Expedited SVN: Head of Programmes (P) (Internal Applicants only)

Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 18250
Position Title: Head of Programmes
Duty Station City: Bogota
Duty Station Country: Colombia
Grade: P-4
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: Nine months with possibility of extension
Closing date: 09 January 2026

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

This is an expedited recruitment process open only to:

a) internal candidates and

b) former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment process. 

This process is not open to external applicants, their applications will not be considered at this time.

Context

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM), the Head of Programmes will oversee the strategic development, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of all Country Office (CO) programme activities, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, donor requirements, and national strategies.

Responsibilities

1. Oversee the overall development, implementation, and monitoring of programme activities under areas of responsibility. 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 programmes implemented by the CO and identify key programme milestone and major activities to inform the COM’s planning and decision-making.
3. Contribute actively, in coordination with the relevant units, in the conceptualization and development of new programme actions in line with IOM Colombia strategic priorities, which are in line with IOM’s global & regional strategies, the Country National Peace & Development Strategy, and the UN 80 / Humanitarian Reset process.  
4. Support the Chief of Mission and CO’s relevant units in targeted fundraising efforts for new project initiatives; identify synergies with IOM’s programmes and make recommendations on donor/partner engagement. 
5. Oversee the preparation of all narrative and financial reporting, both internal and external, ensuring quality of inputs in line with IOM and donor requirements.
6.  Guide Programme Officers on project development, public information, donor relations, government liaison, and information management; to 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 Headquarters (HQ).
7. Provide guidance and support to the Heads of Sub-Offices on the CO’s priorities, policies and strategies.
8. Ensure the Programme implementation reflects current best practices and IOM’s policies and instructions, as advised by relevant technical experts and divisions, and contribute to policy development by preparing policy inputs and sharing lessons learned derived from Programme implementation.
9. Ensure Programme compliance with IOM’s project management policies, including HR, financial management, donor reporting, and risk management. 
10. Identify programme strategic priorities in relevant service areas and areas of interest in line with IOM mandate and expertise, contributing to further expand the CO’s partnership basis and the scope of activities.
11. Support creation of a culture of monitoring, evaluation and learning within the Programme. Encourage identification of lessons learned and best practices, promote action-oriented research, and facilitate real-time incorporation of knowledge and learning into Programme implementation.
12. 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.

Experience

• Given the financial and operational complexity context in Colombia, and the need for continuous engagement with donor counterparts, the candidate must demonstrate experience in establishing and maintaining high-level relationships with government authorities (at ministerial and vice-presidential levels), diplomatic missions, donors, international organizations, NGOs, the UN Country Team, the private sector, and the media; 
• Demonstrated managerial experience in staff management; 
• Field work experience in conflict/post-conflict assistance (reintegration of ex-combatants, comprehensive assistance to victims - including IDPs, returnees and former child combatants), emergency response and rural development; 
• Experience in coordinating the implementation of shelter and NFI, community stabilization, livelihoods, and integration, and return and reconciliation;
• Experience with developing and implementing regular pathways strategics, programmes and solutions;
• Experience in project development, implementation, and reporting, including financial and budgetary aspects; 
• Experience working in project development in developing countries in Latin America with governmental or international Organisations;
• Experience in coordinating and implementing interagency UN cooled mechanism related to migration flows; and,
• Experience in the design, negotiation and implementation on government funded project.

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge in 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;
• Sound communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and backgrounds;
• Advanced computer skills, and proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications.
• 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

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

For this position, fluency in English and Spanish are required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, and Russian) 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 vacancy is only open to current and former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment process.

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 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-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

• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and backgrounds
• Advanced computer skills, and proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications
• Efficiency, flexibility, high level of professionalism and ability to adhere to strict deadlines
• Familiarity with IOM’s MiMOSA and PRIMA systems
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Knowledge of IOM’s administrative and financial management
• Knowledge of the IOM project management cycle; and
• Sound communication and interpersonal skills
• Sound judgment, ability to analyze information and make decisions rapidly to resolve operational problems
• Strong leadership, management, and coordination capacity

Job info