Head of Programmes

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

Organizational Context and Scope:

IOM, UN Migration Agency in Djibouti City, Djibouti is looking for a Head of Programmes who will be responsible for the development, oversight and coordination of IOM’s Djibouti programs and will lead resource mobilization efforts.

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.