In this section, we delve into the roles and responsibilities of both mentors and mentees, as well as the overall structure of the IOM Mentoring Programme. You'll learn about the selection criteria, the matching process, and the duration of the programme. This section is designed to provide clarity on what is expected from participants and how the programme is organized to ensure a successful mentoring experience.


1. What does the role of a mentor entail?

For mentors, mentoring offers a rewarding experience, as it recognises and validates their expertise while allowing them to directly contribute to a colleague’s professional growth. This not only benefits the individual but also strengthens the organisation by enhancing employee engagement and improving retention rates. To learn more, access this 3-minute LinkedIn Learning video using your IOM credentials: What to offer your mentee.

References: 

Art of Mentoring (2019), Mentoring -What's in it For Me? 

Naz Beheshti (2019), Improve Workplace Culture With A Strong Mentoring Program. 


2. Who is eligible to apply for the IOM Mentoring Programme?

The target audience is reviewed annually by the Integrated Talent Management Division in collaboration with the Executive Office. Eligibility criteria are clearly communicated during the registration phase to ensure colleagues have a clear understanding of whether they qualify to apply for the upcoming cohort. For instance, for the 2025 cohort:

  • The mentee profile included: staff members in the Ungraded (General Service, National and Professional category) as well as at the P-1, P-2, P-3; NO-A, NO-B, NO-C, NO-D; and G-4, G-5, G-6, and G-7 grades.
  • The mentor profile included: staff members at the D-1, D-2; P-3, P-4, P-5; NO-C, NO-D; G-6, and G-7 grades; along with retirees.



3. What is the duration of the programme?

The IOM Mentoring Programme is an annual initiative, with the next cohort anticipated to begin in late January 2025 and conclude by the end of July 2025.


4. Is it possible to have more than one mentor during the programme?

No, you will be paired with a single mentor from IOM for the entire duration of the programme. This ensures that other mentees also have the opportunity to be successfully paired with a mentor.


5. Is it possible to have more than one mentee during the programme? 

Yes, mentors have the option to support up to three mentees simultaneously during the programme. When completing the application form, you will be asked to indicate the number of mentees you are willing and able to mentor.


6. What happens after I apply?

After submitting your application form, you will receive an acknowledgment email confirming receipt. No further action is required from your side at this stage. Successful pairings will be notified by mid-January 2025, while applicants who are not paired will also be informed via email.


7. I am unable to sign in with my IOM email to access the application link. What should I do?

Please complete this form to submit a ticket, and the required technical support will be provided promptly.


8. Is the mentoring platform accessible to persons with disabilities?

The Together mentoring platform has successfully passed accessibility tests with Microsoft JAWS and Mac VoiceOver. If you encounter any difficulties, please reach out to Katarina Posa or Florette Niyongere for assistance.


9. Is the mentoring platform accessible on mobile devices?

The Together mentoring platform does not have a dedicated mobile application; however, it is fully accessible through internet browsers on mobile devices.


10. Do I need to submit two separate application forms if I am applying as both a mentor and a mentee?

No, you do not need to submit separate application forms. Simply use the application link you received. When completing the questionnaire, carefully review each question to ensure your responses align appropriately with your potential role as a mentor or mentee. You may also find this video helpful.