National Programme Officer

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. 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, internal and internal-equivalent candidates as well as external women candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

IOM has been operational in Papua New Guinea (PNG) since 2001, supporting the Government and communities in addressing a wide range of migration and mobility-related challenges. Guided by IOM’s Strategic Vision and aligned with national priorities, IOM’s programming spans all four pillars of its global Strategic Results Framework: saving lives and protecting people on the move; driving solutions  to displacement; facilitating safe pathways for regular migration; and strengthening migration governance.

Operating from its head office in Port Moresby and through decentralized field offices across the country, IOM in PNG implements integrated programming in disaster risk reduction and emergency response; climate change and human mobility; counter-trafficking and protection of vulnerable migrants; migration health; community stabilization and durable solutions; border and migration management; and assisted voluntary return and reintegration. IOM also plays a key role in supporting government-led efforts to improve migration data, enhance institutional capacity, and ensure whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches to safe, regular, and inclusive migration governance.

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Mission and direct supervision of the Emergency Management and Peacebuilding Coordinator, the incumbent will provide day to day Disaster Risk Reduction/Management (DRR/M), Stabilization and Peacebuilding technical expertise and programme oversight, with high quality, accuracy, and consistency of work. This includes contributing to the design, planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of programme activities; supporting reporting and documentation; facilitating stakeholder engagement; and ensuring that all efforts are aligned with organizational strategies and donor requirements, while maintaining high quality, accuracy, and consistency of work.

Responsibilities

1. Support oversight of programme implementation across targeted locations in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the New Guinea Islands region in coordination with the senior management team including monitoring progress against workplans, identifying implementation challenges and emerging risks, and ensuring activities remain responsive to local contexts and operational realities. This includes undertaking regular travel to field locations to assist with activity delivery and support programme oversight in coordination with the senior management team at IOM Port Moresby.

2. Oversee the daily operations and activities of field operations in the New Guinea Islands, in coordination with the Emergency Management and Peacebuilding Coordinator and relevant members of the senior management team. This includes coordinating with field office focal points on a weekly basis to understand planned field operations, provision of systematic oversight and support to field teams as needed, ensuring regular and effective communication, timely reporting, and proper execution of project activities in alignment with programme objectives and workplan.

3. Contribute to the design and adaptation of programming by providing field-based operational insights, lessons learned, and contextual analysis to support evidence-based planning and strategic decision-making.

4. Maintain regular coordination and information sharing with the Port Moresby Head Office on programme planning, implementation progress, operational challenges, emerging opportunities, and lessons learned to support coherent and integrated programme delivery across the Mission.

5. Contribute to identifying priority needs, key stakeholders, and available resources, and support the integration of good practices across emergency response, disaster risk reduction, community stabilization, climate change, and peacebuilding programming.

6. Support the design and facilitation of training workshops by contributing technical inputs, ensuring materials are accurate and strategically relevant, and helping shape content that enhances participants’ capacity to effectively implement programme activities.

7. Contribute to reporting on displacement dynamics and related developments in the country, including key drivers such as conflict, disasters, and climate change. This includes supporting the production of specific analytical reports, thematic briefs, and other materials that capture and communicate emerging insights and priority updates.

8. Support the development of project proposals, ensuring they are tailored to local contexts and partner priorities and aligned with strategic objectives.

9. Provide technical guidance, capacity‑building support for local communities and government counterparts, and operational assistance across disaster risk reduction, humanitarian and relief operations, peacebuilding, and climate‑related programming.

10. Support establishment and maintenance of regular coordination with the Supply Chain Unit to maintain efficient logistical operations for project activities, including procurement, transportation, and distribution of materials, while adhering to project timelines and budget constraints.

11. Collaborate with government agencies, local authorities, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance IOM programming ensuring effective coordination and sustainable community-driven solutions.

12. In collaboration with the Emergency Management and Peacebuilding Coordinator, draft and review reports and presentations for the Disaster Management Team, Shelter/NFIs, CCCM Cluster, IOM, UN, donors, and other partners.

13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Agriculture, Development Studies, or similar relevant field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or, 

• Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Agriculture, Development Studies, or similar relevant field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• Experience in DRR/M, transition and recovery, peacebuilding, community development and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). 

• Knowledge of DRR/M, community stabilization and (re) integration activities, peacebuilding and development issues.

• Experience in designing capacity building events and facilitating training sessions for a variety of audiences. 

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities as well as with national institutions or service providers. 

• Experience in facilitating consultative meetings and collecting qualitative and quantitative data is an advantage. 

Skills

• Strong ability to work effectively with Government, INGOs, UN agencies or Private Sector in field locations in Papua New Guinea.

• Experience designing capacity building events and facilitating training sessions for a variety of audiences. 

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 English and Tok Pisin is required. 

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, if with direct reports

• 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

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.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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.

No late applications will be accepted. 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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