Head of Programmes (P4) N’Djamena, Chad

Position Title: Head of Programmes

Duty Station: N’Djamena, Chad

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: 11 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); 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 overall supervision of the Regional Director (RD) and direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and in close coordination with relevant Departments in Headquarters (HQ), the Head of Programmes (HoP) will be responsible and accountable for providing support to the CoM in their responsibility to ensure coherence between the Programmes and Policy development of IOM Chad Country Office (CO), including Programme Development for the CO. The HoP will ensure that implementation of IOM programmes is done in an effective and efficient manner consistent with CO’s Strategy and in line with the expectations of the IOM’s donors and beneficiaries, while collaborating with the national and regional authorities.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. In coordination with the CoM, represent the CO by promoting IOM activities with the national authorities, diplomatic corps, governmental and private donors, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), government authorities/ or de facto government authorities, and other partners in the Country and Region.
2. Oversee the formulation of Country Strategies, policies and approaches across IOM’s operational portfolio, and identify and develop new programmes to address emerging needs while ensuring systematic implementation capacity, in close coordination with the Programme Support Unit (PSU).
3. Contribute to ensuring the highest efficiency in CO’s Risk Management and Compliance functions, to ensure strengthening internal controls and compliance with contractual rules and regulations through effective management and the provision of accurate, researched, and documented risk and compliance information, effective delivery of services, transparent utilization, and management of programme resources.
4. Ensure the continuous, effective, and efficient planning, coordination and integration between the CoM and HoP Offices Office and the Sub-Offices.
5. Work closely with the CoM, Heads of Sub-Offices and Heads of Units to enhance inter-unit collaboration and coordination, to maximize efficiencies and efficacy within the CO programming to ensure, that all CO’s Units work towards common goals and a consistent and coherent strategy.
6. Make strategic recommendations and provide advice to the CoM and Senior Management to improve overall performance of the CO and support the CoM’s Office with development of strategy/policies/guidance notes, organize regular Senior Management Meetings (SMT), set-up meetings with external partners (UN/ de facto authorities), lead the communication unit to prepare speeches/talking points, and support/facilitate consultation process with defector authorities/UN/international community on CO’s strategies.
7. In close coordination with the Resources Management Unit (RMU), Programme Support Unit and respective Programmes Managers, ensure compliance of all projects with IOM and donor regulations, policies and obligations as indicated in the funding agreements, project documents, work plans and budgets.
8. Oversee field operations to ensure implementation of the humanitarian, development and peace building nexus to ensure timely, effective and efficient programming delivery, ensuring through sound leadership, supervision and monitoring that all blockages, disruptions and delays are avoided in order to achieve program results and that these results are measurable.
9. Oversee the development of strong donor contacts and relations, monitoring, updating programme funding priorities across the migration management spectrum and solutions pathways and provide expert support to the CoM in fund raising activities. Participate in all strategic inter-sector coordination and performance management mechanisms.
10. Ensure IOM participation in appropriate policy and operational UNCT inter-agency mechanisms; engage with UN agencies in the development and implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), and coordinate with UNCT and partners on the implementation and review processes of the migration-relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Global Compact for Migration and the UN Network on Migration related activities as these processes move forward.
11. Formally deputize for CoM on an ongoing basis and exercising mission, staff management responsibility in CO, including chairing the Senior Management Team and/or Senior Operational Team meetings in the absence of the CoM.
12. Under delegation by the CoM, represent the CO and attend UN Country Team (UNCT), Humanitarian Country Team, and any inter-agency meetings.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Law, International Relations, Business Administration, 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

• Sound understanding of and proven experience in inter-agency coordination and strategic engagement, UN structures and systems and experience in both crisis contexts and development settings.
• Experience in developing and managing programmes.
• Experience in external relations or strategic engagement, as well as liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and institutions.
• Extensive experience formulating and delivering internal displacement and solutions policy, strategy, and programming.
• Experience at international level on managing programmes, covering emergency, stabilization, and development areas.
• Previous experience as a Head of Office, Chief of Mission and/or Senior Programme Manager with a Government or UN agency, or a regional or international organization.
• Experience in managing IOM Offices and liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions.
• Experience in training and capacity building.
• Work experience in the Region of West and Central Africa.

Skills

• Sound knowledge of programme development, management, and capacity-building methodologies.
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization.
• Good knowledge of financial and administrative management.
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming; and knowledge of programme management in emergency context.
• Sound capacities to establish and maintaining good working relationships with governmental and diplomatic authorities, national, regional, and international institutions as well as civil society actors, including the media and private sector.
• Familiarity with IOM financial and business administration as well as procurement processes.
• Knowledge of IOM project management cycle.
• Capacity to effectively interface with government officials of appropriate level on matters related to substantive migration issues and the work of IOM.

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 French is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Arabic and other local languages 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.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.