Senior Programme Officer (P)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, providing services and advice to governments and migrants. The organization is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally while harnessing the full potential of migration. IOM operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, development, and policy advocacy. The organization emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce, encouraging applications from qualified female candidates and individuals from non-represented member countries.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Officer will be responsible for the overall management and implementation of the Country Office's (CO) programme activities related to migration, including humanitarian assistance, early recovery, transition, and development. This role requires close collaboration with the Regional Director and Chief of Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as coordination with various divisions and departments at IOM Headquarters. The Senior Programme Officer will oversee the development of country strategic plans and ensure that IOM programmes are implemented effectively and efficiently, aligning with the CO's strategy and donor expectations. The position demands a proactive approach to identifying obstacles to programme delivery and adapting to changes in host country and donor priorities. The Senior Programme Officer will also play a key role in establishing and maintaining relationships with government officials and stakeholders involved in migration-related issues, ensuring that IOM's visibility and interests are effectively communicated.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the development, implementation, and monitoring of programme activities, ensuring compliance with IOM’s cluster participation and UNSDCF obligations.
• Develop a comprehensive overview of the CO’s programmes and schedule major activities for the Chief of Mission.
• Lead the creation of country strategic plans aligned with IOM’s global and regional strategies.
• Formulate donor and partner outreach strategies, coordinating closely with the Chief of Mission and relevant units.
• Maintain government relationships and serve as the focal point for the DRC UNSDCF.
• Establish and maintain dialogue with stakeholders to facilitate ongoing activities and promote fundraising for new projects.
• Provide expert support to the Chief of Mission in overseeing the Programme Support Unit and supervising its staff.
• Ensure timely support functions for project development, reporting, donor relations, and information management.
• Guide Project Managers on project development and ensure coherence with CO strategies. 1
• Support Heads of Sub-Offices on CO priorities and policies. 1
• Identify strategic priorities in service areas to expand partnerships and activities. 1
• Act as the focal point for government liaison and oversee CO correspondence. 1
• Represent the CO in inter-agency forums as required. 1
• Lead knowledge management and capacity-building activities. 1
• Prepare policy guidance notes and documentation for senior management. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Business or Public Administration, International Studies, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with seven years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the aforementioned fields with nine years of relevant experience is acceptable. Accredited institutions are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates should demonstrate extensive experience in programme formulation, implementation, and evaluation, as well as supervisory experience in staff management. A proven track record of establishing and maintaining good working relationships with governmental and diplomatic authorities, national and international institutions, and civil society actors is essential. Experience in rapid transition or post-conflict areas, as well as familiarity with UN Peacekeeping Operations, is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as International Relations, Political Science, Business or Public Administration, or International Studies from an accredited academic institution. Alternatively, a University degree in these fields with additional years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. The educational qualifications must be from institutions recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that candidates have a solid academic foundation to support their professional capabilities.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in programme formulation, implementation, and evaluation, with a strong emphasis on supervisory roles in staff management. A proven record of establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with governmental and diplomatic authorities, as well as national and international institutions, is crucial. Previous work experience in rapid transition or post-conflict areas is highly valued, along with experience in liaising with governmental authorities, international agencies, and civil society organizations. Familiarity with inter-agency programme regulations of the UN and other donors is also important, as is experience in project development, implementation, and reporting, including financial and budgetary aspects.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, both oral and written. A working knowledge of French is considered an advantage, as IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of these languages, and proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a Special Short Term Graded contract, with an initial duration of six months, extendable up to nine months. The role is categorized at the P-4 grade level, indicating a professional recruiting type. Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile, and any offer made to a candidate is subject to funding confirmation. This selection process may be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar roles for a period of 24 months. Candidates must meet medical fitness requirements and any residency or visa requirements. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including discrimination and harassment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.