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:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.
Organizational Context and Scope
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) – the United Nations (UN) migration agency – in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) implements a broad, integrated programme supporting crisis‑affected populations and national institutions in a context of protracted conflict, large‑scale displacement, and limited access to essential services. The programme combines humanitarian assistance, stabilization, durable solutions, peacebuilding, migration governance, and border management interventions across multiple provinces, targeting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, host communities, ex‑combatants, vulnerable households, and government counterparts. Core activities include community‑based planning, rehabilitation of key infrastructure, livelihood and reintegration support, social cohesion initiatives, displacement tracking, protection services, and capacity building for national and local authorities. Through these efforts, IOM aims to strengthen resilience, restore basic services, enhance local governance, and advance sustainable solutions for displacement‑affected communities.
Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director of the Regional Office (RO) for East Horn and Southern Africa (EHSA) and direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) and relevant Divisions/Departments/Units at Headquarters, the Senior Programme Coordinator (Humanitarian Response and Recovery) will provide strategic leadership and oversight across the Country Office’s (CO) programme portfolio. This includes guiding programme development and implementation, leading strategic planning processes, strengthening donor and government engagement, ensuring coherence with One UN frameworks, overseeing programme support functions, and maintaining high‑level coordination with national authorities, UN agencies, partners, and stakeholders. The Senior Programme Coordinator (Humanitarian Response and Recovery) will also ensure integrated planning, quality assurance, knowledge management, and effective representation of IOM in inter‑agency fora, while supporting the COM in advancing the CO’s priorities and institutional objectives.
- Lead the development of country strategic plans, which are in line with IOM’s global & regional strategies, the Country National Peace & Development Strategy, and the One UN Programme.
- Lead the development of the CO’s donor and partner outreach strategies, taking into account priorities in DRC, Humanitarian Response and Recovery, and IOM’s regional and global strategic priorities and objectives; implement the strategies in close coordination with the COM and CO’s relevant units.
- Develop and maintain Government working relationships with the ministries and international agencies involved in migration-related issues in DRC, and maintain regular liaison with key government officials and interlocutors. Serve as overall Focal Point for Humanitarian Response and Recovery.
- 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 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), national and international institutions, Private sector) aiming at coordinating and facilitating the implementation of ongoing activities and promoting new activities and fundraising for new projects; identify synergies with IOM’s programmes and make recommendations on donor/partner engagement.
- Lead the Programme Support Unit and supervise the Unit’s staff providing project development, public information, reporting, donor relations, government liaison and information management functions for the CO.
- Ensure an integrated approach to CO’s programming, with required support functions such as project development, reporting, donor relations, public information and information management are provided to programme units in a timely manner.
- 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.
- Provide guidance and support to the Heads of Sub-Offices on the CO’s priorities, policies and strategies.
- 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.
- 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.
- Represent the CO in inter-agency fora, including but not limited to the Programme Management Team (PMT) and One UN, and One Programme.
- Lead knowledge management and capacity building activities in the CO.
- Prepare policy guidance notes, documentation and briefs for COM and senior management.
- Perform such other relevant duties as may be assigned.
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;
- 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;
- Previous work experience in a rapid transition or post-conflict area;
- Demonstrated experience in liaising with governmental authorities, international agencies (i.e., UN), and civil society organizations;
- Experience in project development, implementation, and reporting, including financial and budgetary aspects; and,
- Familiarity with inter-agency programme regulations of the UN and other donors.
Skills
- 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;
- Strong leadership, management, and coordination ability;
- Sound communication and interpersonal skills;
- Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and backgrounds;
- Familiarity with IOM’s Migrant Management Operational Systems Application (MiMOSA) and Project Information and Management Application (PRIMA) systems;
- Knowledge of the IOM project management cycle; and,
- Knowledge of IOM’s administrative and financial management.
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.