Senior Programme Coordinator (P)

Job Description

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.

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, 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.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall guidance of the  Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission,  and in close coordination with the Regional Office and HQ, the Senior Programme Coordinator will lead the Recovery and Solutions Unit and will be responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of IOM’s Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office’s (FCDO) funded programming of the mission and coordinating the overall voluntary returns to Syria strategy of the mission. The incumbent will play a key role in designing strategies and interventions that support displaced populations, prospective returnees, and host communities, ensuring alignment with IOM’s global mandate and national priorities.

Responsibilities

1.    Oversee, manage and lead the mission’s BRITT programme and voluntary returns to Syria strategy in Turkiye. Lead the design, planning and management of voluntary returns to Syria programme with a special focus on preparedness for return.

2.    Coordinate with government authorities, UN agencies, donors, and civil society partners to ensure the effective delivery of programme objectives.

3.    Monitor and evaluate project implementation ensuring compliance with IOM policies, donor requirements, and best practices. 

4.    Serve as the primary project liaison, overseeing the planning, execution, and monitoring of all initiatives related to voluntary returns to Syria. Ensure alignment with organizational strategy and donor requirements, facilitate cross-functional collaboration across the various areas of work involved (IBG, LMI, Protection, Harmonization, Data Unit), and resolve operational challenges to optimize project outcomes. Provide regular updates and analytical reports to management and key stakeholders.
 
5.    Act as the BRITT project and returns portfolio focal point for FCDO, PRM, and other donor representatives, ensuring transparent communication and fostering strong partnerships. Present organizational positions, progress, and challenges related to voluntary returns and economic recovery programs, including supporting MSMEs through Enterprise Development Fund activities. Participate in coordination meetings, workshops, and advocacy events, maintaining a professional and collaborative approach to advance mutual objectives.
 
6.    Uphold international standards and best practices for voluntary returns, including safety, dignity, and informed consent. Monitor adherence to protection guidelines and report any concerns to senior management and relevant counterparts. Develop and disseminate tools and resources to support ethical and effective programming.
 
7.    Foster close collaboration with the Project Support Unit, Policy Liaison Unit, and the Chief of Mission (COM) office to ensure timely information sharing and seamless communication across the mission. Proactively address potential communication gaps to facilitate effective decision-making and unified action on issues related to voluntary return to Syria (including preparedness and local integration).

8.    Prepare regular progress reports, donor updates, and lessons-learned documentation. Maintain comprehensive project files and ensure timely submission of required materials to donors and headquarters. Support external audits and evaluations as necessary. 

9.    Perform such other related duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

•    Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, Humanitarian Assistance, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or, 
•    Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

•    Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience at the international level involving policy development, multi-stakeholder projects, partnership development, coordination, and resource mobilization at mid-professional level;
•    Solid experience in durable solutions programming and migration management operations and knowledge of the UN System coordination;
•    Substantative field experience in operations, emergency work, including support to displaced populations and/or project management;
•    Experience in political, socio-economic analysis and research, and familiarity with conflict sensitivity approach, community-based planning;
•    Proven experience on strategy development and advocacy on durable solutions for IDPs as well as in-depth knowledge of main protection and humanitarian standards.
•    Experience in transition and recovery programming, as well as emergencvy preparedness and response;
•    Experience in liaising and building effective partnerships with donors, government authorities, other national/international institutions, and local and international NGOs; 
•    Experience in fundraising, public-private partnership development and high-level client relations; and,
•    Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Skills

•    Familiarity with the UN, particularly the UN Reform Agenda is desirable; 
•    Demonstrated leadership and coordination skills;
•    Knowledge of UN administrative rules and regulations;
•    Organizational skills and self-discipline;
•    Delivers quality work accurately and concisely according to set deadlines;
•    Multi-tasking and prioritizing activities in hardship contexts; and, 
•    Ability to work effectively within a team to obtain shared objectives.

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, 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.

Required Competencies

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

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

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. 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.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members.

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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