Senior Programme Manager (Durable Solutions and DDRR Coordinator) (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

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Country Office in Iraq implements a large, multi-year Peace, Recovery and Solutions portfolio supporting the Government of Iraq (GoI) and affected communities to address the complex and evolving impacts of displacement, return, social fragmentation, and post-conflict recovery. Operating in a protracted transition context, IOM’s programming bridges humanitarian, stabilization, peacebuilding, and development approaches, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, government ownership, and systems strengthening.

A central component of this portfolio focuses on the return, rehabilitation, reintegration, and longer-term solutions for conflict-affected populations, including individuals and families returning from displacement, areas formerly controlled by non-state armed groups, and camps and detention-like settings. This includes Iraqi nationals returning from the Al-Hol and Al-Roj camps in Northeast Syria (NES) and related facilities, as well as internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities affected by prolonged instability. As Iraq has transitioned away from emergency responses, IOM is increasingly consolidating peacebuilding, NES DDRR, and Durable Solutions interventions under an integrated programmatic framework. This approach seeks to move from exceptional, parallel mechanisms towards normalized, area-based, and government-led systems that promote social cohesion, community resilience, and inclusive recovery.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and direct supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator (Head of Peace, Recovery and Solutions Division), and in cooperation with relevant departments at Headquarters (HQs) and Regional Office (RO), the Senior Programme Manager will be responsible and accountable for the overall coordination and management of the Programme and will oversee all aspects of the Programme development and implementation, including but not limited to monitoring, reporting, extensive high-level stakeholder liaison, staff supervision and advancement of new initiatives within the Programme and in global context. In addition, the Senior Programme Manager will actively contribute to IOM’s global programming for the design, implementation, oversight, and coordination of Durable Solutions and DDRR aspects with other active programmes of the Country Office. The Senior Programme Manager (Durable Solutions and DDRR Coordinator) will oversee the programme support functions and will provide expert support and advice for the development of strategic plans of the Country Office.

1. Provide strategic oversight and management to ensure progress toward intended results, promote successful practices for replication, and address underperformance with corrective measures.

4. 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 input and sharing lessons learned derived from Programme implementation.

5. Represent the Programme in the various coordination mechanisms, raise issues for discussion, provide progress updates, and implement decisions and guidance effectively.

6. Ensure Programme compliance with IOM’s project management policies, including Human Resources (HR), Financial Management, donor reporting, and risk management.

7. Support the 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.

8. Build relationships with stakeholders, represent IOM at events, highlight achievements, and manage external communication.

9. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Education

• Master’s degree in Management, Social Science, Law, International Relations, Regional 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 managerial experience in staff management;
• Proven record of establishing and maintaining good working relationships with governmental and diplomatic authorities, national, regional, and international institutions, international agencies (i.e., UN), and civil society organizations;
• Proven work experience in a rapid transition or post-conflict area;
• 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;
• Excellent judgment, ability to analyze information and make decisions rapidly to resolve operational problems;
• Efficiency, flexibility, a high level of professionalism, and the ability to adhere to strict deadlines;
• Proven leadership, management, and coordination capacity; and
• Advanced computer skills and proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications.

Languages

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

Working knowledge of Arabic 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.