Head of Programmes

Job Identification (Reference Number): 13524

Position Title: Head of Programmes (P)

Duty Station City: Brasilia

Duty Station Country: Brazil

Grade: P-4

Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)

Recruiting Type: Professional

Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice

Initial duration: 1 Year

Closing date: 19 March 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, Federated States of Micronesia, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Kiribati, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, 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

IOM Brazil Country Office (CO) works with its partners to support migrants and host communities in Brazil, developing effective responses to the country’s migratory dynamics. A priority is to monitor and influence public policies so that governments can manage the forms and impacts of human mobility,as well as developing the resilience of all migrants, especially those in situations of vulnerability.

IOM Brazil CO’s objectives are to respond to IOM Global’s objectives, such as: (1) Saving lives and protecting people on the move – Supporting Brazil’s humanitarian responses; strengthening access to healthcare for migrants and reducing possible public health risks. (2) Boosting solutions to displacement – reducing the impact of climate change and the environment on internal migration; facilitating the socio-economic integration of migrants in vulnerable situations and access to basic rights. (3) Facilitating pathways for regular migration – supporting the voluntary return of migrants to their country of origin; strengthening the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling; strengthening the resettlement programmes and humanitarian reception offered by Brazil; improving disaggregated data and evidence on migration; and supporting the development of migration policies at national and local levels.

Brazil is a country strongly connected to global migration dynamics, being part of different regional and international migratory flows, both as a country of origin and destination. According to data from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, the coordinator of migration policy, there are almost 2 million international migrants in the country. One of the most important trends in international migration in the country over the last 20 years is south-south migration, as suggested by the three nationalities with the highest numbers in this data: Venezuela, Haiti and Bolivia. In general, these flows are made up of migrants in vulnerable situations.

IOM Brazil CO works to support the Brazilian government by strengthening Brazil’s migration policy with actions on documentation and regular migration routes, socio-economic integration, protection and humanitarian response in cases of large migratory flows.

With a significant territorial extension, culminating in 16,885.7 km of borders (the third longest in the world, behind China and Russia) with 10 of the 12 countries of South America, Brazil is also marked by cross-border mobility that stands out mainly between the twin cities, municipalities in which the local population is unaware of the limitations imposed by the border line and which have an intense commercial and cultural dynamism. The country currently has 33 municipalities classified as twin cities. The sheer size and reduced surveillance of the borders means that the Brazilian authorities have to deal with a significant incidence of human trafficking networks and other human rights violations related to transnational mobility.

Not only as a host country, Brazil is also consolidating its position as a country of origin. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Brazilian diaspora numbers around 4.2 million people, mainly in North America and Europe. There are also a significant number of Brazilian returnees, who are looking to reintegrate into the country after living abroad for some time. In recent years, IOM has supported the voluntary return to Brazil of more than 5,000 Brazilians in vulnerable situations.

Internally, Brazil is also characterized by significant population movements, determined by economic, social, demographic and environmental factors. In recent years, the country has suffered from the effects of climate change, which has caused severe flooding in the south and southeast of Brazil and droughts and fires in the north and northeast. In addition, natural disasters have caused an estimated 6 million internal displacements of Brazilians in the last 20 years. IOM Brazil supports governments in climate change, environment and disaster risk reduction strategies, plans and policies.

The country is currently experiencing two major emergencies in which IOM is directly involved in humanitarian response:

i) Operation Welcome – Response for Venezuelans (R4V)

ii) Rio Grande de Sul flood response.

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director of the Regional Office (RO) for the Americas and the Caribbean and the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM), and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) and the relevant Departments/Divisions/Units at Headquarters, the Head of Programmes will be accountable and responsible for the overall management and implementation of the Country Office’s (CO) programmatic activities in the areas of migration, including humanitarian assistance, early recovery, transition and development.

Responsibilities for Internal Candidates

1. Oversee the overall development, implementation and monitoring of IOM Brazil COs’ country strategy and programme activities, including oversight of IOM’s contribution to the UNSDCF, UN Thematic Groups and the Response for Venezuala (R4V) plan, identify potential and existing obstacles to programme delivery, through continuous monitoring of 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 the CO’s donor and partner outreach strategies, considering priorities in Brazil, and IOM’s regional and global strategic priorities and objectives; implement the strategies in close coordination with the COM and CO’s relevant units.
4. Develop and maintain working relationship with the Federal Governments, international agencies involved in migration-related issues in Brazil and maintain regular liaison with key government officials and interlocutors. Serve as overall Focal Point for IOMs role within the UNSDCF.
5. 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.
6. Lead the Programme Support Unit and supervise Unit’s staff providing project development, public information, reporting, donor relations, government liaison, M&E, knowledge and information management functions for the CO.
7. Lead and coordinate migration and natural disaster emergency responses.
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. Provide overall guidance to Programme Managers 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 on Global, regional and 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. Oversee the communication function ensure that the CO’s interests are accurately communicated and promote IOM’s visibility.
13. Represent the CO in inter-agency fora, including the UNSDCF thematic groups.
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 for Internal Candidates

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Business or Public Administration, 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 in development and emergency settings;
• 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;
• Demonstrated experience in liaising with governmental and authorities, international agencies (i.e., UN), and civil society organizations;
• Experience in country strategy development, project development, implementation, and reporting, including financial and budgetary aspects;
• Experience in working in a High Middle Income country setting; and,
• Experience in emergencies and Disaster Risk Reduction.

Skills

• In-depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Familiarity with inter-agency programme regulations of the UN and other donors;
• Sound judgment, ability to analyse 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 procedures and policies;
• 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 is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of Portuguese, Spanish and or an 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 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. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

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.