Position Title: Programme Coordinator (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG))

Duty Station: Niamey, Niger

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P3

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 26 November 2024

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 a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

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; Barbados; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

As the United Nations agency for migration, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As part of this commitment, IOM adopts a comprehensive approach in addressing risks associated with irregular migration and in ensuring that the human rights-based approach is fully incorporated into all its responses related to transnational organised crime. At the centre of IOM’s support is a holistic approach to counter-trafficking efforts, that privileges respect for migrants and human rights, and the physical, mental and social well-being of the individual and community. This is done through institutional capacity development, partnerships, and international cooperation, as a means of ensuring the sustainability of our actions.

IOM Niger Country Office’s (CO) Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) unit aims to strengthen the technical and operational capacities of the Government of Niger’s border agencies, in particular the National Police of Niger, the Customs of Niger and the Foresters, including the deployment of an efficient border management information system in adapted infrastructures at central, regional and border levels: the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) developed by IOM. IBG projects are implemented in all regions of Niger, in partnership with state border agencies and other development partners.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and in close cooperation with the IBG Regional Thematic Specialist for West and Central Africa, the Programme Coordinator (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)) will be accountable and responsible for supervising and coordinating the implementation of the various projects pertaining to IBG unit portfolio in Niger in the field of counter-trafficking and counter-smuggling, Humanitarian Border Management, Health, Borders and Mobility Management (HBMM), Community Engagement and Policing, Legal Identity, etc.

The IBG unit of Niger CO has been active since 2015 and has strategic partnerships with the Ministry of the Interior, Public Security and Territorial Administration. The unit implements an average of 7 projects for a total budget of approximately 8 million USD per fiscal year, principally in Tahoua, Diffa, Maradi, Zinder, Dosso and Adagez regions. The unit has a leading and strategic role in maintaining functional working relationships in a new context and building the capacities of the Government of Niger in border governance and border management, in line with the Resilience Program for the Safeguard of the Homeland (PRSP) adopted in 2024.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Identify, train and supervise the project team in accordance with the Organization’s procedures and regulations. Guide staff implementing activities, including reporting, monitoring and evaluation, promote staff development, and participate in resolving performance issues.
2. Ensure continuous fundraising, donor relationship and project development in the field of immigration and border governance in order to sustain the portfolio.
3. Plan, manage and monitor the active projects of IBG unit in Niger CO.
4. Ensure close coordination with IOM COs in West and Central Africa (i.e., Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, etc.) to maintain consistency in projects delivery, institutional partnerships, ensure alignment with project objectives and donor requirements.
5. Ensure close coordination with Niger CO’s other thematic units especially with regards to joint or coordinated projects, notably with Migration Health, Emergency, Community Stabilization, LMI units, etc.
6. Provide financial, administrative and technical backstopping for the active projects and prepare financial and donor reports.
7. Undertake duty travel, in line with prevailing security restrictions, relating to project management, assessment and implementation, problem resolution and liaison with counterparts and implementing partners.
8. Prepare and coordinate regular project implementation, progress and results-based reports, as well as summaries and other materials, in a timely manner according to Niger CO, RO Dakar and donor formats, in coordination with the Programme Support unit.
9. Ensure adequate information management on projects related activities including project awareness raising and visibility, regular updates, summaries, press releases and other relevant materials, in coordination with the donor and IOM’s Department of Media and Communications.
10. Represent IOM in relevant conferences, workshops, steering committees, policy and technical working groups, as well as other forums to ensure proper coordination and presentation of project activities.
11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Law, International Relations 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.

Experience

• Proven experience in the field of migration and border governance;
• Experience in the field of capacity building with a government or UN agency, or a regional or International Organization;
• Experience in liaising with government authorities, other national/international institutions and donors (including, preferably, EU institutions and civil society organizations);
• Experience with the construction/engineering world and external service providers is a distinct advantage; and,
• Knowledge and working experience in the Western and Central African (WCA) region a distinct advantage.

Skills

• Proven track record in report writing and project development, management, and monitoring;
• Advanced IT skills;
• Extensive relationship and public liaison skills;
• Extensive coordination and managerial skills; and,
• Excellent writing skills.

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 another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, 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.

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required 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 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.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p df

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

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, and background verification and 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.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.