Head of Programmes

Position Title : Head of Programmes
Duty Station : Panama City, Panama
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 : 03 January 2024

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates;
2. External female candidates;
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:
   Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Dominica; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates

Context:

Under the direct supervision of the Director of the Panama Administrative Centre (PAC)/Chief of Mission (COM) and in close coordination with the Regional Office Central, North America and the Caribbean, Regional Technical experts (RTs) for Central, North America and the Caribbean, the Head of Programmes will be responsible and accountable for the development, management and implementation of Panama Mission projects portfolio of Panama Country Office (CO) and will ensure projects synergies and the efficient use of CO’s resources, and represent IOM with donors, partners and stakeholders; provide technical advice and direction to Projects Coordinators and Technical Officers of IOM Panama CO; ensure adherence to IOM and Donors rules and regulations; identify and assess Government needs and design new projects proposals in accordance with the Panama CO’s strategy.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Provide guidance, advice and strategic direction for the development, management, and implementation of IOM Panama CO’s projects portfolio, ensuring projects synergies and the efficient use of CO resources.
2. Manage the financial, administrative, and technical aspects of the CO’s projects portfolio, in line with IOM’s policies and procedures, as well as donor requirements.
3. Position IOM Panama CO as a leader for migration themes through advocacy and the establishment of a network of relations and channels of communication at all levels with IOM traditional and newly identified interlocutors, including governments, NGOs, academia, and migrant rights associations. Represent IOM and further the CO’s strategies and goals in conferences, workshops, and meetings, as required by the Director of PAC/COM.
4. Monitor and analyze regional political, social, economic and migration trends to understand migration policy issues in the region and country, provide authoritative advice to the CoM and technical guidance to programme staff, and ensure the development of quality and results-based projects in collaboration with Project Coordinators, Technical Officers, and Regional Thematic Specialists (RTS) in line with the Country and Regional strategies, donors’ priorities, and Government’s need.
5. Provide oversight and guidance to the CO’s programming required support functions, such as project development, reporting, donor relations, public information, and information management, and ensure a timely integrated approach to support functions is provided to programme units.
6. 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.
7. Provide advice, guidance and support to the Heads of Sub-Offices on the CO’s priorities, policies, and strategies.
8. Ensure timely, responsive, and innovative solutions to solve projects implementation issues.
9. Promote synergies and oversee appropriate coordination and information sharing on projects/programmes within the Regional Office and with the relevant service area in HQ.
10. Provide leadership, supervision and capacity building to CO Project Managers, Technical Officers, and the programme’s staff, including international and national staff, National and International consultants, and act as Direct or Second Supervisor for all the CO’s programme staff according to the CO’s organigram.
11. Ensure all reporting requirements are met and the timely and appropriate information exchange on all operational aspects of the CO’s portfolio to donors and other stakeholders, in coordination with the Regional Office.
12. Represent IOM and the CO in IOM’s network of RTSs, share best practices and lessons learnt, programme assessments and CO strategies and policies.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Economics, Public Policy, Political or Social Sciences, Law, Economics, 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

• Experience managing large and complex programs in migration management, governance, capacity development or comparable programming;
• Demonstrated supervisory experience in staff management including staff evaluations;
• Experience in programme development and management;
• Experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities as well as with national and international institutions;
• Experience and familiarity with financial and business administration; and
• Experience and familiarity with the region’s migration-related issues and thematic areas is a distinct advantage.

Skills

• Effective resource management skills, strategic and creative thinking;
• Strong management capability and experience;
• Knowledge of migration and humanitarian issues and the relevant (inter)national partners and organizations;
• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant Government counterparts, international organizations, and private sector entities;
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Excellent report writing skills;
• Familiarity with programme regulations of the UN and other donors is desirable;
• Good computer literacy;
• Sound knowledge of programme development, management, and capacity- building methodologies;
• Ability to supervise and lead diverse teams; and
• Proven donor liaison and fundraising skills.

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 and Spanish is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French, and another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, and Russian) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

1 Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

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.pdf

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.