Head of Programme Coordination and Innovation Unit (P)

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

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:

• Internal candidates
• Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories:

Bahamas, Barbados, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCoM), in coordination with the Programme Managers, Senior Resource Management Officer, Heads of Sub-Offices IOM West and Central of Africa Regional Office (RO) and IOM’s Headquarters (HQ), the Head of Programme Coordination and Innovation Unit (PCIU) will be responsible for the management and coordination of unit activities, including programme and project conceptualization, proposal development, Monitoring and Evaluation, support the Country Office (CO) strategic planning and relationships with UN, donors and the Government of Nigeria, particularly in relation to the operational aspects of programmes/projects and resource mobilization.

• Manage and supervise the staff of the Mission Support and Innovation Unit, ensuring their effective and timely performance of development, implementation, and reporting tasks for IOM Nigeria’s programmes/projects according to institutional guidance.
• Assess potential project and funding opportunities, prepare project proposals and concept notes in the areas of interest to IOM Nigeria, and review and improve project reports, fact sheets and other documents in coordination with relevant Programme/Project managers and programme units.
• Support the coordination and evaluation of programme and project activities of IOM Nigeria to ensure timely and effective implementation and quality reporting and advise the DCoM of the corrective measures that may be needed.
• Support liaison with donors, project partners, other IOM Country Offices, RO, and HQ to facilitate coordinated project implementation and synergies and to make recommendations on donor/partner engagement.
• Provide advice for the mainstreaming of relevant African Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), West African Community, Intergovernmental Authority on Development and Common Market for West Africa policies and frameworks into internal frameworks, policies, as well as national-level programming and design.
• Keep abreast of and analyse migration issues, policies, and emerging trends, identify priorities, and recommend actions to the Deputy Chief of Mission in relation to risks and opportunities for IOM.
• Identify priorities, challenges and issues to be addressed within the country office as appropriate and propose corrective actions.

Provide support and guidance to Programme/Project Managers and other project staff on programme/project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and quality assurance.

• Participate in relevant UN and inter-agency meetings and mechanisms to facilitate the integration of IOM programmes into inter-agency processes and the mainstreaming of migration into Common Country Analysis and Cooperation frameworks.

Support IOM Nigeria in working with respective national counterparts to facilitate cooperation, external relations, and liaison activities.

• In close coordination with the Information Management System Officer, provide evidence-based information on IOM Nigeria’s project development and fundraising efforts through targeted assessment surveys, analyses, studies, and systematic publication.
• Develop and disseminate communications and visibility materials, such as quarterly reports, newsletters, flash reports, etc., and respond to information requests from HQ and Regional Office.
• Facilitate the generation and use of knowledge to promote improved policy engagement, project development and management in Nigeria and the West and Central Africa region.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, 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 the field of international migration, management, and evaluation;
• Work experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience, IOM Project Development, Management, Implementation and Monitoring systems;
• Experience in dealing with donors on project implementation and reporting;
• Experience and excellent understanding of the migration themes in West Africa and extensive knowledge of the arid and semi-arid regions; and,
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions, and Non-Governmental Organizations.

Skills

• Knowledge in project monitoring and evaluation is required;
• Demonstrated expertise in thematic areas relevant to project liaison, reporting, and monitoring; and,
• Knowledge and experience of regional issues is an advantage.

Languages

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

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

Required Competencies

Notes

Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security, as well as accreditation, and any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time in Geneva, Switzerland, on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system-wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.

IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.