Head of Programmes and Operations (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 is dedicated to promoting 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 around the world, focusing on various aspects of migration management and humanitarian assistance.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programmes and Operations will be responsible for the management and effective implementation of IOM Afghanistan’s programme portfolio and operational response. This role involves facilitating the development of country strategic plans and providing guidance and quality assurance to Programme Coordinators on project development, implementation, and management in accordance with organizational policies and donor requirements. The position requires close coordination with various units, including the Programme Support Unit and Resource Management Unit, to ensure that all programming addresses humanitarian needs and promotes resilience building at the community level. The Head of Programmes and Operations will also be tasked with strengthening programme governance, ensuring compliance with IOM and donor regulations, and contributing to resource mobilization and donor outreach strategies. This role is pivotal in ensuring that IOM is effectively represented in relevant programmatic forums and in coordinating interagency planning and strategic discussions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee the implementation of IOM Afghanistan’s programme portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational policies and donor requirements.
• Provide guidance and quality assurance to Programme Coordinators on project development and management.
• Coordinate with the Programme Support Unit and relevant technical experts to identify, develop, and implement programmes, including emergency responses.
• Ensure programming is designed to address humanitarian needs and promote community resilience.
• Strengthen programme governance and monitoring mechanisms for oversight and reporting.
• Review mission programming strategies for effectiveness and build partnerships with UN and NGO entities.
• Facilitate inter-unit collaboration and identify opportunities for improved implementation.
• Analyze operational activities and prepare recommendations for increased effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with IOM and donor regulations in project documentation and reporting. 1
• Contribute to resource mobilization strategies and ensure programmes are adequately resourced. 1
• Represent IOM in relevant internal and external forums and assist in interagency planning. 1
• Identify capacity building opportunities for all programmes in coordination with the Human Resources Unit. 1
• Ensure integration of IOM’s PSEA and Gender Equality policies in all programmes. 1
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political or Social Sciences, Law, or a related field from an accredited institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or a University degree in the same fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.
• Practical experience with international organizations in development, implementation, and evaluation of projects.
• Operational experience in humanitarian sectors such as Protection, Camp Coordination, and Camp Management, as well as recovery resilience areas like livelihood and disaster risk reduction.
• Experience in liaising with government authorities and NGOs.
• In-depth knowledge of migration-related subject areas and familiarity with interagency coordination mechanisms.
• Ability to supervise multiple teams and knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in International Relations, Political or Social Sciences, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Alternatively, a University degree in the aforementioned fields with a minimum of nine years of relevant professional experience is acceptable.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant professional experience in international organizations, particularly in project implementation and management. Experience in humanitarian sectors and liaising with government authorities and NGOs is essential. The role requires practical experience in development, implementation, and evaluation of projects, as well as operational experience in various humanitarian and recovery resilience areas.

Languages:
Fluency in English (oral and written) is required for this position. A working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, or French) and/or local languages (Dari and Pashto) is considered an advantage. Proficiency in required languages 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 and the possibility of extension. The role is categorized as a professional vacancy, and internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. The selection process may be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar positions for a period of 24 months. Candidates must be medically fit for appointment and meet 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. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.