Head of Programmes (Migration)

Position Title : Head of Programmes (Migration)

Duty Station : Bogota, Colombia

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 : 21 April 2022

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; Aruba (Netherlands); Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Cuba; Curaçao; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Libya; Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

IOM started operating in Colombia in 1956. In accordance with its humanitarian mandate, it provides assistance to the Colombian Government and civil society by promoting an orderly flow of migration that will guarantee humane treatment of the migrants and ensure their well-being.

IOM broadened and increased its activities associated with the priorities identified by the Colombian Government and civil society regarding displaced and vulnerable populations in the country. As the Colombian Government increases its commitment and financial capacity to assist groups affected by conflict, IOM’s role is increasingly focused on institutional strengthening and addressing new challenges and opportunities, such as land restitution, disaster risk reduction and migration in rural contexts.

IOM developed close partnerships with international donors and the Government of Colombia for the implementation of its migration portfolio.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCoM), the Head of Programmes (Migration) will be responsible and accountable for the coordination and management of the Migration programmatic portfolio in the Country Office and its Sub-Offices. The Head of Programmes (Migration) will develop, clarify, and oversee programme strategies, and operation and communication plans for the relevant programme units. The Head of Programmes will also mainstream the migratory approach in all the relevant programmatic areas of the Country Office.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Develop, evaluate and oversee the implementation of programmes at national and local level. Identify potential and existing obstacles to programme delivery, through continuous monitoring of programme activities; facilitate dialogue between actors and promote solutions to these obstacles.

2. Identify and oversee the development at the strategic level of new programmes and strategy-level modifications to existing programs to respond to changing host country, and donor requirements.

3. Oversee preparation and dissemination of timely analytical and critical reports including proposals for improvements in operations and scope of programmes.

4. Maintain continuous dialogue with donors, other IOM Country Offices, Regional Office, and Headquarters (HQs) to facilitate a coordinated approach to project implementation.

5. Facilitate knowledge building and management focusing on the identification of best practices and lessons learned for organizational sharing and learning and organization of trainings for the operations/projects staff on programme issues.

6. Supervise and build capacity among programme staff, comprising a multidisciplinary approach. Support the CoM and DCoM with improvements of staff structures, improving lines of communication and accountability, resolving tensions in reporting lines and seeking opportunities for staff development.

7. Liaise with IOM finance and administration units to facilitate interdisciplinary and inter-program support within IOM in planning, programming and execution and oversee the budgetary implementation of the programme and administrative activities.

8. Supervise the preparation of key monthly implementation and periodic reports to donors on programme delivery, including quarterly reports to donors and HQs on budgetary expenditure and results and final reports.

9. Identify programme opportunities and promote programme visibility. Support the CoM and DCoM in the development and negotiation of new programmes for the Country Office and related fund-raising activities.

10. Upon delegation of the CoM, participate in any UN coordination mechanisms, serve as officer in charge, represent the Country Office in donor briefings, high-level meetings and events, visits to project sites and media presentations, as necessary.

11. 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, 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 in migratory issues including emergency response and health in migratory contexts, border management, counter-trafficking, smuggling, among others;

• Field experience in large-scale program management, development, negotiation, implementation and inter-institutional co-ordination;

• Work experience in integrated assistance programs for vulnerable groups;

• Previous experience working in developing countries necessary, and in Latin America with governmental or international organizations advantageous;

• Experience in conflict/post-conflict assistance including reintegration of ex-combatants, comprehensive assistance to victims (including IDPs, returnees and former child combatants), emergency response and rural development;

• Specific work experience in integrated assistance programs for vulnerable groups; and,

• Previous experience working in project development in developing countries necessary, and in Latin America with governmental or international organisations advantageous; familiarity with USAID donor procedures is essential.

Skills

• Familiarity with programme regulations of the UN and other donors is desirable;

• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports; supervise staff (large and inter-disciplinary teams)

and to coordinate financial, administrative and program support activities; and,

• Good level of computer literacy is required, in particular good knowledge of MS Office.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese).

For all applicants, fluency in English and Spanish is required (oral and written).

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 three values:

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

differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

• 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.

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 action 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 potential.

• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.

• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

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 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.