Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 18015
Position Title: Programme Support Officer (P)
Duty Station City: Nouakchott
Duty Station Country: Mauritania
Grade: P-2
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 9 months
Closing date: 22 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

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 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.

Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Migration Agency, is the leading UN agency in the field of migration and 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 to migrants and advice to governments, including in the development of coherent and rights-based migration policies and mainstreaming migration into the development agenda.

IOM has been present in Mauritania since 2006 and has been supporting migration governance, migrant protection and community stabilization and resilience building programmes in country while reinforcing regional and international cooperation on migration.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission and in coordination with all senior management staff at IOM Mauritania, the Programme Support Officer will supervise and contribute to the coordination of the activities of the Programme Support Unit of IOM Mauritania. This includes supporting project development and reporting functions, facilitating communication and coordinating monitoring and evaluation activities of IOM in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

The Programme Support Officer will supervise and contribute to the planning of the operations of the IOM Mauritania Programme Support Team, under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission and in planning with all senior management personnel at IOM Mauritania. This role will support resource mobilization actions; provides support for project planning and reporting tasks, contact facilitation and organization of IOM monitoring and appraisal programs in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

Responsibilities

1. In coordination with the Chief of Mission and all relevant colleagues, provide information, inputs and guidance to support the development of project proposals in line with the IOM project development and implementation handbook, identified priorities by key stakeholders and/or calls for proposals of various donor institutions. Coordinate and facilitate communication and liaison with RO Dakar for the review, endorsement and submission of proposals.

2. Support the organization’s project development actions by maintaining regular contact with donor relations counterparts and by providing technical inputs and drafting sections of project proposals and concept notes that responds to emerging trends and priorities and that are in compliance with IOM and donor interests and requirements, in close coordination with the CoM and Project Managers.

3. Consolidate inputs for the development of CO strategies, and methodologies, through a consultative process with senior management and programme staff, for distribution to donors, government partners, and other counterparts.

4. In collaboration with project managers in IOM Mauritania, facilitate the coordination, review and preparation of project reports, and monitor and follow up on other key reporting requirements.

5. Provide or coordinate inputs for information requests from Headquarters, the Regional Office, other IOM Country Office, and external partners, such as donors, government, partner agencies, and implementing partners.

6. Coordinate relevant projects in close consultation and synergy with the technical units responsible for their implementation, and facilitate the execution of project monitoring functions, including financial and narrative requirements and liaison with donors.

7. Provide inputs and information to support the Chief of Mission in external representation and fund-raising functions, and participate in UN and other partners fora, especially within the donor community.

8. Contribute to the smooth and effective external communication of the Mission through the supervision and guidance of the relevant staff in PSU. Provide and compile inputs for the development of monthly flash news, press briefing notes, social media updates in both French and English, and other external communication tools which are deemed useful for the image and activities of the Mission.

9. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, Business Administration, International Relations and/or Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience;
• Experience in project development, specifically in public administration, implementation, and evaluation, and/or program implementation and management; and,
• Experience in the Western Africa region is a distinct advantage.

Skills

• Capacity to supervise and guide colleague;
• Knowledge of preparing project proposals, monitoring and evaluation, and report writing;
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work in difficult areas/situations; and drive for results;
• Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to perform a variety of conceptual analyses required for the development, implementation and evaluation of projects;
• Good level of computer literacy, including database applications;
• Good knowledge of project formulation, administration and evaluation techniques and practices;
• Familiarity with development assistance framework of donors and donor; and,
• Ability to manage a unit.

Languages

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

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

Working knowledge of Arabic and local languages 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 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

• 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 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

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