Position Title: Head of Programmes

Duty Station: Djibouti, Djibouti

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: 04 July 2024

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; Fiji; 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; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

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

Context:

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) – the UN Migration Agency occupies the leading role in supporting Member States in migration management. In Djibouti, IOM implements programmes of assistance to vulnerable migrants, capacity building of governmental institutions and strengthening the link between migration and development.

Under the direct supervision and direction of the Chief of Mission (CoM), and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) and relevant Divisions/Departments/Units at Headquarters, the Head of Programmes will be responsible for the development, oversight and coordination of IOM’s Djibouti programs and will lead resource mobilization efforts. The Head of Programmes will be accountable and responsible for the overall management and implementation of the CO’s programme activities in the areas of migration, including humanitarian assistance, early recovery, transition and development. The Head of Programmes will oversee the programme support functions and will facilitate the development of country strategic plans in Djibouti Country Office (CO).

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Oversee the overall development, implementation and monitoring of programme activities under areas of responsibility, including oversight of IOM’s cluster participation and ONE UN obligations. Identify potential and existing obstacles to programme delivery, through continuous monitoring of new programme areas that reflect changes in host country and donor priorities.
2. Develop the CO’s programme overview, including all (or thematically relevant) programmes implemented by the CO and schedule the major activities for the CoM. Lead the development of country strategic plans, which are in line with IOM’s global and regional strategies, the Country National Peace & Development Strategy, and the One UN Programme.
3. Lead the development of the CO’s donor and partner outreach strategies, taking into account priorities in Djibouti and IOM’s regional and global strategic priorities and objectives; implement the strategies in close coordination with the CoM and CO’s relevant units.
4. Develop and maintain Government working relationship with the ministries and international agencies involved in migration-related issues in Djibouti, and maintain regular liaison with key government officials and interlocutors.
5. In coordination with the CoM and CO’s relevant units, establish liaison and maintain continuous dialogue with relevant stakeholders (i.e. national governmental authorities, donors, UN agencies, national and international NGOs, national and international institutions, private sector) aiming at coordinating and facilitating the implementation of on-going activities and promoting new activities and fund-raising for new projects; identify synergies with IOM’s programmes and make recommendations on donor/partner engagement.
6. Lead the Programmes Unit and supervise Unit’s staff providing project development, public information, reporting, donor relations, government liaison and information management functions for the CO.
7. Ensure integrated approach to CO’s programming required support functions such as project development, reporting, donor relations, public information and information management are provided to programme units in a timely manner.
8. Provide overall guidance to Programme Managers on project development, public information, donor relations, government liaison and information management; ensure consistency and coherence of project/programme activities in accordance with the CO’s strategies and in coordination with the RO and relevant departments/units at HQ.
9. Provide guidance and support to the Heads of Sub-Offices on the CO’s priorities, policies and strategies.
10. Identify programme strategic priorities in relevant service areas and areas of interest in line with IOM mandate and expertise, aiming to further expand the CO’s partnership basis and the scope of activities.
11. Act as Focal Point for government liaison and oversee the CO’s correspondence and reporting to the government authorities; ensure that the CO’s interests are accurately communicated and promote IOM’s visibility.
12. Represent the CO in inter-agency fora, including but not limited to the Programme Management Team (PMT).
13. Lead knowledge management and capacity building activities in CO.
14. Prepare policy guidance notes, documentation and briefs for CoM and senior management.
15. Supervise program managers and the Programme Support Unit, including Communications, Monitoring and Evaluation, Policy, Project Development and Reporting.
16. Deputize the Chief of Mission as required.
17. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Business or Public Administration, International Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Extensive experience in programme formulation, implementation and evaluation;
• Demonstrated supervisory experience in staff management;
• Previous work experience in a rapid transition or post-conflict area;
• Demonstrated experience in liaising with governmental and authorities, international agencies(i.e., UN), and civil society organizations; and,
• Experience in project development, implementation, and reporting, including financial and budgetary aspects.

Skills

• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and backgrounds;
• Ability to work effectively with local authorities, academic institutions and the broader community to advance country office objectives;
• Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritize tasks, work under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Effective communicator, successful negotiator, creative analytical thinker, active learner, team player, and cross-cultural facilitator;
• Efficiency, flexibility, high level of professionalism and ability to adhere to strict deadlines;
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office package;
• Familiarity with inter-agency programme regulations of the UN and other donors;
• Familiarity with IOM’s MiMOSA and PRIMA systems;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Knowledge of the IOM project management cycle;
• Knowledge of IOM’s administrative and financial management;
• Proven leadership, management, and coordination ability;
• Proven record of establishing and maintaining good working relationships with governmental and diplomatic authorities, national, regional and international institutions, as well as civil society actors;
• Sound communication and interpersonal skills;
• Sound judgment, ability to analyse information and make decisions rapidly to resolve operational problems; and,
• Sound judgment, ability to extract, interpret, analyse and format data and resolve operational problem, ability to work with minimum supervision.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French is an 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 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 background verification 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.