Veronica Passaro: A Passionate HR Leader Championing Diversity and Inclusion at IOM
Veronica Passaro, an HR Officer at the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Geneva, Switzerland, is a dedicated professional with a deep commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion, and effective human resource strategies. With over a decade of experience across both the private and international public sectors, Veronica has played a key role in shaping HR solutions that align with organizational values while making a meaningful impact. In this article, we will explore her career journey, skills, accomplishments, and the influence she has had in the field of human resources at IOM.
Early Career and Educational Background
Veronica Passaro’s educational journey began with a degree in Cultural and Linguistic Mediation from the Università degli Studi di Milano, which set the foundation for her future career in international relations and human resources. Her interest in cross-cultural communication and global affairs led her to pursue a Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, and Government at the same institution. Her dissertation, titled “The United Nations intervention in Haiti,” focused on diplomatic law and the political and sociological aspects of international organizations. This academic background provided Veronica with the knowledge necessary to navigate complex global issues and understand the challenges faced by international organizations, which would become central to her career.
In addition to her formal education, Veronica also earned a Master’s Degree in Communication and Media Studies from the 24ORE Business School. This program honed her skills in corporate communications, brand reputation, social media strategies, and media relations, further enhancing her ability to manage HR processes in international settings. To bolster her human resources expertise, Veronica pursued a CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management, allowing her to refine her skills in talent management, workforce planning, and diversity and inclusion.
A Career in International HR
Veronica Passaro’s career trajectory reflects her commitment to human resources and her ability to drive change in diverse organizational settings. Her professional journey took a significant leap when she joined the IOM, where she has been making a lasting impact as an HR Officer for the past several years. At IOM, she has worked in various HR roles, including leading strategic talent acquisition efforts, managing workforce planning, and ensuring that the organization’s HR policies reflect its mission and values.
HR Officer at IOM – UN Migration
Veronica Passaro’s role as an HR Officer at IOM has allowed her to play a critical part in shaping the organization’s HR practices and initiatives. IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration, promoting safe, orderly, and humane migration. With over 23,000 staff members worldwide, IOM plays a significant role in responding to migration-related challenges, such as those stemming from conflict, climate change, and economic disparities. Veronica’s work at IOM is crucial in ensuring that the organization’s human resources are aligned with its evolving needs and strategic goals.
As an HR Officer, Veronica is responsible for overseeing various HR functions, including recruitment, mobility, and workforce planning. One of her key areas of focus has been the Mobility and Pathways Pool initiative, a program designed to develop and deploy qualified candidates for critical roles within the organization. The program helps IOM quickly identify pre-assessed candidates for high-level leadership positions, enabling the organization to respond to urgent staffing needs, especially during crises such as the Ukraine response.
In her current role, Veronica has also taken on leadership responsibilities, including acting as the Head of the Workforce Planning Unit. In this capacity, she has managed the mobility and rotation processes for over 350 staff members globally. Her role involves collaborating with multiple departments, including the Executive Office and the Rotation Secretariat, to ensure smooth transitions for staff members. She has also led the development of IOM’s mobility policy, aligning it with the organization’s strategic goals and people strategies.
Strategic Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning
Veronica’s HR expertise is particularly evident in her contributions to strategic talent acquisition and workforce planning. During her tenure at IOM, she has been instrumental in designing and implementing effective recruitment strategies that attract top-tier talent to the organization. By focusing on fairness, transparency, and diversity, she has helped build a more inclusive and representative workforce at IOM. Her efforts in streamlining recruitment processes and improving employer branding have enhanced IOM’s reputation as an employer of choice in the humanitarian sector.
Veronica has also played a significant role in workforce planning, ensuring that the right talent is available to meet the organization’s evolving needs. She coordinated the global deployment roster for IOM’s staff, facilitating rapid staffing solutions during crises such as the Gaza and Ukraine responses. This work has not only contributed to IOM’s operational efficiency but has also allowed the organization to effectively address the challenges posed by global migration trends.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion
One of Veronica’s core professional values is her commitment to diversity and inclusion. As a passionate advocate for these principles, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that IOM’s HR practices are inclusive and reflect the organization’s mission to promote humane migration. Veronica has contributed to the development and rollout of policies related to flexible work arrangements and reasonable accommodations, which support diverse and inclusive workplaces. She has also provided guidance to senior managers and staff on HR policies, fostering a workplace culture that embraces differences and supports equal opportunities for all employees.
Veronica’s efforts in championing diversity and inclusion go beyond policy development. She has played an active role in creating a more inclusive recruitment process, ensuring that candidates from diverse backgrounds are represented in IOM’s talent pool. Her work in leading global training programs on recruitment best practices and diversity initiatives has empowered IOM’s HR teams to adopt innovative approaches to talent acquisition and workforce planning.
Project Management and Technological Innovation
Veronica Passaro’s project management skills have been instrumental in improving IOM’s HR processes. She is a certified project management associate and has successfully led various projects that have enhanced operational efficiency and effectiveness. One of her significant achievements was the adoption of advanced AI tools to streamline the mobility and rotation processes, which significantly boosted operational efficiency. Additionally, Veronica contributed to the testing and improvement of IOM’s new ERP (Oracle) system, ensuring that it supported HR operations effectively.
Her ability to manage complex projects and implement technological solutions has positioned her as a key player in transforming IOM’s HR capabilities. Veronica’s strategic vision and focus on continuous improvement have allowed IOM to adapt its HR practices to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing global environment.
Personal and Professional Development
Veronica Passaro’s career is a testament to her dedication to lifelong learning and professional growth. In addition to her formal education and certifications, she has continually sought opportunities to enhance her knowledge and skills in human resources and project management. She has completed courses on diversity, inclusion, and belonging, as well as advanced project management training, further strengthening her ability to lead HR initiatives at IOM.
Veronica Passaro is also deeply committed to empowering others in their professional development. She has provided career development advice to over 100 colleagues at IOM, guiding them in their career transitions and supporting their growth within the organization. Her mentorship and leadership have helped many individuals navigate the complexities of international HR careers and achieve their professional goals.
Conclusion
Veronica Passaro’s career at IOM exemplifies the power of combining strategic HR leadership with a deep commitment to diversity and inclusion. Through her work, she has helped shape IOM’s HR practices, ensuring that the organization has the talent and leadership needed to respond to the complex challenges of global migration. Veronica’s expertise in workforce planning, talent acquisition, and project management, combined with her passion for fostering inclusive workplaces, has made her a valuable asset to IOM and the broader international humanitarian community.
Her achievements not only highlight her skills as an HR leader but also reflect her dedication to creating meaningful change in the organizations she serves. Veronica Passaro’s career is a model for anyone aspiring to make a lasting impact in the field of human resources, and her ongoing work will continue to shape the future of migration and workforce management at IOM.
