Position Title: Deputy Chief of Party

Duty Station: Accra, Ghana

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P4

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 22 November 2023

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. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

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.

The Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM) aims to increase state presence and community resilience in remote areas of Benin, Ghana and Togo that are at risk of encroachment by violent extremist organizations. The CSSM is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) and aligns with the US Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability and the GFFO’s Concept on Foreign and Security Policy Strategy for an Integrated Peace, as well as regional and national efforts to prevent violence. The CSSM will be implemented by IOM in close coordination with GFFO, USAID, as well as with communities in priority zones and all levels of the host Governments.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Party/Programme Manager (COP/PM) and overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, the Deputy Chief of Party/Deputy Programme Manager (DCOP/DPM) (Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM)) will manage programme implementation and provide advice and guidance to operations for the successful implementation of the programme. The DCOP/DPM (Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM)) is a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT).

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Supervise and coach the Field Coordinators and provide managerial advice and guidance in other areas of the programme, as needed.
2. Ensure the successful implementation of CSSM initiatives at the field level in accordance with the overall objectives of the programme by directly supervising programme implementation staff in the identification of local grantees and partners, technical consultants, and other programme implementers.
3. Manage the grant development processes (generally tasked to Field Coordinators and National Program Officers) in support of the timely development of targeted, high-impact activities that meet programme objectives.
4. Provide advice to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager and MEL staff to incorporate trends, lessons learned, good practices and other learning into new programme approaches and activity development.
5. Train and coach staff to enhance and promote a strong understanding of the programme strategy, and work with field teams in their effort to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with local grantees, local government authorities, local contractors, international non-governmental organizations, donors, and other key stakeholders, in support of strong programming.
6. Manage field and Accra-based team members to ensure that procurement, finance, logistics, and programmatic aspects of each grant activity are being implemented on-time, in accordance with the specifications of the approved activity, and in line with IOM and donor rules and regulations.
7. Ensure the Resources Management and Procurement staff apply standard guidelines and procedures aimed at ensuring an appropriate, efficient, and transparent use of funds.
8. Prepare report on a regular basis to the COP/PM on grant implementation and provide technical inputs on project implementation to the Program Management Team (COP, DCOP, MEL Manager, Grants Manager, Resources Management Officer, and Field Coordinators).
9. Supervise the collection and submission of field inputs on the local political and security context and programme implementation to the Grants Manager and Senior Reporting Assistant for inclusion in the agreed donor reports.
10. Coordinate the collection and submission of activity notes for inclusion in the Grants Management System.
11. Liaise with IOM’s Staff Security Unit (SSU) and the Country Office Security Focal point as/when required, in close conjunction with Mission management and in accordance with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) requirements.
12. Coordinate with the MEL Manager and Assistants to develop, monitor, evaluate (M&E) and recommend performance measures for regional and individual activities, including contractors and grantees.
13. Develop a deep understanding of all aspects of the Grant Activity Cycle, particularly grant preparation and submission of grant ideas.
14. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Management, Development Studies, Planning, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven (7) years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with nine (9) years’ relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Specific work experience with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programmes, or on other large donor-funded programmes, preferably with the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI);
• Previous experience in community-based and/or small grants programming, particularly in stabilization contexts and complex operating environments;
• Previous experience in the region is an advantage;
• Experience in project implementation, support to grants fund management, administrative and related fields;
• Experience in developing and maintaining budgetary disciplines across a wide range of grant activities; and,
• Experience managing staff from diverse environments and backgrounds.

Skills

• Understanding of conflict and gender sensitive programming approaches;
• Knowledge of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) protocols and experience working in a phase III (or above) security environment is an advantage;
• Strong knowledge and cultural understanding of the region and conversant on regional politics;
• Excellent communication and writing skills with the ability to analyze complex problems and identify and convey clear, rapid solutions;
• Effective resource management skills;
• Familiarity with political analysis in complex crisis settings; and,
• Strong general analytical skills.

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) is desirable.

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

Notes

1Accredited 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 five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• 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.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• 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 actions 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 3

• 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 leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p df

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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board 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.