Programme Officer (Area Based Approach) (P)

Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 17394
Position Title: Programme Officer (Area Based Approach) (P)
Duty Station City: Kabul
Duty Station Country: Afghanistan
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to six months with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: Six months with possibility of extension
Closing date: 23 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

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission for Operations, in close coordination with the Head of Programmes and Operations and relevant programme coordinators and the Durable Solutions Coordination Officer, the Programme Officer (Area Based Approach) will be responsible for the coordination and oversight of IOM Afghanistan’s area-based approach (ABA) in support of IOM resilience and solutions goals in Afghanistan.

Responsibilities

1. Contribute to the integrated multi-sectoral planning and implementation of IOM Area Based Approach across the country, in coordination with the relevant programme coordinators, the regional coordinators and the Durable Solutions Coordination officer.
2. Provide technical guidance, capacity strengthening and facilitate information sharing between target locations and Kabul main office to ensure the effective implementation of the mission’s resilience and solutions programming, in coordination with Regional Coordinators.
3. Develop methodologies and tools to guide the planning of operations related to return, relocation and local integration of IDPs through an area-based approach. Work together with program units to facilitate coordination and synergies and identify opportunities for integrated, solutions-oriented programs in alignment with IOM’S Approach to Supporting Development Solutions to Internal Displacement.
4. Coordinate closely with the Deputy Chief of Mission for Operations and the Durable Solutions Coordination Officer to ensure that IOM ABA is needs and evidence based, focused on building community resilience and identifyings solutions to displacement, in line with the Durable Solutions Framework and UNSFA.
5. Contribute to the development of ABA-related proposals in close collaboration with PSU and relevant Programme Coordinators.  Participate in discussions on prioritizing locations and interventions based on available data, new assessments and information gathering.
6. Develop and provide information and guidance on standard operating procedures and tools (assessment, referral, and M&E) on ABA, in coordination with the Community Engagement, DTM, IM and M&E Officers. Contribute to the refinement of SOPs and tools as needed. 
7. Promote effectiveness and best practices, as well as to build linkages with other mission programming, use data to analyse and report on programme status, impact, and capacity building needs.
8. Gather information for situation reports based on active and regular dialogue with Regional Coordinators and Programme units; coordinate the development of reports for internal and external use. 
9. In coordination with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer, follow up on the implementation arrangements of the mission’s Area Based Approach. Proactively identify and address problems, including through improvements in programme delivery, coordination, and outputs. 
10. Represent the mission on interagency ABA-related planning and discussions, in close coordination with the Deputy Chief of Mission for Operations. 
11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

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

• Operational field experience in the Migration, Humanitarian or Development fields, 
• Experience in liaising with donors, governmental authorities, other national/international institutions and NGOs; 
• Experience with project design, and monitoring;
• Experience in preparing narrative and financial project reports, statements and/or projections; and,
• Working experience in the region and/or in an emergency/recovery context is an advantage.

Skills

• Excellent reporting and writing skills, and coordinate administrative activities;
• Demonstrated knowledge of project formulation, administration and evaluation techniques and practices; 
• Strong skills in the development of log frames, result matrices and work plans;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work in multicultural settings; and,
• Good level of computer literacy, including database applications.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

For this position, fluency in English language is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish and French) and/or local language (Dari and Pashto) 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.

Required Skills

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