Head of Programmes (P3) Yaounde, Cameroon

Job Identification (Reference Number): 13250
Position Title: Head of Programmes (P)
Duty Station City: Yaounde
Duty Station Country: Cameroon
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 11 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. Candidates from the following non-represented member states: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, 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.

Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is implementing the project Cameroon Migration Governance Enhancement: Comprehensive Support to National Policy Development and Return, Readmission, and Reintegration (RRR), funded by the European Union (EU). This project aims to enhance migration management in Cameroon by supporting the development of a national migration policy, strengthening institutional capacities, and ensuring the sustainable reintegration of migrants.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM), the Head of Programmes’ duties and responsibilities will include:

Responsibilities

1. Manage and coordinate the development and implementation of various projects under the RRR initiative, backstopping the technical, administrative and financial aspects.

2. Provide technical advice and guidance to national and international staff, assisting with the development of programme strategy and implementation, resource allocation and operational challenges as they arise.

3. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, government authorities, community representatives, and a broad range of local actors for the successful implementation of IOM programmes.

4. Identify priorities during program implementation and coordinate the development of new projects and activities based on a strong results framework, emerging trends, donor interests, and national priorities.

5. Prepare and/or coordinate the preparation and submission of programme reports in coordination with relevant units, complying with IOM, donor, and stakeholder requirements.

6. Monitor progress against strategic objectives and programme benchmarks, provide recommendations for improvements and adjustments, and ensure a sound Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system is in place for the achievement of timely and effective implementation of project activities.

7. Supervise and provide technical support to programme staff, organize relevant training, and ensure ongoing capacity strengthening for programme teams.

8. Coordinate visibility and communication actions in close collaboration with the Public Information focal point of the Country Office.

9. Monitor the implementation of IOM protection policies, including safeguarding migrant rights and the delivery of services tailored to the specific needs of vulnerable groups.

10. Represent IOM at meetings, events and in migration-related coordination frameworks and working groups, including the UN Network on Migration and the Inter-agency Working Group on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) encouraging coordination among donors.

11. Monitor and recommend improvements to supply chain and logistics operations for the efficient and timely delivery of services and resources for project activities.

12. Promote staff well-being and mental health awareness by organizing sensitization activities and fostering a positive work environment.

13. Undertake national and international duty travel as required, including regular visits to sub-offices to coordinate, develop, and/or support programme implementation.

14. Perform such other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Economic Development, Business or Public Administration, International Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

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

Education

• Experience in the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) at country level;
• Proven experience in liaising with government and diplomatic authorities, as well as national and international institutions; and,
• Experience in economic analysis, particularly in relation to the impact of migration on national economies.

Skills

• Expertise in conceptualizing, designing, monitoring, reporting, and evaluating programs;
• Extensive knowledge of regional integration mechanisms and migration dynamics;
• Proven background in organizing high-level stakeholder consultations, workshops, and seminars;
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with key government counterparts, international organizations, and private sector entities;
• Familiarity with financial and business administration;
• Proven understanding of internal and international migration issues within Cameroon and the region; and,
• Excellent leadership, coordination, and information management skills.

Languages

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

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) is an advantage.

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

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

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications HERE by 11 March 2025 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.