Programme Manager At International Organization for Migration

Position Title: Programme Manager

Duty Station: Banjul, Gambia

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P3

Type of Appointment: Special short-term graded, six months with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 11 May 2022

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Aruba (Netherlands); Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Cuba; Curaçao; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Libya; Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

Irregular migration along the Mediterranean routes is increasingly dangerous for migrants. Crossing the Mediterranean is by far the deadliest route, with recorded deaths of over 45,334 people since 2014 (IOM, 2021). In addition, human trafficking and other exploitative practices along the route are heavily affecting migrants during their migratory journey along migratory routes.

To meet these challenges IOM, with support from the European Union (EU), has been implementing targeted interventions in 13 countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and The Gambia) to protect the security, dignity and rights of migrants along these important and dangerous migration routes and to help in improving the reintegration of returnees through an innovative approach. This is achieved through different types of interventions including protection and assistance to vulnerable and stranded migrants, provision of direct assistance through search and rescue support, identification, referral and direct assistance to vulnerable migrants, assistance for voluntary return, support for sustainable reintegration in the communities of origin, the dissemination of accurate information on migration to migrants, potential migrants and communities, and the collection of data on migration flows. The aim is to strengthen the technical and material capacities of authorities and organizations involved in these areas so that they can ultimately take over the policies and programmes related to the protection and reintegration of migrants developed and/or strengthened in the Region, with a view to improving the governance of migration in the region.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM), and in close coordination with the Joint Initiative Regional Coordinator, the Programme Manager will be primarily responsible for managing the EU-IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in The Gambia.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Manage the project’s implementation in a timely manner, backstopping its financial, administrative, and technical aspects, in line with IOM’s policies and procedures, as well as donor requirements and in coordination with the Joint Initiative Regional Coordinator.
2. Monitor and assess project progress, specifically aimed at increasing effectiveness and taking appropriate action and ensure cooperation with third party monitoring actors.
3. Ensure timely monitoring of project expenses in compliance with workplan and budget guidelines provided by the regional office.
4. Supervise all staff assigned to the project, as well as consultants recruited to support and/or undertake specific activities.
5. Establish and maintain strong partnerships with Government entities, implementing partners, UN agencies and other stakeholders in the project’s target country
6. Prepare progress and other programme reports and ensure proper information exchange on all operational aspects of the project between IOM, the programme’s donors and other stakeholders.
7. Act as IOM national focal point for return, readmission and reintegration and assistance to vulnerable migrants, and manage associated projects, upon request.
8. Identify new project possibilities in the country on Return, Readmission and Reintegration, in relation to expressed governmental needs, donors’ priorities and in line with IOM’s mandate and strategy.
9. Provide inputs for the development of regional projects on Return, Readmission and Reintegration in cooperation with Government, donors, and other counterparts in the Gambia.
10. Represent IOM at relevant seminars and meetings, as well as other events aimed at promoting IOM’s image and activities.
11. Undertake site visits and duty travel as required.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or

• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in project management, including managing and implementing the EU-funded projects in Africa would be highly desirable;

• Experience managing Migrant Assistance and Return/Reintegration project with a Government or UN agency, or a regional or international Organization is required;

• Experience implementing similar projects in other regions, especially return & reintegration projects in Sub-Saharan countries, is preferred.

Skills

• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant Government counterparts, international organizations and private sector entities;

• Excellent written and verbal communication and negotiation skills;

• Good knowledge of project management, monitoring and evaluation principles and practices;

• Familiarity with budget/financial administration; proven resource management skills. Ability to draft clearly and concisely;

• Ability to supervise staff and coordinate administrative activities;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

• Demonstrated strategic, organizational and time management skills;

• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds and respect for diversity and gender equality;

• Proven track record of establishing and maintaining good working relationships with governmental, diplomatic authorities, UN agencies, and civil society;

• Teamwork oriented with a capacity to work independently;

• High level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office. Experience with case management systems such as IOM MIMOSA and data analysis systems such as PowerBi is highly desirable.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese).

For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French and/ or Spanish and/or local languages would be an added advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database

(https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.

• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.

• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Leadership: provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the organization’s vision; assists others to realize and develop their potential.

• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.

• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.