Head of Programmes

Context:

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) – the UN Migration Agency occupies the

leading role in supporting Member States in migration management. In Djibouti, IOM

implements programmes of assistance to vulnerable migrants, capacity building of

governmental institutions and strengthening the link between migration and development.

Under the direct supervision and direction of the Chief of Mission (CoM), and in close

coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) and relevant

Divisions/Departments/Units at Headquarters, the Head of Programmes will be responsible for

the development, oversight and coordination of IOM’s Djibouti programs and will lead resource

mobilization efforts. The Head of Programmes will be accountable and responsible for the

overall management and implementation of the CO’s programme activities in the areas of migration, including humanitarian assistance, early recovery, transition and development. The

Head of Programmes will oversee the programme support functions and will facilitate the

development of country strategic plans in Djibouti Country Office (CO).

 

Job Summary:

Position Title : Head of Programmes

Duty Station : Djibouti, Djibouti

Classification : Professional Staff, Grade P4

Type of Appointment : Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible

Closing Date : 04 July 2024

 

 

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Oversee the overall development, implementation and monitoring of programme activities

under areas of responsibility, including oversight of IOM’s cluster participation and ONE UN

obligations. Identify potential and existing obstacles to programme delivery, through continuous

monitoring of new programme areas that reflect changes in host country and donor priorities.

2. Develop the CO’s programme overview, including all (or thematically relevant) programmes

implemented by the CO and schedule the major activities for the CoM. Lead the development of

country strategic plans, which are in line with IOM’s global and regional strategies, the Country

National Peace & Development Strategy, and the One UN Programme.

3. Lead the development of the CO’s donor and partner outreach strategies, taking into account

priorities in Djibouti and IOM’s regional and global strategic priorities and objectives; implement

the strategies in close coordination with the CoM and CO’s relevant units.

4. Develop and maintain Government working relationship with the ministries and international

agencies involved in migration-related issues in Djibouti, and maintain regular liaison with key

government officials and interlocutors.

5. In coordination with the CoM and CO’s relevant units, establish liaison and maintain

continuous dialogue with relevant stakeholders (i.e. national governmental authorities, donors,

UN agencies, national and international NGOs, national and international institutions, private

sector) aiming at coordinating and facilitating the implementation of on-going activities and

promoting new activities and fund-raising for new projects; identify synergies with IOM’s

programmes and make recommendations on donor/partner engagement.

6. Lead the Programmes Unit and supervise Unit’s staff providing project development, public

information, reporting, donor relations, government liaison and information management

functions for the CO.

7. Ensure integrated approach to CO’s programming required support functions such as project

development, reporting, donor relations, public information and information management are

provided to programme units in a timely manner.

8. Provide overall guidance to Programme Managers on project development, public

information, donor relations, government liaison and information management; ensure

consistency and coherence of project/programme activities in accordance with the CO’s

strategies and in coordination with the RO and relevant departments/units at HQ.

9. Provide guidance and support to the Heads of Sub-Offices on the CO’s priorities, policies and

strategies.

10. Identify programme strategic priorities in relevant service areas and areas of interest in line

with IOM mandate and expertise, aiming to further expand the CO’s partnership basis and the

scope of activities.

11. Act as Focal Point for government liaison and oversee the CO’s correspondence and

reporting to the government authorities; ensure that the CO’s interests are accurately

communicated and promote IOM’s visibility.

12. Represent the CO in inter-agency fora, including but not limited to the Programme

Management Team (PMT).

13. Lead knowledge management and capacity building activities in CO.
14. Prepare policy guidance notes, documentation and briefs for CoM and senior management.
15. Supervise program managers and the Programme Support Unit, including Communications,

Monitoring and Evaluation, Policy, Project Development and Reporting.

16. Deputize the Chief of Mission as required.
17. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

 

Required Qualifications and Experience:

 

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Business or Public

Administration, International Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution

with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,

• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

 

Experience

• Extensive experience in programme formulation, implementation and evaluation;
• Demonstrated supervisory experience in staff management;
• Previous work experience in a rapid transition or post-conflict area;
• Demonstrated experience in liaising with governmental and authorities, international agencies

(i.e., UN), and civil society organizations; and,

• Experience in project development, implementation, and reporting, including financial and

budgetary aspects.

 

Skills

• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and

backgrounds;

• Ability to work effectively with local authorities, academic institutions and the broader

community to advance country office objectives;

• Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritize tasks, work under pressure and meet

deadlines;

• Effective communicator, successful negotiator, creative analytical thinker, active learner, team

player, and cross-cultural facilitator;

• Efficiency, flexibility, high level of professionalism and ability to adhere to strict deadlines;
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office package;
• Familiarity with inter-agency programme regulations of the UN and other donors;
• Familiarity with IOM’s MiMOSA and PRIMA systems;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the

Organization;

• Knowledge of the IOM project management cycle;
• Knowledge of IOM’s administrative and financial management;
• Proven leadership, management, and coordination ability;
• Proven record of establishing and maintaining good working relationships with governmental

and diplomatic authorities, national, regional and international institutions, as well as civil society

actors;

• Sound communication and interpersonal skills;
• Sound judgment, ability to analyse information and make decisions rapidly to resolve

operational problems; and,

• Sound judgment, ability to extract, interpret, analyse and format data and resolve operational

problem, ability to work with minimum supervision.

 

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be

fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French

is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process,

which may include written and/or oral assessments.

 

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural

differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.

• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner

consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed

manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly

treated.

 

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve

shared goals and optimize results.

• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely

manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and

innovate.

• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes

responsibility for own actions and delegated work.

• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains

complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the

ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their

leadership and professional potential.

• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best

and develop their potential.

• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and

communicates a clear strategic direction.

• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p df

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

 

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding

confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations.

Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain

eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in

the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are

nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment,

accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and background verification and security

clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be

required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the

medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No

late applications will be accepted.

 

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment

system, by 04 July 2024 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment

system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

 

No Fees:

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview,

processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank

accounts.

 

Webiste: www.iom.int/recruitment