IOM’s Leadership Compass: A New Approach to Navigating Global Migration Challenges
How a Partnership-Driven and Evidence-Based Approach is Strengthening IOM’s Leadership to Tackle Global Migration Issues
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recognized the need for a new leadership model to navigate the growing complexities of global migration. Faced with overlapping crises—from climate change to protracted conflicts—IOM has partnered with LEAD to develop the Leadership Compass as a comprehensive framework to align leadership behaviors with the organization’s strategic goals and mission.
This innovative approach was co-created between IOM and LEAD, ensuring the model directly reflects the voices of IOM’s leaders across all levels. As Amy Pope, Director General of IOM, remarked:
"With the Leadership Compass, we aim to build a stronger and more future-proof narrative of leadership at IOM. Without alignment on what exemplary leadership looks like, we cannot fully realize our ambitions or help the world deliver on the promise of migration."
A Partnership Grounded in Evidence and Expertise
LEAD brought a collaborative and evidence-based approach to the development of the Leadership Compass, engaging leaders from across IOM to ensure the framework reflected not only the strategic goals of the organization but also its humanitarian mission to deliver humane migration solutions.
Through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and extensive data analysis, LEAD supported IOM in designing a framework that is directly aligned with its strategic priorities and operational realities.
Michael Emery, Director of Human Resources at IOM, emphasized the significance of the model, stating:
“The Leadership Compass is more than just a document—it’s a manifesto for how we use our influence and lead effectively and compassionately to achieve our mission at IOM.”
Leadership Compass: Aligning Behaviors with Strategic Goals
The Leadership Compass provides clear expectations for leaders across all levels—from Heads of Teams to the Executive Office. Each level has defined behaviors that link directly to IOM’s strategic priorities, ensuring leaders are equipped to address the challenges they face in their roles, whether operational, strategic, or global. As part of the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan, the Compass emphasizes the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and innovation in navigating the increasingly urgent and interconnected challenges of migration.
The framework also highlights the importance of building partnerships at every level. Whether working with local communities or engaging with international stakeholders, IOM leaders are expected to foster relationships that support IOM’s global mission. This comprehensive approach ensures that leaders develop the necessary competencies to manage not only their teams but also the broader political and social environments they operate in.
Leadership Development: Turning Strategy into Action
To support the implementation of the Leadership Compass, IOM and LEAD launched the Leadership Development Program, which focuses on learning by doing. This blended program combines virtual training, regional leadership days, and local dialogues, offering flexibility and fostering collaborative growth among leaders. It emphasizes action learning, encouraging leaders to apply new skills directly to the challenges they face in the field. As Amy Pope explained:
"All leaders have been invited to participate in a comprehensive Leadership Program designed to address our leadership challenges. This program allows leaders to set personal goals for learning and unlearning, practice new ways of working, and continuously measure progress."
A Blueprint for the UN System
The Leadership Compass is more than a guide for IOM—it is a model that could be applied across the broader UN system. As Michael Emery, IOM’s Director of Human Resources, noted, “The Leadership Compass is more than just a document—it’s a manifesto for how we use our influence and lead effectively and compassionately to achieve our mission at IOM.”
With this pioneering approach to leadership development, IOM is positioning itself as a leader in the global migration landscape, ensuring its leaders are equipped to meet the strategic demands of today and tomorrow.
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