Head of Programmes

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 worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration management and humanitarian assistance.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programmes (HoP) will play a crucial role in coordinating the development and implementation of IOM’s programmes and projects in Algeria. This position requires close collaboration with relevant Project Coordinators and Managers, as well as the Regional Office's Migrant Protection Division. The HoP will oversee the development, implementation, reporting, and monitoring and evaluation of projects, ensuring effective programme delivery through technical, administrative, and financial support. The role also involves providing guidance to programme units, including Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) and Protection, to facilitate effective planning and implementation. Regular coordination meetings will be convened to address emerging issues, and the HoP will maintain alignment with institutional guidance and policies across thematic areas related to Border Management/Return and Reintegration (BMRR). Additionally, the HoP will contribute to knowledge management by documenting lessons learned and sharing best practices, while also facilitating multi-stakeholder coordination with the Government of Algeria and other relevant actors in migration programming. The position requires engagement with the United Nations Country Team and coordination of visibility and communication activities to ensure consistent messaging and effective outreach. The HoP will also undertake duty travels for program assessment, technical guidance, evaluation, and resource mobilization, and will coordinate fundraising initiatives for new activities and projects across programmatic areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the development and implementation of IOM’s programmes/projects in Algeria, ensuring alignment with institutional guidance and policies.
• Provide technical, administrative, and financial support to ensure effective programme delivery.
• Offer operational guidance to programme units, including AVRR and Protection, to facilitate effective planning and implementation.
• Convene regular coordination meetings to discuss and prepare responses to emerging issues.
• Maintain and implement institutional guidance and policies across thematic areas related to BMRR.
• Contribute to knowledge management by documenting lessons learned and sharing best practices.
• Facilitate multi-stakeholder coordination with the Government of Algeria and relevant actors involved in migration programming.
• Coordinate IOM’s engagement with the UN Country Team in consultation with the Chief of Mission.
• Serve as the focal point for the Cadre de Coopération Stratégique regarding migration-related programs and projects. 1
• Coordinate visibility and communication activities to ensure consistent messaging. 1
• Undertake in-country and international duty travels for program assessment and representation. 1
• Coordinate fundraising initiatives for new activities and projects. 1
• Act as Officer in Charge during the absence of the Chief of Mission. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Political Science, Social Science, International Relations, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or a University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in the development and/or humanitarian sector at the international level, dealing with the full range of IOM interventions.
• Demonstrated successful management track record.
• Sound knowledge of project cycle management, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Strong understanding of financial and business administration.
• Experience liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities, as well as international institutions.
• Proven fundraising track record.
• Good level of computer literacy is essential, with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and Photoshop being preferable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Political Science, Social Science, International Relations, or Law from an accredited institution, or a University degree in the same fields with additional years of relevant professional experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that candidates have received their education from recognized institutions.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a Master’s degree, or seven years for those with a University degree. Experience should be in the development and/or humanitarian sector at the international level, with a focus on IOM interventions. Candidates should demonstrate a successful management track record and possess sound knowledge of project cycle management, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as financial and business administration. Experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions is essential, along with a proven fundraising track record.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for all applicants, both oral and written. IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish, and all staff members must be fluent in one of these languages. A working knowledge of Arabic and another UN official language (Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage. Proficiency in the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is a one-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension. It is classified at the P-3 grade level, indicating a professional recruiting type. The closing date for applications is set for 04 January 2026, and candidates are advised that any offer made is subject to funding confirmation. The 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 be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.