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 will be responsible for overseeing the strategic development, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of all Country Office programme activities. This role requires alignment with organizational priorities, donor requirements, and national strategies. The Head of Programmes will identify potential obstacles to programme delivery and continuously monitor new programme areas that reflect changes in host country and donor priorities. The position involves contributing to the conceptualization and development of new programme actions in line with IOM Colombia's strategic priorities, supporting targeted fundraising efforts, and ensuring quality in narrative and financial reporting. The Head of Programmes will guide Programme Officers on project development and ensure consistency and coherence of project activities in accordance with the Country Office's strategies. Additionally, the role includes ensuring compliance with IOM’s project management policies and contributing to policy development by preparing inputs and sharing lessons learned from programme implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the strategic development, implementation, and monitoring of all Country Office programme activities.
• Identify and address obstacles to programme delivery through continuous monitoring.
• Develop the Country Office’s programme overview and identify key milestones and major activities.
• Contribute to the development of new programme actions aligned with IOM’s global and regional strategies.
• Support targeted fundraising efforts for new project initiatives.
• Oversee the preparation of narrative and financial reports, ensuring quality inputs.
• Guide Programme Officers on project development, public information, donor relations, and information management.
• Provide guidance to Heads of Sub-Offices on priorities, policies, and strategies.
• Ensure programme implementation reflects best practices and IOM policies. 1
• Identify strategic priorities in relevant service areas and expand the Country Office’s partnership basis. 1
• Foster a culture of monitoring, evaluation, and learning within the programme. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Business or Public Administration, International Studies, or a related field with seven years of relevant professional experience; or a University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining high-level relationships with government authorities, diplomatic missions, donors, international organizations, NGOs, and the media.
• Managerial experience in staff management and field work experience in conflict/post-conflict assistance.
• Experience in coordinating the implementation of community stabilization, livelihoods, and reconciliation programmes.
• Proven experience in project development, implementation, and reporting, including financial aspects.
• Experience working in developing countries in Latin America with governmental or international organizations.
• Experience in coordinating interagency UN mechanisms related to migration flows.
• Experience in designing, negotiating, and implementing government-funded projects.

Educational Background:
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. Alternatively, a University degree in the aforementioned fields with nine years of relevant professional experience is acceptable.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, particularly in the context of Colombia's financial and operational complexities. Candidates must demonstrate a history of establishing and maintaining high-level relationships with various stakeholders, including government authorities at ministerial levels, diplomatic missions, and international organizations. Managerial experience in staff management is essential, along with field work experience in conflict or post-conflict settings. Candidates should also have experience in project development and implementation, particularly in developing countries in Latin America.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position, both oral and written. A working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, or Russian) is considered an advantage. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is Special Short Term Graded, with an initial duration of nine months and the possibility of extension. This recruitment process is expedited and is open only to internal candidates and former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to structural adjustments. The position is classified at the P-4 grade level. Candidates must be mobile and willing to relocate if necessary. The 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 a period of 24 months. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM.