Job Identification (Reference Number): 15038
Position Title: Head of Programmes (P)
Duty Station City: London
Duty Station Country: United Kingdom
Grade: P-5
Contract Type: Fixed-Term (one-year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: One-year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 28 May 2025
Introduction:
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 ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
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. Candidates from the following non-represented member states: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Second-tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.
Organizational Context and Scope
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in the United Kingdom (UK), and in close coordination with relevant Divisions/Departments/Units at Headquarters (HQ) and Regional Office (RO), the Head of Programmes will be responsible for the overall leadership of the UK’s extensive Resettlement Programming as well as IOM UK’s migration programme activies, to ensure IOM UK contributes significantly to IOM’s global Strategic Objectives.
The mission’s budget has increased threefold over the last few years, with a programme portfolio that has been increasing in size and complexity. The Head of Programmes will provide strategic and operational oversight of the UK’s growing resettlement and relocation portfolio, as well as a wide range of projects being implemented in and from the UK. The post will ensure that programmes are being implemented in the most effective and efficient manner, opportunities for synergies are being taken and risks are being minimized. The successful candidate plays a key role in the implementation of IOM UK’s Country Office Strategy. The Head of Programmes will work closely with the Chief of Mission in ensuring that IOM UK continues to meet its ambitions for its work as Country Office for Partnerships and Advocacy (COPA) and scales up significantly its engagement with the private sector.
Provide excellent leadership of staff working on programmes across the mission.Provide strategic leadership and oversight of the IOM UK resettlement and relocation portfolio, as well as the range of projects being implemented in and from the UK. Develop and maintain strong working relationships with relevant UK Government ministries, international agencies and civil society stakeholders involved in resettlement and wider migration-related issues in the UK and relevant refugee countries of transit and maintain regular liaison with key government officials and interlocutors. Ensure strong programme governance including internal coordination and monitoring mechanisms for the management of the UK’s projects, in coordination with relevant IOM Departments in the Regional Offices, Headquarters, as well as relevant government institutions and donors. In close coordination with the Resource Management Unit (RMU) and respective Programme Managers, ensure high quality delivery and compliance of all projects with IOM and donor regulations, policies and obligations as indicated in the funding agreements, project documents, work plans and budgets, and ensure timely and high-quality reporting against key performance indicators. Provide overall leadership, guidance and direction for the development of appropriate risk informed operating strategies, day-to-day programme implementation, continuous monitoring and regular reporting for programme implementation. Supervise, in conformity with IOM standards, the planning and implementation of initiatives aimed at promoting donor and IOM priorities.Oversee Project Development, implementation and monitoring, across the whole Project Cycle Management, by ensuring program staff have the required capacity, have access to relevant training and are well supported in their work.Ensure synergies between resettlement and other programming areas, and projects overall, ensure strong knowledge management and lesson learning. Ensure regular horizon scanning and the identification of new opportunities for new programming, as well as of strategic risks to be anticipated and adapted to. Provide overall guidance and strong quality assurance of external communications about programming and ensure high-quality communication plans are in place for all projects. In the absence of the CoM, act as deputy, exercising mission, staff and financial management responsibility in the country office.Lead the development of strong donor contacts and relations for UK programming, monitoring, updating programme funding priorities across the migration management spectrum and provide expert support to the CoM in fundraising activities. Participate in all strategic inter-sector coordination and performance management mechanisms.Monitor developments at the international, national and regional levels. Initiate new approaches and develop methodologies to best meet IOM’s Strategic Objectives. Contribute to building the capacities of IOM staff in the thematic areas through on-the-job mentoring and training opportunities.In coordination with the CoM and Liaison Team, represent and promote IOM activities with the national authorities, governmental and private donors, Non-Governmental Organizations, parliamentarians, local authorities, academia and other key partners and stakeholders in the UK and the ECA Region.In coordination with the CoM and the Private Sector Engagement Team, represent IOM with private sector stakeholders, to implement IOM’s Global Private Sector Strategy. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Business Administration, International Relations, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; or,University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.Experience
Proven staff leadership experience;Extensive programme leadership experience with oversight of large, complex project portfolios in a wide range of program areas;Representational experience;Experience in project management, from development to implementation and monitoring. Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience, project development, management and reporting;Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, donors, academia, other national/international institutions and NGOs;Excellent team building skills with a track record in team coordination and building trust;Experience of regional issues in Europe and UK a distinct advantage; and,Experience of working with UK donors a distinct advantage.Skills
Strong leadership, management, and coordination ability;Sound judgment, ability to analyse information and make decisions rapidly to resolve operational problems;In depth knowledge of the broad range of resettlement and migration related subject areas dealt with by the International Organization for Migration;Efficiency, flexibility, high level of professionalism and ability to adhere to strict deadlines;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;Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and backgrounds; and,Familiarity with inter-agency programme regulations of the UN and other donors.Language
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, and Spanish) 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
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
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.Notes
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 position, UK Nationals can be considered eligible.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
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.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies