Chief of Staff, E8 - Internal Job Opening

Organization Profile

Around the world, the number of missing persons is rising – as a result of conflict, climate change, organized crime, migration and other causes. By some metrics, the world is experiencing the highest number of conflicts since 1946. Conflict and natural disasters, including wildfires, hurricanes and floods, have fueled migration, which in turn has been accompanied by a surge in human trafficking and slavery.

The International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), a treaty-based intergovernmental organization with Headquarters in The Hague, the Netherlands, is seeking an experienced, dynamic and committed individual to join a highly motivated team working on this global challenge. ICMP’s overall strategy is based on upholding international law and securing the rights of families of the missing to truth, justice and reparations. 

Position Background

ICMP is looking for a Chief of Staff to ensure the Organization’s executive leadership’s time, communications, prioritization, decision-making, and overall productivity. The Chief of Staff fulfils a critical bridging and enablement role within ICMP by ensuring the Director-General and the ICMP Senior Leadership Team are always fully apprised of critical issues of concern to the organization, by being strongly positioned to anticipate and respond to major policy and operational issues. The Chief of Staff acts as an internal integrator, bridging compartmentalized workstreams and serving as a senior advisor and objective broker to the Director-General and the Senior Leadership Team. This role ensures effective internal and external communication of leadership priorities, supports decision-making processes, and oversees strategic organizational coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director-General, the Chief of Staff’s duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Supervising the overall functioning of the Office of the Director General (ODG), providing leadership and direction to personnel


• Overseeing the development and implementation of the ODG workplan and budget


• Facilitating strategic planning and prioritization for the ODG


• Liaising with relevant ICMP units to identify and prioritize issues requiring the Director-General’s attention


• Leading taskforces, working groups, and meetings on behalf of the Director-General


• Coordinating decision-focused meetings with ICMP senior management


• Overseeing ODG’s external communications in collaboration with the Head of Communications


• Supporting the preparation of ICMP annual reports and strategic presentation materials


• Managing internal communications for clearance by the Director-General


• Acting as primary focal point and secretariat for the Board of Commissioners


• Providing ad interim leadership for ICMP’s resource mobilization efforts


• Promoting professional development and adherence to ICMP’s Code of Conduct within the team

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree in public administration, international relations, political science, law, or a related field


• At least 10 years of relevant progressively responsible experience in a governmental, international or civil society setting


• Proven experience in strategic planning, organizational management, and communications


• Previous experience working with senior leadership and governance structures


• Professional fluency in written and spoken English; knowledge of other ICMP working languages is an asset

Other Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint


• Demonstrated ability to foster a collaborative team environment across cultures and functions


• Ability to travel at short notice and work flexible hours including weekends and evenings


• Strong commitment to the principles of truth, justice, and the rights of families of the missing

Benefits

This is an internal position for current ICMP staff. This is a full-time, professional staff position with a competitive base salary at the E 8 level on the ICMP Professional salary scale. Benefits include six weeks of paid leave, extensive health insurance benefits for the incumbent and any eligible dependent and expatriate allowances. For more details on the benefits, please see the ICMP website.

This position is based in The Hague, the international city of peace and justice. The Hague offers a comfortable lifestyle and appeals to those with a wide range of interests. To learn more about living in The Hague, please click here. ICMP staff enjoy exemption from income tax and social security deductions in the Netherlands (staff members are responsible for any income tax in their home country).

Vacancy closing date: 12 June

Expected start date: As soon as possible

Review of applications will begin on (7 days after publishing VN).

ICMP is committed to maintaining an environment of mutual respect, where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. ICMP believes that diversity and inclusion among our staff are critical to our success as a global organization, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented individuals from a thoroughly diverse range of candidates. ICMP is proud to be part of the International Gender Champions network.

Please note that the employment offer may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant.