Welcome to the IOM Mentoring Programme FAQ section. Here, you'll find comprehensive information about the programme's objectives, eligibility criteria, and the application process. Whether you're a prospective mentor or mentee, this section will guide you through the steps to join the programme and help you understand the key aspects of our mentoring initiative.
The IOM Mentoring Programme provides a supportive and empowering professional development opportunity for mid-career professionals seeking guidance, shared experiences, and encouragement from seasoned colleagues to navigate challenges and achieve their career aspirations. Rooted in inclusivity, the programme also aims to foster a sense of belonging and ensure that our global workforce feels supported and accompanied on their career journeys.
In a mentoring relationship, mentees gain valuable insights from their mentor's expertise and organisational knowledge to enhance their skills, pursue their desired career paths, and achieve professional goals. Mentoring also helps mentees overcome internal challenges and fosters professional growth. To learn more, access this 5-minute LinkedIn Learning video using your IOM credentials: Characteristics of a Successful Mentee.
Reference: Amy Gallo (2011), Demystifying Mentoring.
3. I participated as a mentee in previous editions of the IOM Mentoring Programme. Can I apply again?
If you were selected as a mentee in the previous two editions of the IOM Mentoring Programme, we kindly ask you to refrain from applying as a mentee for the 2025 cohort. This will provide an opportunity for colleagues who have not yet benefited from mentoring to be paired with mentors. However, if you meet the mentor profile criteria, we strongly encourage you to apply as a mentor and share your valuable experience with others.
Yes, we strongly encourage you to apply for the mentor role again! Having more mentors increases our ability to successfully pair a greater number of interested and eligible mentees, ensuring the programme’s reach and impact is maximised.
5. Am I eligible to apply as both a mentor and a mentee?
Yes, you can apply as both a mentor and a mentee, provided that you meet the eligibility criteria for both roles.
6. When will applications open for the next cohort of the IOM Mentoring Programme?
As the programme is offered annually, the application phase for the 2025 cohort is anticipated to begin in December 2024. Detailed information on the application process and exact dates will be shared as the period approaches.
We strongly encourage applications from staff with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC); staff who are nationals of underrepresented Member States in IOM's international professional category; staff who identify as part of racial or ethnic minorities in their country or duty station; and staff with disabilities.
During the application phase, applicants will have the opportunity to provide this information to help identify the most suitable mentoring match - one that aligns with both professional growth objectives and diversity and inclusion considerations for those who wish these aspects to play a role in their mentoring relationships. A range of measures is in place throughout the programme's lifecycle to ensure the confidentiality of any personal information shared by applicants.
Any information shared on the application form is accessible exclusively to programme administrators within the Department of Human Resources Management (DHR)/Integrated Talent Management Division (ITMD). Application forms are not visible to potential mentors or any other staff members within IOM. If a proposed mentoring match is deemed unsuitable - particularly with respect to diversity and inclusion - participants can reach out to programme administrators to discuss their concerns and request a new pairing. In such cases, programme administrators will facilitate the change, ensuring that the mentor or mentee is notified without disclosing any sensitive information.
The inaugural cohort of the IOM Mentoring Programme in 2023 successfully paired 162 mentors and mentees, while the 2024 cohort saw an increase to 204 mentor-mentee pairs embarking on their mentoring journeys. Typically, the programme receives a higher volume of applications from mentees compared to mentors. As a result, the final number of mentor-mentee pairs depends on both the availability of mentors and the compatibility of their profiles with those of the potential mentees.
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