Job Identification (Reference Number): 17224
Position Title: Programme Manager - Migration, Environment Climate Change and Risk Reduction (MECR) (P)
Duty Station City: Colombo
Duty Station Country: Sri Lanka
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: One year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 06 November 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. Candidates from the following non-represented member states: 
   Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, 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.

Organizational Context and Scope

IOM Sri Lanka works in close partnership with national and local government institutions, non-governmental agencies, community organizations and the donor community to assist national entities to address pressing and complex challenges in migration management, to respond to the needs created by humanitarian emergencies in the country, and to ensure improved living conditions for vulnerable communities.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM), in close coordination with relevant units at the IOM Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) and IOM Headquarters (HQ), the Programme Manager - Migration, Environment Climate Change and Risk Reduction (MECR) will be responsible and accountable for managing, coordinating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating the Regional Programme on a “Comprehensive Approach to Climate Mobility in South Asia”. The successful candidate will also contribute significantly to the expansion of the overall climate mobility portfolio of IOM Sri Lanka. In particular, the successful candidate will:

1. In close collaboration with the Chief of Mission and mission units, plan, and manage the implementation of climate mobility programmes and projects, including the Regional Programme on a “Comprehensive Approach to Climate Mobility in South Asia”, covering Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. 
2.  Contribute to the development and deployment of an integrated approach to climate change, human mobility and immobility climate change adaptation and DRR in programme strategies and interventions. 
3. Support the development and implementation of innovative and context-specific approaches to reduce disaster risks and enhance climate change adaptation among displaced and migrating populations. Apply best practices, environmental standards, climate change resilience principles, and sector-specific guidelines within the Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction (MECR) unit, considering the specific implications for displaced, immobile and migrating populations.
4. Oversee the timely and effective implementation of programme activities, ensuring compliance with project plans, budgets, and quality standards. Identify challenges and opportunities and take proactive measures to ensure successful programme implementation.
5. Develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks for MECR programme activities. Ensure systematic data collection, analysis, and reporting to track progress, measure impact, and inform evidence-based decision-making. Apply environmental indicators and climate change adaptation and mitigation measures in monitoring and evaluation processes, recognizing the specific implications for displaced and migrating populations.
6. Prepare timely and accurate reports, including donor reports, project updates, and internal reporting requirements within the MECR unit. Ensure compliance with reporting guidelines, formats, and deadlines. Provide comprehensive and concise information on MECR programme achievements, challenges, and lessons learned, highlighting the link between climate change, displacement, and migration in Sri Lanka.
7. Oversee the production of visibility/communications materials in close coordination with Media & Communications Officer/Focal Point of the Country Office and Regional Office.
8. Establish, maintain and further expand strong relationships with relevant stakeholders, including government authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, academic institutions, and community-based organizations, to contribute to the development of collaborative and integrated programme strategies.
9.  Support partnership-building efforts to enhance coordination, knowledge exchange, and resource mobilization for programmes inclusive of innovative financing options through partnership with diaspora groups or the private sector.
10. Participate and engage actively at relevant donor or partner meetings, briefings and conferences at the international and national level.
11. Contribute to identifying funding opportunities and developing high-quality project proposals within the MECR unit. Ensure proposals address the specific challenges faced by displaced and migrating populations affected by climate change and are aligned with donor priorities. 
12. Actively collaborate to resource mobilization efforts to secure funding for MECR programme activities. Consider the priorities and strategies of bilateral and multilateral donor agencies supporting climate change, migration, and environmental initiatives, recognizing the urgent need for interventions that address the complex dynamics of climate mobility. 
13. Supervise and provide guidance to MECR programme staff, ensuring effective teamwork, performance management, and professional development. Foster a collaborative and inclusive working environment, and a culture of learning and knowledge sharing that values diversity, gender equality, and respect for all team members. Prioritize building the technical and managerial capacities of staff to address the complex dynamics of climate change-induced displacement and migration.
14. Ensure that gender equality, social and disability inclusion, and the protection of vulnerable groups are mainstreamed in all aspects of programme design and implementation. Address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women, children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities in disaster risk reduction and climate change resilience-building interventions.
15. Promote the integration of environmental sustainability, climate change resilience, and gender-responsive approaches within MECR programme activities, taking into consideration the specific implications for displaced and migrating populations affected by climate change. Ensure a participatory and community-centered approach in programme design and implementation, addressing the complex dynamics of climate change-induced displacement and migration.
16. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Environmental Studies, Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change, Migration, Development Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience ; or,
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in implementing climate change projects in complex environments, preferably within the region and in a regional context;
• Experience in programme management with strong knowledge on IOM/UN project life cycles;
• Proven experience in program management, including project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation;
• Proven experience in programme management, including strategic planning, project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. and,
• Demonstrated experience in partnership building, resource mobilization, and donor relations within the environmental and climate change sectors.

Skills

• Excellent leadership, coordination and information management skills;
• Familiarity with results-based management and quality assurance processes;
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team;
• Familiarity with IOM/UN administrative and financial management;
• Proven ability to develop and present high-quality project proposals and secure funding from diverse donors;
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the migration-environment-climate change nexus, including environmental degradation, climate impacts, and their effects on human mobility and livelihoods;
• Sound judgement, ability to extract, interpret, analyse and format data and make decision rapidly to resolve operational problems;
• Capacity to work effectively in high-pressure, rapidly changing environment; and,
• Solid computer skills, including proficiency in MS office package (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Languages

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, Russian, and Spanish) and/or local language 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 2

• 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 2

• 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 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 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.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

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.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies.