
19\. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.
**Required Qualifications and Experience**
**Education**
- Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Social Science, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
- University degree in the above fields with at least nine years of relevant professional experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
**Experience**
- Demonstrated experience in humanitarian response and recovery, and related areas relevant to project development and management, thematic capacity building, and liaison;
- Minimum five years experience working in non-OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries managing humanitarian response and recovery projects;
- Experience in liaison, resource mobilization, and advocacy with governmental and diplomatic officials, national and international institutions and organizations, civil society, and private sector actors;
- Experience working in an international, inter-governmental, or non-governmental organization, United Nations, or government; and,
- Experience in the design and implementation of capacity building on humanitarian response and recovery.
**Skills**
- Ability to understand complex contexts and fast-changing migration and displacement dynamics and ability to frame them in their regional, global, and political contexts;
- Proven track record of successful engagement with donors, developing projects, and mobilizing resources for IOM priority areas;
- Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and manage a diverse teams of specialists;
- Strong analytical skills combined with the ability to effectively summarize, present, and communicate findings;
- Demonstrated knowledge and expertise of relevant international standards and classifications relevant to humanitarian response and recovery; and,
- Proven agent of change or willingness to foster a culture of learning and knowledge management.
**Languages**
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of another official UN languages (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.
in the region, the Regional Thematic Specialist Humanitarian Response and Recovery is the go-to source for humanitarian response and recovery expertise and guidance.
**Responsibilities**
**Leadership, Advocacy, and Representation:**
1\. Strategic Direction: Lead and manage the RO Humanitarian Response and Recovery Unit in the delivery of regular thematic guidance and technical support to COs in the contextualization of the Strategic Plan.
2\. Advocacy and Representation: Assist and provide strategic advice to the DRD for Operations by articulating IOM's Strategic Plan to external stakeholders or in fora, discussions, and platforms, based on HQ and Global Offices' (GOs) guidance.
**Technical Support and Capacity Building:**
3\. Technical Assistance: Lead the RO Humanitarian Response and Recovery Unit's delivery of technical assistance on thematic and cross-cutting priorities based on identified or requested needs in collaboration with HQ and COs. Coordinate across regional units, relevant COs, and HQ for crisis responses, focusing on preparedness, protection in emergencies and AAP, life-saving actions, displacement tracking, peace, recovery and solutions.
4\. Training and Capacity Development: In coordination with HQ functional homes and the Staff Development and Learning Unit, provide thematic training and capacity building to COs and RO staff as well as external partners as requested.
**Partnerships and Resource Mobilization:**
5\. Strategic Partnerships: Develop and maintain partnerships with a diverse range of regional actors, including donors, regional political and economic bodies, UN, private sector, non-government institutions, academic institutions, community-based organizations, international financial institutions, international organizations, and Member States, to promote IOM’s Strategic Plan.
6\. Resource Mobilization: In coordination with HQ, GOs, Country Offices for Partnership and Advocacy, COs, and the Regional Project Development Officer (RPDO), advocate programmatic priorities with new and traditional donors, including the private sector.
**Quality Control and Oversight:**
7\. Project Development and Reporting: In coordination with the RPDOs, facilitate the project development and reporting process through technical inputs, review, approval, and endorsement in line with IOM’s Project Handbook and thematic guidance from DHRR HQ.
8\. Monitoring and Evaluation: In coordination with the Regional Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, hold regular bilateral discussions with CO thematic focal points to assess
challenges, opportunities, and trends. Flag issues and opportunities to senior regional and HQ staff and guide COs' adjustments. Actively support COs to integrate audit, evaluation, and donor feedback. 9. Risk Management: In coordination with the Risk and Compliance Officer, provide oversight and support to COs on the identification, management, and treatment of risks pertaining to DHRR, in line with IOM's Risk Management Framework and Policy (IN/213 Rev.1).
10\. Cash-Based Interventions: In coordination with the global CBI Officer, promote the use of cash-based modalities, where feasible, in line with IOM's global strategies, standards and commitments, and provide guidance and support to COs in designing, implementing and coordinating CBI.
**Knowledge Management, Policy, and Research:**
11\. Knowledge Management and Innovation: In coordination with the RPDO, contribute to and facilitate the use of knowledge-sharing platforms, and disseminate innovative and best practices related to DHRR.
12\. Policy: In coordination with the Regional Policy and Liaison Officer, provide thematic support and recommendations on regional and country-level policies and frameworks to COs, donors, and key partners.
13\. Data, Research, and Foresight: In coordination with HQ and the Regional Data Hub, analyse and disseminate thematic data to inform evidence-based strategic planning, resource mobilization, policymaking, and programming.
**Communication and Coordination:**
14\. Thematic Community of Practice: Convene and maintain a community of practice in the region for thematic focal points in COs, with involvement of HQ functional homes as relevant, to promote sharing of new practices, innovative approaches, partnerships, training opportunities, and other areas of regional thematic interest.
15\. Coordination: Lead engagement in inter-regional, continental, and multi-country initiatives, programmes, and strategies with corresponding RTSs, Global Thematic Specialists, and CO focal points; where necessary, coordinate the involvement of HQ functional homes.
**Cross-Cutting Priorities:**
16\. Mainstream: In line with the IOM Strategic Plan and corresponding custodianship outlined in the Regional Office Terms of Reference, promote, integrate, and mainstream cross-cutting priorities and modalities (i.e., Cash-Based Interventions) in all areas of DHRR’s work in the region. The Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery) is responsible for mainstreaming protection-centered approaches in all areas of IOM's work.
17\. Custodianship: The Regional Thematic Specialist (Humanitarian Response and Recovery) is the regional custodian of IOM’s Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in humanitarian settings, AAP, and Cash-Based Initiatives. Custodianship entails support to other RTUs, as requested, with technical knowledge and capacity on protection mainstreaming as outlined under the Department of Humanitarian Response and Recovery Terms of Reference and the RO Humanitarian Response and Recovery Unit Terms of Reference.
**DHRR Regional Thematic Unit Management:**
18\. Manage the RO Humanitarian Response and Recovery Unit, including overseeing and managing the delivery of the Unit’s specific responsibilities in their entirety as outlined in the Unit’s Terms of Reference.
19\. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.
**Required Qualifications and Experience**
**Education**
- Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Social Science, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
- University degree in the above fields with at least nine years of relevant professional experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
**Experience**
- Demonstrated experience in humanitarian response and recovery, and related areas relevant to project development and management, thematic capacity building, and liaison;
- Minimum five years experience working in non-OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries managing humanitarian response and recovery projects;
- Experience in liaison, resource mobilization, and advocacy with governmental and diplomatic officials, national and international institutions and organizations, civil society, and private sector actors;
- Experience working in an international, inter-governmental, or non-governmental organization, United Nations, or government; and,
- Experience in the design and implementation of capacity building on humanitarian response and recovery.
**Skills**
- Ability to understand complex contexts and fast-changing migration and displacement dynamics and ability to frame them in their regional, global, and political contexts;
- Proven track record of successful engagement with donors, developing projects, and mobilizing resources for IOM priority areas;
- Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and manage a diverse teams of specialists;
- Strong analytical skills combined with the ability to effectively summarize, present, and communicate findings;
- Demonstrated knowledge and expertise of relevant international standards and classifications relevant to humanitarian response and recovery; and,
- Proven agent of change or willingness to foster a culture of learning and knowledge management.
**Languages**
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of another official UN languages (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.