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

This Vacancy Notice is part of IOM’s competitive mobility exercise, open for applications from internal and internal-equivalent candidates only.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission of Rwanda, and in close coordination with relevant departments in IOM regional office Nairobi, the Head of Programmes supports the CoM in its responsibility to ensure coherence between the IOM Rwanda Programmes and Support Services, while also overseeing programs’ implementation, reporting and project development. In addition, the Head of Programmes will support the Programmes Managers across a variety of migration thematic areas and represent IOM Rwanda mission in the absence of the Chief of Mission. The Head of Programmes will ensure that implementation of IOM programmes is done in an effective and efficient manner consistent with IOM Rwanda’s overall strategy and in line with the expectations of the IOM’s Donors and beneficiaries, while working with the Rwandan Government.

1. In coordination with the CoM, represent the CO, promoting IOM activities with the national authorities, diplomatic corps, governmental and private donors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government authorities and other partners in Rwanda and the region.

2. Represent IOM at UN fora, and related sub-working groups, to ensure the extent possible alignment between the work of IOM Rwanda, including humanitarian, development and financing priorities contained within the National Agenda for Transformation, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and the IOM global strategy.

3. Oversee the formulation of country strategies, policies and approaches across IOM’s operational portfolio, and identify and develop new programmes to address emerging needs, in close coordination with the Programme Support Unit.

4. Work closely with the CoM and Unit Heads to enhance inter-unit collaboration and coordination, to maximize efficiencies and efficacy within the CO programming, to ensure that all IOM Rwanda units work towards common goals and a consistent and coherent strategy.

5. Make strategic recommendations and provide advice to the CoM/Senior Management to improve overall performance of the CO and support the CoM’s Office with development of strategy/policies/guidance notes, organize regular Rwanda Management Advisory Group (MAG) set up meetings with external partners (UN/GoR), and prepare speeches/talking points. 

6. Coordinate and manage IOM Rwanda’s inputs into the CCA and UN Cooperation Framework and relevant one-UN frameworks.

7. In close coordination with the Resource 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. 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 IOM and donor visibility.

9. Lead the development of strong donor contacts and relations, monitoring, updating programme funding priorities across the migration management spectrum and provide support to the Chief of Mission in fund raising activities.

10. Monitor developments at the international, national, regional and provincial levels. Initiate new approaches and develop methodologies to best meet goals and objectives. Contribute to building the capacities of IOM staff in the thematic areas through on-the-job mentoring and training opportunities.

11. Coordinate and manage IOM Rwanda’s inputs into multi-agency strategy and operational frameworks, through the coordination of strategy documents, position papers, presentations, talking points, etc. in order to ensure that IOM presents a consistent and professional face in all engagement with partners.

12. Formally deputize for CoM on an ongoing basis and exercising mission, staff and financial management responsibility in Rwanda, including chairing the MAG meetings in the absence of the Chief of Mission.

13. 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), represent IOM in the Programme Management Team (PMT) and coordinate with UNCT and partners on the implementation and review processes of the migration-relevant Sustainable Development (SDGs), Global Compact for Migration and the UN Network on Migration related activities as these processes move forward.

14. Perform such other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Law, International Relations or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• Experience at international level on managing programmes, covering emergency, stabilization and development areas;
• Previous experience as Senior Programme Manager with a Government or UN agency, or a regional or international organization;
• Extensive experience in public relations, as well as, liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and institutions;
• Experience in managing IOM offices and liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions; and,
• Work experience in Africa is an asset.

Skills

• Demonstrated history of performance management of programmatic units and teams;
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming;
• Excellent knowledge of migration policy and technical assistance programming;
• Thorough knowledge of the IOM project management cycle, program support modalities and administrative systems and rules;
• Sound knowledge of programme development, management and capacity-building methodologies;
• Sound knowledge of refugee and migration related issues, including economic and social conditions of migrants; and,
• Good knowledge of financial and administrative management.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish). 

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of French 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. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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.

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