Head of Programmes (P)

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, Cabo Verde, 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, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu 
 

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

IOM has been engaged in migration management in Guinea for over two decades, supporting both national authorities and vulnerable populations through various programmes in migration, development, and humanitarian sectors. The Head of Programmes position is a senior management role within IOM's Country Office in Guinea. This critical position ensures the strategic and operational alignment of IOM's migration-related programmes in Guinea, which face complex and interconnected migration challenges. The Head of Programmes leads a broad portfolio that includes migration management, youth employment, immigration governance, public health, climate change, crisis response, disaster risk reduction, and peacebuilding. This role requires close coordination with national governments, UN agencies, donors, and local communities to ensure that programmes are relevant, impactful, and sustainable.

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, and any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time in 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.

• Master's degree in Political or Social Sciences, Business Administration, Migration Studies, International Relations, Law, or a related field with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant experience.

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

• Proven experience managing large, complex programs in migration management, governance, peacebuilding, immigration and border management, youth development, counter-trafficking, or similar fields;
• Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise multidisciplinary teams;
• Familiarity with the West African context and migration issues;
• Strong resource mobilization and donor engagement experience;
• Demonstrated staff management experience, including staff evaluations; and,
• Extensive experience in training and capacity building.

• Proven leadership in strategic program development and implementation;
• Excellent partnership-building skills with government, UN agencies, and civil society;
• Familiarity with IOM/UN project management cycles and donor requirements;
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming;
• Capacity to interface with government officials and stakeholders on migration issues; and,
• In-depth knowledge of migration-related issues and policies.

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

Working knowledge of another official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.