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. IOM Zimbabwe has been operational since 1985 and became a Member State of IOM in 200

• It is recognized by the Government of Zimbabwe as the principal international inter-governmental organization addressing the entire spectrum of migration issues. IOM Zimbabwe works to advance migration policy and practice while addressing humanitarian and development challenges through coordinated and protection-centered actions, focusing on areas such as humanitarian response, migration management, health services, and migration data.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programmes will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in IOM Zimbabwe and will collaborate with relevant units at the Regional Office and Sub-regional office. This position is crucial for ensuring coherence between IOM Zimbabwe's programmes and their effective implementation in alignment with the overall strategy of IOM Zimbabwe, as well as the expectations of the Government of Zimbabwe, donors, and beneficiaries. The Head of Programmes will support the CoM in formulating country strategies and approaches across the mission’s operational portfolio, identifying and developing new programmes to address emerging needs in line with Government Plans and the UN Country Team strategy. The role also involves coordinating ongoing partnerships, supporting resource mobilization efforts, and contributing to the strategic positioning of the Country Office. The Head of Programmes will be responsible for monitoring programme activities, facilitating dialogue between actors, and promoting solutions to emerging challenges, while ensuring that all operations are efficient and effective.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the CoM in formulating country strategies and approaches across the mission’s operational portfolio.
• Identify and develop new programmes to address emerging needs in line with Government Plans and UN strategies.
• Coordinate the implementation of programmes/activities at the national level, working closely with programmatic units.
• Monitor programme activities to identify potential obstacles and facilitate dialogue to promote solutions.
• Promote convergence between all units and programmes to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Analyze migration issues, political and socio-economic policies, and emerging trends to inform the CoM.
• Coordinate humanitarian response programming in the event of disasters.
• Facilitate knowledge building and management, including organizing training for staff.
• Maintain strong communications with key stakeholders, including authorities, civil society, UN agencies, and donors. 1
• Support the CoM in donor engagement and funding negotiations. 1
• Liaise with national and international counterparts to advance programme objectives. 1
• Identify programme opportunities and coordinate project proposal drafting. 1
• Prepare and review project reports and documents. 1
• Represent IOM in relevant UN and inter-agency bodies and mechanisms. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Law, Social Sciences, Economic and Political Development, International Relations, or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or a University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in international emergency and/or development work, preferably in project design, coordination, management, or implementation at national, regional, or international levels.
• Experience coordinating with government agencies, civil society organizations, and donors.
• Experience in providing technical support and capacity building for stakeholders on human rights and gender equality.
• Experience in emergency response and humanitarian assistance is required.
• Previous experience with IOM in the SADC region is an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Law, Social Sciences, Economic and Political Development, or International Relations from an accredited institution. Alternatively, a University degree in these fields is acceptable if accompanied by seven years of relevant professional experience. The educational qualifications must be from accredited universities recognized in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
The position requires at least seven years of progressively responsible experience for candidates holding a University degree, or five years for those with a Master’s degree. This experience should be in international emergency and/or development work, with a strong focus on project design, coordination, management, or implementation at various levels. Candidates should also have experience in liaising with government agencies, civil society organizations, and donors, as well as providing technical support and capacity building in projects related to human rights and gender equality. Experience in emergency response and humanitarian assistance is essential, and prior experience with IOM in the SADC region is considered an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, both oral and written. IOM’s official languages include English, French, and Spanish. Proficiency in these languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
Any offer made to the candidate is subject to funding confirmation. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar positions for 24 months. The post is subject to local recruitment, and only those holding a valid residence and work permit for Zimbabwe will be eligible for consideration. Appointment will also be subject to certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on 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 a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.