Head of Programmes (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

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM), the Head of Programmes will oversee the strategic development, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of all Country Office (CO) programme activities, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, donor requirements, and national strategies.

• Oversee the overall development, implementation, and monitoring of programme activities under areas of responsibility. Identify potential and existing obstacles to programme delivery, through continuous monitoring of new programme areas that reflect changes in host country and donor priorities.
• Develop the CO’s programme overview, including all programmes implemented by the CO and identify key programme milestone and major activities to inform the COM’s planning and decision-making.
• Contribute actively, in coordination with the relevant units, in the conceptualization and development of new programme actions in line with IOM Colombia strategic priorities, which are in line with IOM’s global & regional strategies, the Country National Peace & Development Strategy, and the UN 80 / Humanitarian Reset process.
• Support the Chief of Mission and CO’s relevant units in targeted fundraising efforts for new project initiatives; identify synergies with IOM’s programmes and make recommendations on donor/partner engagement.
• Oversee the preparation of all narrative and financial reporting, both internal and external, ensuring quality of inputs in line with IOM and donor requirements.
• Guide Programme Officers on project development, public information, donor relations, government liaison and information management; to 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 Headquarters (HQ).
• Provide guidance and support to the Heads of Sub-Offices on the CO’s priorities, policies and strategies.
• Ensure the Programme implementation reflects current best practices and IOM’s policies and instructions, as advised by relevant technical experts and divisions, and contribute to policy development by preparing policy inputs and sharing lessons learned derived from Programme implementation.
• Ensure Programme compliance with IOM’s project management policies, including HR, financial management, donor reporting, and risk management.
• Identify programme strategic priorities in relevant service areas and areas of interest in line with IOM mandate and expertise, contributing to further expand the CO’s partnership basis and the scope of activities.
• Support creation of a culture of monitoring, evaluation and learning within the Programme. Encourage identification of lessons learned and best practices, promote action-oriented research, and facilitate real-time incorporation of knowledge and learning into Programme implementation.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Education

• Master’s degree in International Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,

Experience

• Given the financial and operational complexity context in Colombia, and the need for continuous engagement with donor counterparts, the candidate must demonstrate experience in establishing and maintaining high-level relationships with government authorities (at ministerial and vice-presidential levels), diplomatic missions, donors, international organizations, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), the UN Country Team, the private sector, and the media;
• Demonstrated managerial experience in staff management;
• Field work experience in conflict/post-conflict assistance (reintegration of ex-combatants, comprehensive assistance to victims - including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees and former child combatants), emergency response and rural development;
• Experience in coordinating the implementation of shelter and Non-Food Items (NFI), community stabilization, livelihoods and integration, and return and reconciliation;
• Experience with developing and implementing regular pathways strategics, programmes and solutions;
• Experience in project development, implementation, and reporting, including financial and budgetary aspects;
• Experience working in project development in developing countries in Latin America with governmental or international Organisations;
• Experience in coordinating and implementing interagency UN cooled mechanism related to migration flows; and,

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge in inter-agency programme regulations of the UN and other donors;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Sound judgment, ability to analyze information and make decisions rapidly to resolve operational problems;
• Efficiency, flexibility, high level of professionalism and ability to adhere to strict deadlines;
• Demonstrated leadership, management, and coordination capacity;
• Sound communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and backgrounds;
• Advanced computer skills, and proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications;

Familiarity with IOM’s MiMOSA and PRIMA systems;

• Knowledge of the IOM project management cycle; and,

Languages

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, and Russian) 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, any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time 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.