Head of Partnership and Programme Support Unit

Head of Partnership and Programme Support Unit

International Organization For Migration (IOM)

October 12, 2026November 13, 2026KigaliRwanda
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is recognized as 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 alike, and aims to harness the full potential of migration to strengthen its support to people on the move.

Job Overview:
The Head of Partnership and Programme Support Unit will play a crucial role in managing the unit responsible for Programme Development and Reporting, Strategic Communications, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL), and Information and Knowledge Management. This position requires close coordination with the Chief of Mission (COM) and the Head of Programmes (HOP) to enhance mission-wide programme quality, coherence, strategic planning, resource mobilization, donor engagement, and internal coordination. The role involves overseeing the project pipeline, proposal development, donor reporting, and ensuring compliance with IOM standards and the One UN approach. The successful candidate will also support the CO's strategic planning and positioning, resource mobilization efforts, and the development of strategies aligned with IOM global and regional priorities, as well as Rwanda's national priorities and relevant UN frameworks.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of Partnership and Programme Support Unit include managing the unit's functions, which encompass Programme Development and Reporting, Strategic Communications, MEAL, and Information and Knowledge Management. The incumbent will support the COM and HOP in strengthening programme quality and coherence, oversee the project pipeline, and ensure compliance with IOM standards. Responsibilities also include leading the development and implementation of donor and partner outreach strategies, coordinating MEAL systems, managing project development processes, maintaining strategic oversight of the project portfolio, and ensuring quality assurance for donor and institutional reporting. The role requires the incumbent to perform additional duties as assigned, ensuring that all activities align with IOM's strategic priorities and standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, International Development, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with five years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the aforementioned fields with seven years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. The position requires strong knowledge of programme quality, proposal development, donor reporting, and results-based management, as well as advanced research, writing, outreach, and communication skills. A good understanding of MEAL concepts and Rwanda's political, development, migration, and humanitarian context is also essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in relevant fields such as Political or Social Science, International Relations, or International Development from an accredited academic institution. Candidates with a University degree in these fields must have additional years of relevant professional experience to qualify for the role. 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 significant experience in programme development, donor reporting, strategic planning, results-based management, resource mobilization, and project cycle management, particularly in humanitarian, development, or migration-related contexts. Candidates should have experience supervising staff and coordinating cross-functional teams, including reporting, MEAL, communications, donor relations, or knowledge management functions. Additionally, experience liaising with donors, government counterparts, UN agencies, and internal institutional stakeholders is required, demonstrating the candidate's ability to navigate complex organizational structures and foster collaboration.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. A working knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage. The proficiency of required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the language requirements necessary for effective communication in the role.

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, as well as accreditation and residency or visa requirements. The selection process may be used to fill 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 regarding conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. The organization conducts thorough reference checks and background verification to ensure candidates uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
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