Diversity and Inclusion at IOM

Where we stand on Diversity 

At IOM we value and invite diversity into our workforce as we know it is one of the factors that make us qualified to deal with the complex issue of migration.  We see diversity as one of our organizational strengths. Our aim is to foster an inclusive workplace where everyone treats each other (including colleagues and beneficiaries) with dignity and respect, and where everyone’s voice is heard and taken into account.  

At IOM we welcome applications from qualified professionals, irrespective of their race, religion, skin color, nationality, age, disability status, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family structure, mental health status, or any other characteristic. Our policies encourage a workplace free from discrimination and any form of harassment.  

We are constantly seeking to improve our policies and practices to be at the forefront of workplace diversity and inclusion standards, in line with human rights principles.  

The working languages of IOM are English, French and Spanish. 

Is IOM a place for you?

IOM implements projects around the world to support governments and migrants in promoting humane and orderly migration.  

This broad range of job profiles calls for talented professionals with academic backgrounds that include: international relations, law, medical professions, business, communication, information technology, finance and accounting, project management, human resources management, security, international development and others.   

Is there a place for you at IOM?

With presence in capital cities around the world, in rural areas and in emergency situations, the range of work at IOM is extremely varied.   

We have policies that specifically seek to accommodate the different situations and needs of our staff, for example:   

Parents and families

With its new gender-neutral Parental Leave Policy IOM now grants between 24 and 30 weeks of paid leave to birthing parents, and 8 weeks of paid leave to non-birthing parents, making IOM one of the organizations with better parental leave entitlements in the UN System. 

Women 

As active participants in the UN System-wide Action Plan on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (SWAP), and in the UN Secretary-General System-wide strategy on gender parity, IOM is aware of prevailing gender imbalances at certain grades where women are under-represented, but we are actively working towards parity though a number of interventions.  

At the moment there are special provisions that allow for external female candidates to be considered as (first-tier) candidates for positions at P4 level and above, where women are under-represented.  

We believe in promoting an enabling environment where all employees feel free to raise concerns regarding harassment, abuse of authority or other issues at any time.   

LGBTIQ+ staff 

We welcome individuals who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, intersex or identify otherwise. The organization recognizes eligible same-sex partners for the purposes of entitlements and benefits (for example for relocation, health insurance and others).   

The IOM Standards of Conduct expressly forbid any type of discrimination in the workplace, including for LGBTIQ+ colleagues and beneficiaries.   

Every year IOM holds events around the world on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (17 May), and a public statement from the Director General is released.  

Our staff are trained on issues related to Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC), and how to work with LGBTIQ+ individuals (beneficiaries and colleagues).  

Since 2020 IOM has an internal network of LGBTIQ+ employees (Yammer group), and IOM is an active supporter of UN-GLOBE, the UN System LGBTIQ+ staff group. 

IOM is a Stonewall Champion since 2020. 

Employees with disabilities 

IOM was an active supporter in the drafting of the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS) in 2019 and reports annually on progress towards targets for all indicators.  

IOM has endorsed the Charter on Inclusion of persons with disabilities in humanitarian settings, and is an active member of the IASC Task Team on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action.  

The Organization also put forward several commitments at programme’s level for the Global Disability Summit, London 2018. IOM’s commitments are publicly available here.  

Ongoing efforts are being made in IOM’s workplace to be more inclusive to meet UN targets. Since 2020 there is an internal Network of Employees with Disabilities. 

Racial diversity and race equity

With more than 20,000 employees worldwide, our workplace is extremely diverse. Since 2020, an internal dialogue has started regarding race equity in the organization, in coordination with other UN entities and bodies like the UN staff group of Persons of African Descent – UNPAD.  

In 2021, with assistance from external experts, the organization will undergo an assessment of its workplace and define a 5-year strategy.  

Regional and national diversity

At IOM we currently have 168 nationalities represented among our staff. We strive to have representation from all our 175 member states among international professionals.   

Applicants who are nationals of a Non-Represented Member States and meet the qualifications for a vacancy are considered first-tier candidates for selection purposes. You can find a list of the current Non-Represented Member States in every vacancy announcement.   

We encourage members of indigenous communities to join our workforce as we believe their contribution is especially valuable to the migration and development agenda. 

Other issues

IOM does not discriminate based on HIV status. Staff members and candidates who are living with HIV are advised to become members of UN Plus, the UN System HIV positive staff group. 

Mental health

We have a comprehensive mental health strategy which focuses on prevention and care. A global team of staff counsellors are available to assist staff dealing with stress of mental health issues by either offering direct help or coordinating access to professional support in a variety of languages and time zones.  

E-Recruitment

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