Head of Programmes (P)

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 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 IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati,
   Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
    

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

Organizational Context and Scope

IOM Venezuela operates in a complex humanitarian and mobility context marked by evolving migration dynamics, internal mobility, gaps in access to basic services, and recurrent shocks affecting vulnerable populations. With a longstanding country presence and decentralized field capacity, IOM supports government counterparts, communities, and partners through integrated programming across protection, health and MHPSS, shelter and CCCM, WASH, data and analysis, return assistance, early recovery, and resilience-building. The position will provide strategic leadership and coordination to ensure coherent, accountable, and needs-based programme delivery across the Country Office portfolio.

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director and direct supervision of the Chief of Mission, and in cooperation with relevant departments at Headquarters (HQs) and Regional Office (RO), the Head of Programmes will be responsible and accountable for the overall coordination and management of the Programme and will oversee all aspects of the Programme development and implementation, including but not limited to monitoring, reporting, extensive high-level stakeholder liaison, staff supervision and advancement of new initiatives within the Programme and in global context.  In addition, the Head of Programmes will  actively contribute to IOM’s global programming for the design, implementation, oversight and coordination of with other active programmes of the Country Office (CO). The Head of Programmes will oversee the programme support functions and will provide expert  support and advice for the development of strategic plans of the Country Office (CO).

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Management, Social Science, Law, International Relations, Regional Studies 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 programme formulation, implementation and evaluation; 
• Demonstrated managerial experience in staff management; 
• Previous work experience in a rapid transition or post-conflict area; and,
• Experience in project development, implementation, and reporting, including financial and budgetary aspects.

Skills

• Proven record of establishing and maintaining good working relationships with governmental and diplomatic authorities, national, regional and international institutions, international agencies (i.e., UN), and civil society organizations;
• Familiarity with inter-agency programme regulations of the UN and other donors;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Sound judgment, ability to analyze information and make decisions rapidly to resolve operational problems;
• Efficiency, flexibility, high level of professionalism and ability to adhere to strict deadlines; 
• Strong leadership, management, and coordination capacity; and, 
• Advanced computer skills, and proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications.
   

Languages

For this position, fluency in English and Spanish are 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.

Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. 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, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.

IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE 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