IOM COACHING PROGRAMMES FAQs

What is the objective of coaching?

The objective of IOM’s coaching programmes is to support staff members in setting and achieving their personal and professional goals. The coaching process provides a structured and reflective space that encourages self-discovery, supports personal growth, and enables staff members to make informed decisions that align with their aspirations and development objectives.

The Executive Coaching Programme is tailored for senior managers and leaders to enhance leadership effectiveness, navigate complex operational and people-related challenges, and reflect on strategic priorities. 

The Coaching Programme is designed to support staff members in enhancing their performance, strengthening their capabilities, and preparing for future growth within IOM. 

The Career Coaching with Internal Coaches is designed for staff members seeking greater clarity regarding their professional direction or undergoing career transitions. 

What are the benefits of working with a coach?

Working with a coach provides a coachee with the opportunity to identify and refine their personal and professional goals, assess situations effectively, navigate challenges, and devise actionable steps toward achieving their objectives.  Coaching supports individuals in leveraging their strengths, building confidence, and increasing clarity in their decision-making as they work towards desired outcomes.

Is a coach different from a trainer or mentor?

Yes, the role of a coach is distinct from that of a trainer or mentor. A coach facilitates a reflective process that helps individuals explore their own perspectives, identify solutions, and take ownership of their development. Unlike trainers, who focus on transferring specific skills or knowledge, or mentors, who share personal experiences and advice, a coach supports the coachee to clarify their goals and identify the “how” and “what” of their development journey.

	Coaching	Training	Mentoring
Outcomes	Increased awareness of personal impact and behaviour, exploration of options, and application of existing Skills to real situations.	Development of newskills or  knowledge through structured learning and knowledge.	Greater clarity and direction through shared experiences and guidance from a more experienced professional.

 

Relationship	Transformational relationship where the learner owns the development process and the coach supports exploration.	Typically short-term and transactional, with the trainer delivering structured content.	Longer-term developmental relationship where the mentor shares experience and guidance.
Focus	Personal development, self-awareness, and identifying ways to achieve goals through reflective dialogue.	Acquisition or strengthening of specific technical or professional skills.	Learning from the mentor’s experiences and insights to navigate similar situations..
Approach	Learner-driven process using questioning, reflection, and exploration.	Trainer-led learning with structured activities and curriculum.,	Mentor-led conversations sharing e experiences, lessons, and advice.

What is the role of a coach?

A coach’s role is to guide, support, and challenge the coachee through questioning and reflective observations. 

Coaches create a safe and stimulating environment in which coachees can reflect, identify strengths, and explore strategies for addressing challenges. 

A coach does not prescribe solutions or dictate behaviour change. Instead, the coach partners with the coachee to encourage independent thinking and self-directed development. 

What role does a coachee (client) play during the coaching process?

The coachee (client) plays an active and central role in the coaching process. This includes collaborating openly with the coach, drafting personal or professional goals, and engaging fully in each sessions. Coachees are expected to reflect on their experiences, remain open to observations and feedback, and take responsibility for implementing actions that support progress toward their objectives.

What will be expected of me once I sign up for this programme?Participants are expected to actively engage in the coaching process and commit to completing the coaching engagement. The following expectations apply:

 

Who has access to the information I submit with my application?

The information provided in your registration form isaccessible only to the coaching programme administrators within the Department of Human Resources Management (DHRM)/Integrated Talent Management Division (ITMD)/Career Development and Transition Unit (CDT). This ensures that  you personal information is handled confidentially and used solely for the administration of the coaching programme.

 

Is coaching conducted only in English?

Coaching is offered in English and, where possible, in other languages through a pool of certified coaches. While every effort is made to match participants with a coach who can accommodate their language preferences, this cannot always be guaranteed.

What times will the coaching sessions be held?

Coaching sessions are delivered by a diverse pool of certified coaches across different regions and time zones. Session times are arranged directly between the participant and the coach. While every effort is made to accommodate participants’ schedules, availability within the same time zone cannot always be guaranteed.

Can CDT fund my coaching programme with a service provider of my choice?

Eligible IOM staff are encouraged to make use of the complimentary coaching programme offered by the Career Development and Transition Unit (CDT). Please note that if you choose to engage a private coach outside of this initiative, the associated costs will not be covered by CDT.

Can I request to be reassigned to another coach?

Yes. If, after the initial session, you feel that the coaching relationship is not the right fit, you may request to be matched with another coach for the remaining sessions. For assistance with reassignment, please contact the programme administrators (e.g., @POSA Katarina and @[email protected]). 

What is the difference between the Coaching Programme and the Executive Coaching Programme?

 

	Coaching Programme	Executive Coaching Programme
Eligibility	Must hold a valid IOM contract (Regular, Fixed-term, Special Fixed-term). Must have completed at least 5 years of continuous service with IOM. Commit to fully engaging and completing the programme. Have ompleted all mandatory IOM training..	Chiefs of Mission (CoMs), Deputy Chiefs of Mission, or Heads of Office positions (other senior leadership roles considered). Must have completed at least 12 months of continuous service with IOM. Commit to fully engaging and completing the programme. Have completed all mandatory IOM training..
Purpose	Designed to support staff members in strengthening their competencies, enhancing performance, and fostering professional growth within the organization.	Designed to support senior managers in strengthening their leadership capabilities, enhancing leadership effectiveness, and navigating complex operational and people-related challenges.
Delivery format	Four coaching sessions (one hour each) delivered over a four-month period.	Four coaching sessions (one hour each) delivered over a four-month period.
Number of participants	Up to 250 participants.	Up to 50 participants.

Repeat participation	Staff members who have previously participated in a CDT-sponsored coaching opportunity are not eligible for repeat participation.	Repeat participation may be considered subject to availability of slots.
Application process	Submit the application form by the published deadline.	Apply through the dedicated Executive Coaching application form.
Confidentiality	All coaching sessions are strictly confidential and facilitated by certified external coaches.	Same confidentiality conditions apply; all sessions are strictly confidential and facilitated by certified external coaches.
Duration of coaching engagement	Coaching must be completed within four months from the date of coach pairing..	Coaching must be completed within four months from the date of coach pairing. .
Coaching language	English and other languages depending on coach availability.	English and other languages depending on coach availability.

 

Testimonials from former Coaching Programme participants

 Discover what previous participants have shared about their experiences with the Coaching Programme:

 Below are reflection from former participants on how the programme supported their development and professional growth.

 

“The coaching sessions helped me to reflect widely what I want to achieve as a staff in a new location. I also managed to identify some of the skills I have as a coach that could be useful as a manager.” IOM staff Costa Rica

 

“It helped me in understanding different approaches in my areas of interest - leadership, time management, strategic decision making, influencing factors and my confidence.” IOM staff Myanmar

 

“The coach helped me to identify obstacles in my work and how to work more efficiently/effectively. This has been exceptionally helpful, especially as our sessions spanned the entire COVID-19 lockdown period during which her advice was very helpful.” IOM staff Burundi

 

“The coaching programme is an excellent opportunity for IOM staff to work on a professional or personal goal, or a combination of the two. I had a clear idea of what I wanted to work on and am happy to report that I was able to achieve my objective.” IOM staff RO Brussels

 

“My coach was a very good listener, keen observer, and I learned a lot during the coaching sessions.” IOM staff Colombia

“The coaching sessions helped me to become more aware of myself, of what I think and how I feel. The more I get control of these aspects, the more I get to manage my interaction with other people which causes a domino effect. This is an important skill to have, to be not just a great leader but also an effective one.” IOM staff Djibouti

“The coaching sessions were great from exploring personal challenges and development, which eventually leads to the goals I had for the programme.” IOM staff Ghana

“I was able to benefit from advice and new work methodologies to evolve professionally and also to improve my professional relationships.” IOM staff Germany