Head of Programme Support Unit (P)

Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 17370
Position Title: Head of Programme Support Unit (P)
Duty Station City: Kabul
Duty Station Country: Afghanistan
Grade: P-4
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: 30 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. External female candidates
3. 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 and female candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director and direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM), and in close collaboration with the relevant units at the Regional Office and Headquarters (HQ), Resources Management Office and other relevant Departments in IOM Headquarters (Geneva, Switzerland) and Regional Office (Bangkok, Thailand), the Head of Programme Support  Unit will be responsible for managing the Programme Support Unit (PSU) which encompasses the Programme Development and Reporting, Communications, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) units, including overseeing and leading the programme development, fundraising and resource mobilization, external partnerships and liaison and internal coordination functions of the IOM Afghanistan Country Office (CO). 

The successful candidate will work closely with the CoM, DCoM on the following:

Responsibilities

1. Oversee the overall development, monitoring and evaluation of programme activities under areas of responsibility to ensure projects are developed in line with IOM Afghanistan strategy and projects’ results and deliverables are assessed and analyzed. 
2. Lead in providing guidance on relevant and thematic fundraising strategies and actively contribute to the Country Office’s (CO’s) resource mobilization efforts by analysing and assessing information on strategic migration-related initiatives, donor policies and priorities, determining new funding opportunities, and defining proactive approaches to partnerships in coordination with Programme Managers. 
3. Support policy and liaison functions for issues relating to UN internal planning, programming, working towards frameworks including the UN Strategic Framework for Afghanistan, Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, and any other IOM and UN core Working Groups or frameworks. 
4. In close coordination with senior management, advise on and contribute to the CO’s strategic planning through developing Appeals that reflect IOM Afghanistan’s priorities in line with IOM and UN global, regional and national strategies, the Strategic Vision and frameworks.
5. Liaise with the Resource Management Unit, Headquarters and relevant liaison and Regional Offices to ensure that IOM Afghanistan’s programmes comply with donor, stakeholder and IOM requirements. 
6. Lead the development of the Mission’s donor and partner outreach, taking into account priorities in Afghanistan and global strategic priorities and objectives, and implement the strategies in close coordination with the CoM, DCoM and relevant units within the Mission. 
7. In coordination with the CoM, DCoM and relevant units within the Mission, establish liaison and maintain a continuous dialogue with relevant stakeholders to coordinate and facilitate the implementation of ongoing programming and promoting new programmes. 
8. Prepare policy guidance notes, documentation and briefs for senior management, including the CoM and DCoM, RD and EO. 
9. Ensure integrated project support functions such as project development, reporting, donor relations, public information and information management are provided to programme/project units in a timely manner. 
10. In coordination with Programme Managers, lead project development, public information, donor relations, and information management; and ensure consistency and coherence of project/programme activities in the Mission in accordance with the mission strategies. 
11. Identify potential programme activities and projects in relevant thematic areas and areas of interest in line with the IOM mandate and expertise, aiming to further expand the Mission’s partnership basis and scope of activities. 
12. Assess training needs and coordinate training efforts on PD/PM-PRIMA 
13. Identify knowledge management initiatives and capacity-building requirements in the mission. 
14. Ensure a results-based approach and provide significant advice, input and contributions to proposals, ensuring compliance with IOM and donor requirements in line with IOM’s Strategic Results Framework (SRF) and Results Based Management Approach. 
15. Perform such other duties as may be assigned. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Business or Public Administration or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,  
• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience. 

Experience

• Extensive experience in policy formulation, programme development, implementation and evaluation; 
• Demonstrated experience in report writing and coordination with programme managers; 
• Supervisory experience in staff management; 
• Experience in managing humanitarian, recovery and development programmes; and, 
• Experience of working in the region is an asset. 

Skills

• Knowledge of inter-agency, UN and bilateral donor programming; 
• 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; and,
• Knowledge of project development, reporting and implementation in emergency context. 

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 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 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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