Job Identification (Reference Number): 15703
Position Title: Senior Programme Officer (P)
Duty Station City: Kinshasa
Duty Station Country: Congo, The Democratic Republic of the
Grade: P-4
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 6 months
Closing date: 04 August 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.

Context

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director of Regional Office (RO) for East, Horn and Southern Africa and direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM) in Democratic Republic of Congo, and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) and relevant Divisions/Departments/Units at Headquarters, the Senior Programme Officer will be accountable and responsible for the overall management and implementation of the CO’s programme activities in the areas of migration, including humanitarian assistance, early recovery, transition and development, ensuring coherence between the various programming areas. The Senior Programme Officer will oversee the programme support functions and will facilitate the development of country strategic plans in Kinshasa Country Office (CO). The Senior Programme Officer will provide expert support to the COM to ensure that implementation of IOM programmes is done in an effective and efficient manner consistent with CO’s Strategy and in line with the expectations of the IOM’s donors and beneficiaries, while collaborating with the national and regional authorities.

Responsibilities

1. Oversee the overall development, implementation and monitoring of programme activities under areas of responsibility, including oversight of IOM’s cluster participation and UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) obligations. Identify potential and existing obstacles to programme delivery, through continuous monitoring of new programme areas that reflect changes in host country and donor priorities.

2. Develop the CO’s programme overview, including all (or thematically relevant) programmes implemented by the CO and schedule the major activities for the COM.

3. Lead the development of country strategic plans, which are in line with IOM’s global & regional strategies, the Country National Peace & Development Strategy, and the One UN Programme.

4. Lead the development of the CO’s donor and partner outreach strategies, taking into account priorities in DRC, UNSCDF, and the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), and IOM’s regional and global strategic priorities and objectives; implement the strategies in close coordination with the COM and CO’s relevant units.

5. Develop and maintain Government working relationship with the ministries and international agencies involved in migration-related issues in DRC, and maintain regular liaison with key government officials and interlocutors. Serve as overall Focal Point for the DRC UNSDCF.

6. In coordination with the COM and CO’s relevant units, establish liaison and maintain continuous dialogue with relevant stakeholders (i.e. national governmental authorities, donors, UN Agencies, national and international NGOs, national and international institutions, Private sector) aiming at coordinating and facilitating the implementation of on-going activities and promoting new activities and fund-raising for new projects; identify synergies with IOM’s programmes and make recommendations on donor/partner engagement.

7. Provide expert support to the COM in overseeing the Programme Support Unit and supervising the Unit’s staff, providing project development, public information, reporting, donor relations, government liaison and information management functions for the CO.

8. Ensure integrated approach to CO’s programming required support functions such as project development, reporting, donor relations, public information and information management are provided to programme units in a timely manner.

9. Lead Project Managers and the six programming areas of the CO on project development, public information, donor relations, government liaison and information management; ensure consistency and coherence of project/programme activities in accordance with the CO’s strategies and in coordination with the RO and relevant departments/units at HQ.

10. Provide guidance and support to the Heads of Sub-Offices on the CO’s priorities, policies and strategies.

11. Identify programme strategic priorities in relevant service areas and areas of interest in line with IOM mandate and expertise, aiming to further expand the CO’s partnership basis and the scope of activities.

12. Act as Focal Point for government liaison and oversee the CO’s correspondence and reporting to the government authorities; ensure that the CO’s interests are accurately communicated and promote IOM’s visibility.

13. Represent the CO in inter-agency fora, as required.

14. Lead knowledge management and capacity building activities in CO.

15. Prepare policy guidance notes, documentation and briefs for COM and senior management.

16. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Business or Public Administration, International 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.

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

Experience

• Extensive experience in programme formulation, implementation and evaluation;

• Demonstrated supervisory experience in staff management;

• 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;

• Previous work experience in a rapid transition or post-conflict area;

• Experience of working with UN Peacekeeping Operations during downsizing, transition, and withdrawal;

• Demonstrated experience in liaising with governmental and authorities, international agencies (i.e., UN), and civil society organizations;

• Experience in project development, implementation, and reporting, including financial and budgetary aspects; and,

• Familiarity with inter-agency programme regulations of the UN and other donors.

Skills

• 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 ability;

• Sound communication and interpersonal skills;

• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and backgrounds;

• Familiarity with IOM’s MiMOSA and PRIMA systems;

• Knowledge of the IOM project management cycle; and,

• Knowledge of IOM’s administrative and financial management.

Languages

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

Working knowledge of French is an advantage.

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board 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 cannot 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-Recruitmentsystem (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

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications HERE by 04 August 2025 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.