Programme Officer (Immigration and Border Governance)

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 harness the full potential of migration while strengthening its support to people on the move.

Job Overview:
The Programme Officer (Immigration and Border Governance) will be responsible for the overall development, management, coordination, and oversight of the Immigration and Border Management (IBM) projects portfolio and strategy in the Gulf of Guinea Region. This role is crucial for strengthening the capacity of border management agencies and enhancing the resilience of border communities to respond to emerging challenges in border management. The officer will work under the supervision of the Regional Director and the Chief of Mission in Ghana, Togo, and Benin, and will receive technical support from the Regional Thematic Specialist for IBM and the IBM Team at Headquarters. The position requires effective management of regional projects in countries such as Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, and Mauritania, ensuring alignment with IOM's policies and donor requirements. The officer will also provide technical inputs for policy development, operational resources, and capacity development initiatives, while coordinating with various stakeholders to ensure successful project implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Officer will manage IBM regional projects effectively and timely, ensuring integration of new modalities and practices into project formulation and implementation. Responsibilities include providing technical inputs for enhancing migration pathways, offering guidance to Regional and Country Offices on trends and resource mobilization, and overseeing capacity-development activities. The officer will establish and maintain relationships with government counterparts, organize meetings with stakeholders, and develop public information and training materials for border governance. Additionally, the officer will pursue partnerships with UN Agencies and other organizations, contribute to advancing IBG thematic areas within the UN Network on Migration, and undertake travel as required to support program implementation. The role may also involve performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Economic Development, Business or Public Administration, International Studies, 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 experience is acceptable. Candidates should have experience in program conceptualization, development, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation, as well as familiarity with financial and business administration. A sound understanding of internal and international migration issues is essential, along with experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and organizing high-level consultations and workshops.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as International Relations, Political Science, or related disciplines from accredited academic institutions. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. A University degree in the same fields is acceptable if accompanied by additional years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant experience in program development and capacity-building activities, as well as experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities. Candidates should also have a proven track record of organizing consultations, workshops, and seminars with high-level stakeholders. Familiarity with financial and business administration is important, as is a sound understanding of migration-related issues in the region.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position, both oral and written. Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered 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 fill 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, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system.