Job Description

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission Nigeria,  and direct supervision of Head of Office Lagos, the Head of Field Office in  is responsible for managing IOM’s Sub-Office in Benin City and overseeing the implementation of programmes in Edo and Delta State. This includes projects in humanitarian assistance, migration management, counter-trafficking, return and reintegration support, protection, and community-based interventions.

The incumbent represents IOM at field-level coordination mechanisms, liaising with government authorities, including State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), state ministries, local government councils, traditional and community leaders, and other key stakeholders. The position ensures smooth operations of the Sub-Office, provides guidance and supervision to field staff, and maintains continuous communication with the Lagos and Abuja offices on operational, administrative, and programmatic matters.

The Head of Field Office is also responsible for monitoring programme delivery, providing field-level inputs for planning and reporting, and ensuring that activities are implemented in compliance with IOM policies, donor requirements, and humanitarian standards, thereby contributing to IOM’s overall objectives in Edo State.

Responsibilities

1. Provide support to the HoO Lagos in managing the Operational, Human Resources, Administrative, Financial and Supply Chain functions of the field-Office in accordance with the IOM’s rules and regulations, and streamline the implementation of institutional procedures across the Sub-Office.

2. Contribute to the management, recruitment, training and capacity building of field-Office’s staff and third-party contractors, if applicable, based on programme assessment, available budget and performance indicators.

3. Participate in meetings with Government Authorities, International Organizations, non-governmental organizations, voluntary agencies, as well as public media and Private Sector. 

4. In coordination with the HoO Lagos and CoM, contribute to the maintaining, promoting and strengthening the working relationships with national, regional and local governmental authorities, international organizations and NGOs, and other stakeholders in the field of migration management.

5. Provide technical inputs to the design and development of new projects in close coordination with the HoO Lagos and CoM and other Programme Management counterparts. 

6. Coordinate the adherence to the safety and security procedures for IOM staff, premises, and assets in the Foe;d-Office in collaboration with the local Office of the United National Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) and other relevant stakeholders, through regular participation in Area Security Management meetings.

7. Support the implementation and reporting of all programme activities in the Field-Office in line with IOM standards and in accordance with the donor/grant agreements. 

8. Provide regular updates to the HoO Lagos on the progress on programme implementation, achievements and donor liaison issues.

9. Assess the key gaps and operational challenges, provide technical support for programme implementation in coordination with the HoO Lagos/ Senior Management Team to check the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of staff performance. 

10. Contribute to establishing the visibility of IOM and the donors as per donor agreements and as relevant to the context. 

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Humanitarian Affairs, Law, International Relations, Disaster Risk Reduction/Disaster Risk Management, 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.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in managing humanitarian, complex and post conflict emergencies.

• Experience in liaison with the government authorities, donors, national/international institutions and multi-stakeholders;

• Experience in project development and reporting;

• Experience in programme implementation, monitoring and evaluation; and, 

• Experience working in the Region.

• Experience working with UN, IOM, INGOs, government institutions, or community-based organizations in the fields of migration, protection, return/reintegration, community development, or humanitarian assistance.

• Practical experience in field coordination, stakeholder engagement, and direct implementation of project activities.

• Experience with data collection, monitoring, reporting, and preparation of field documentation.

• Experience in engaging local authorities, civil society, and community structures in Edo and/or Delta States is an advantage.

• Experience with administrative, logistics, procurement, or basic finance processes in the UN/NGO environment is an advantage.

• Knowledge of the local migration profile, trafficking dynamics, returnee issues, and community vulnerabilities in Southern Nigeria is desirable

SKILLS

• Basic knowledge of migration management, protection principles, counter-trafficking, return/reintegration processes, and community-based approaches.

• Working knowledge of UN and donor-funded project cycles, including monitoring and reporting requirements.

• Familiarity with IOM financial rules and regulations, including petty cash management, field expenditure monitoring, and basic IPSAS concepts.

• Good drafting, reporting, and analytical skills.

• Ability to coordinate field activities, interact with beneficiaries, and support implementation teams.

• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with government counterparts, CSOs, service providers, and community leaders.

• Knowledge of basic safety and security procedures in humanitarian field settings.

• Good computer skills, including MS Office, Kobo/ODK, and familiarity with IOM tools such as PRIMES/MIMOSA is an advantage.

• Strong interpersonal communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and ability to work with vulnerable populations.

Required Skills

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