Job Identification (Reference Number): 17577
Position Title: Programme Officer (P)
Duty Station City: Cotonou
Duty Station Country: Benin
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 10 December 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, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

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

Context

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM) in Ghana, and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialists (RTS) at the Regional Office (RO) for West and Central Africa in Dakar and relevant Divisions/Departments/Units at Headquarters (HQ), the Programme Officer will be responsible for managing, coordinating and overseeing the relevant programme activities in Benin Country Office (CO).

1. Coordinate the effective implementation of activities and results of the relevant migration management Program in particular Immigration Border Governance in a timely manner, being responsible for the financial, administrative and technical oversight of the programme, in line with IOM's policies and practices as well as donor requirements.

2. Provide operational and technical guidance and supervision to IBG and Community stabilization project activities in Benin. In close collaboration with other thematic staff, contribute to defining programmatic approaches and implementation, including identifying priority areas and addressing operational challenges as they arise.

3. Maintain strong relationships across UN Agencies, humanitarian organizations, government and community interlocutors, and with a broad range of other local interests to facilitate the successful implementation of interventions, including related to the IBG portfolio. In close collaboration with the Chief of Mission (COM), the Regional Office, and relevant Headquarters Units, and other pertinent public and private sector partner organisations, contribute to the development of new projects and activities in alignment with a robust results framework.

4. Disseminate key programmatic information to international stakeholders, including donors, to maximize impact and minimize overlapping. Map and support engagement with non-traditional donors (e.g., diaspora groups, private sector, philanthropic organizations).

5. Ensure timely and quality preparation and submission of all programme reports, in close coordination with Project Development and Support Unit, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit and Finance Unit of CO according to requirements of IOM, donors and relevant stakeholders.

6. Coordinate the elaboration and compilation of programme updates/briefs for donors, government and other relevant stakeholders, in compliance with donor requirements and procedures.

7. Monitor progress against strategic objectives, programme benchmarks, and provide recommendation with respect to improvements and corrections; coordinate the establishment of a common Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework that incorporates regular reporting requirements and impact evaluation strategies, in close coordination with M&E Officer of CO.

8. Contribute to the production of visibility/communications materials in close coordination with Public Information Officer/Focal Point of the CO.

9. Participate and engage actively at relevant donor or partner meetings, briefings and conferences at the international and national level.

10. Supervise and provide technical support to all relevant Programme staff. Mentor and support staff, conduct relevant trainings and ensure the capacity building of Programme staff.

11. Coordinate the development and maintenance of data collection and analysis mechanisms for IOM’s ongoing or new programmes and share relevant information with partners within the humanitarian community.

12. Undertake travel duties nationally or internationally, as required, including the regular visits to Sub-Offices, to coordinate, develop and/or support programme implementation.

13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Economic Development, Business or Public Administration, International 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.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Experience in programme conceptualisation, development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation;
• Experience in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities as well as with national and international institutions;
• Familiarity with financial and business administration;
• Sound and proven understanding of internal and international migration issues in the country and in the region;
• Experience in capacity building and facilitating consultations, workshops and seminars with high level stakeholders;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization; and,
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.

Skills

• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant Government counterparts, international organizations and private sector entities;
• Excellent leadership, coordination, and information management skills;
• Detailed knowledge of the UN System, NGOs and other international organizations/institutions;
• Knowledge of migration patterns and migration management areas including labour migration, border governance in West and Central Africa and ability to negotiate with government authorities;
• Good knowledge of human and financial resources management;
• Strong conceptualization, analytical and writing skills;
• Strong communication, organizational and interpersonal relationship skills;
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure with minimum supervision; and,
• Ability to establish and maintain partnerships with development partners, government counterparts, UN agencies, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders.

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 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 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 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, 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