The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is inviting expressions of interest from experienced migration scholars and researchers to join the editorial team of International Migration, a leading peer-reviewed academic journal focused on international migration and human mobility. The opportunity is open to a team of at least two and no more than four editors, with applications encouraged from diverse disciplinary, geographical and institutional backgrounds.
The deadline for applications is 6 September 2026, making this an opportunity that qualified academics and migration specialists should consider promptly.
About the International Migration Journal
International Migration is a refereed scientific journal published on behalf of the International Organization for Migration. It provides a platform for research and analysis on migration issues from a wide range of academic and policy perspectives.
The journal brings together scholarship from disciplines including demography, geography, economics, sociology and political science, while maintaining a strong focus on policy-relevant aspects of international migration.
Its scope extends across different geographical regions and the various stages of the migration cycle, including origin, transit, destination, return and reintegration. The journal currently publishes six issues per year, demonstrating the scale and continuity of its contribution to migration scholarship.
A Call for a Diverse Editorial Team
IOM is not simply looking for individual academics with strong publication records. The organisation is seeking an editorial team capable of bringing together different perspectives and areas of expertise.
Applications are particularly encouraged from individuals representing diverse disciplines, geographical regions, institutions and thematic areas. This emphasis reflects the increasingly complex nature of international migration, which cannot be fully understood from a single academic or regional perspective.
The journal’s current editorial and broader academic network already includes scholars from institutions across different regions, illustrating the journal’s international character.
For potential applicants, this means that demonstrating how their expertise complements that of other members of a proposed editorial team could be particularly important.
Who Is IOM Looking For?
Applicants should have broad expertise in migration studies and be able to contribute a multidisciplinary perspective to international migration research.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate relevant disciplinary, geographical and thematic expertise. A strong understanding of migration scholarship across different fields will be important because the journal publishes research using diverse academic approaches and methodologies.
Previous experience contributing to scholarly journals is also expected. Experience as a journal editor or editorial board member is considered an advantage.
In addition to academic expertise, applicants should have strong professional and academic standing and be able to demonstrate institutional backing that will allow them to undertake the responsibilities associated with the editorial role.
What Will the Editors Do?
The appointed editorial team will play a central role in shaping the academic direction and quality of International Migration.
Editors will be responsible for commissioning content, including articles and special issues, and assessing submitted manuscripts for their quality and suitability for publication.
They will also make decisions regarding the acceptance or rejection of manuscripts based on the quality of the research and its relevance to the journal.
Another major responsibility will involve overseeing the peer-review process. Editors will guide manuscripts through review, consider reviewers’ recommendations, oversee revisions and help ensure that published research meets appropriate academic standards.
The editorial team will also contribute to planning journal issues and assessing proposals for special issues.
According to the call, the new editorial board will be established jointly with IOM Research, giving the incoming editors an opportunity to contribute to the development of the journal’s wider academic network.
A Three-Year Editorial Appointment
The successful editorial team will be expected to serve a three-year term. Depending on interest, performance and completion of the required process, an additional term may be offered.
The position also comes with an annual honorarium, providing financial recognition for the editors’ contribution.
For established scholars, the opportunity therefore offers more than an honorary title. It provides the chance to participate directly in shaping scholarly debates, supporting researchers through the publication process and influencing the direction of research on international migration.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit several key documents as part of their expression of interest.
These include a letter of interest, evidence of institutional backing, and the curriculum vitae of the applying editor or editors.
Applications should be clearly marked:
“Application for Editors – International Migration Journal.”
Applications should be submitted to Dr Pablo Rojas Coppari, Research Unit Head, at research@iom.int. Applicants are encouraged to review the full terms of reference before submitting their materials.
Deadline: 6 September 2026
The application deadline is 6 September 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Because the opportunity requires a pre-formed team of two to four editors, interested scholars should not wait until the final days to begin preparing. IOM’s recent public call specifically highlights the importance of editorial teams that bring together diverse disciplines, regions and perspectives.
Why This Opportunity Matters
International migration remains one of the most significant areas of global policy and academic research. Questions surrounding mobility, labour migration, displacement, integration, return, development and migration governance affect countries and communities across the world.
Serving as an editor of International Migration would allow experienced scholars to contribute directly to these conversations by helping identify important research, maintaining academic standards and supporting the publication of evidence that can inform both scholarship and policy.
For established migration researchers with strong academic credentials, journal experience and a collaborative international outlook, this IOM opportunity represents a significant chance to contribute to the future of migration scholarship.
Opportunity: Editors – International Migration Journal
Organisation: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Editorial team: 2–4 editors
Term: Three years, with possible further term
Remuneration: Annual honorarium
Application deadline: 6 September 2026
Application email: research@iom.int
Qualified migration scholars and researchers interested in contributing to a major international publication should review the requirements carefully and consider forming a complementary editorial team before submitting their application.
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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
