Immigration and Border Governance Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and offices in over 100 countries, making it a key player in the global migration landscape. The organization's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities they come from. IOM works to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified, and it engages in various programs that address migration governance, humanitarian assistance, and development.

Job Overview:
The Immigration and Border Governance Coordinator will play a crucial role in the coordination of the Immigration and Border Governance component of the Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa (FMM II) programme. This position requires the successful candidate to work closely with the FMM Programme Manager and relevant thematic leads at various levels to ensure the effective implementation of the programme's objectives. The overarching goal of the FMM II programme is to maximize the development potential of free movement of persons and safe, orderly migration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The coordinator will be responsible for overseeing operational, administrative, and financial aspects of the programme, ensuring compliance with IOM policies and donor requirements. The role also involves providing technical assistance in planning and prioritizing activities, supporting the immigration and border management working group, and facilitating regional training initiatives. The coordinator will contribute to the drafting of standardized procedures for border management and will be involved in capacity-building activities targeting various stakeholders, including IOM staff, ECOWAS member states, and civil society partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with coordinating and monitoring the operational, administrative, and financial aspects of the programme's Immigration and Border Governance activities in accordance with IOM policies and donor requirements.
• Provide technical assistance in formulating overall planning for priorities and activities in the relevant area.
• Support the immigration and border management working group under the MIDWA process to enhance exchanges among ECOWAS member states on immigration and border governance, including documentation and border management systems.
• Organize and support the annual Heads of Immigration Meetings.
• Facilitate regional training sessions and Training of Trainers (TOT) to ensure the adoption of the standardized ECOWAS training curriculum for border officials.
• Assist ECOWAS in drafting standardized procedures for border opening, risk profiling, and cross-border cooperation.
• Identify emerging issues relevant to border governance and provide suggestions for improvement.
• Coordinate the preparation and dissemination of project reports in line with IOM procedures.
• Participate in developing work plans, project budgets, and monitoring tools. 1
• Collect, verify, and analyze data related to project activities and update information management systems. 1
• Plan and deliver capacity-building activities targeting various stakeholders. 1
• Attend relevant conferences and maintain partnerships with other agencies and potential donors. 1
• Undertake duty travel for project implementation and monitoring. 1
• Perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or related fields from an accredited institution, along with two years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a Master's degree in the aforementioned fields is acceptable. Candidates should have a minimum of two years' experience in immigration and border governance, preferably in project management or international relations. Knowledge of border management and migration issues in the ECOWAS region is essential, as well as familiarity with project development and evaluation concepts. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish working relationships with government counterparts and international organizations are crucial. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required, and previous experience in international organizations is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, or Law from an accredited academic institution. Candidates with a Master's degree in these fields will be given preference. Accredited institutions are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that candidates have received quality education that meets international standards.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience for candidates holding a Master's degree, particularly in immigration and border governance. Candidates should have experience in project management, business administration, or international relations, with a strong understanding of border management and migration issues in the ECOWAS region. Familiarity with project development, administration, and evaluation concepts is also necessary, along with proven ability to maintain strong working relationships with government counterparts and international organizations. Previous work experience in international organizations, particularly within the United Nations or humanitarian fields, is considered an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within IOM. While English is the official language, proficiency in French and Spanish is also beneficial, as IOM operates in multilingual environments. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the communication requirements of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to funding confirmation, and any offer made to the candidate will depend on the availability of funds. This selection process may also 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. National Professional Officers must be nationals of the country of employment and are expected to perform at a professional level, adhering to the same recruitment qualifications and performance standards as International Professional staff. Appointment is contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and government authorizations where applicable. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts the organization's aims, including discrimination and harassment. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.