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 to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM's mission includes saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration. The organization is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. IOM operates in numerous countries worldwide, providing services and advice to governments and migrants, and aims to better harness the full potential of migration to strengthen its support to people on the move.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programmes will be responsible for overseeing the strategic development, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of all Country Office (CO) programme activities. This position requires alignment with organizational priorities, donor requirements, and national strategies. The Head of Programmes will develop the CO’s programme overview, identifying key milestones and major activities to inform the Chief of Mission’s planning and decision-making. The role 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 compliance with IOM’s project management policies. The Head of Programmes will also guide Programme Officers and Heads of Sub-Offices, ensuring that programme implementation reflects best practices and IOM’s policies, while fostering a culture of monitoring, evaluation, and learning within the Programme.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of Programmes include overseeing the overall development, implementation, and monitoring of programme activities, identifying obstacles to programme delivery, and ensuring alignment with IOM’s global and regional strategies. The Head of Programmes will prepare narrative and financial reports, guide Programme Officers on project development and donor relations, and ensure consistency in project activities. Additionally, the role involves supporting the Chief of Mission in fundraising efforts, ensuring compliance with IOM’s project management policies, and contributing to policy development by preparing policy inputs and sharing lessons learned. The Head of Programmes will also be responsible for identifying strategic priorities in relevant service areas, expanding the CO’s partnership basis, and promoting action-oriented research.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in International Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience, or a University degree in the same fields with nine years of relevant professional experience. The qualifications include demonstrated experience in establishing and maintaining high-level relationships with government authorities, diplomatic missions, donors, and international organizations. Candidates should have managerial experience in staff management, field work experience in conflict/post-conflict assistance, and experience in project development, implementation, and reporting, including financial aspects.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in International Studies or a related field from an accredited institution, or a University degree in the same fields with additional years of relevant experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that candidates have a recognized educational background that meets international standards.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for this position includes at least seven years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a Master’s degree, or nine years for those with a University degree. Candidates must demonstrate experience in managing complex financial and operational contexts, particularly in Colombia, and have a proven track record of engaging with high-level government authorities and international organizations. Experience in coordinating interagency UN mechanisms related to migration flows and in the design and implementation of government-funded projects is also essential.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is internationally recruited, and candidates are required to be mobile. The appointment is subject to funding confirmation and all necessary clearances, including medical and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security checks. The selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for a period of 24 months. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. The organization does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system.