Position Title: Programme Support Officer

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: 10 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:

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and in close coordination with the Senior Programme and Policy Liaison Officer (SPPLO), Senior Resource Management Officer (SRMO) and heads of programme units, the Programme Support Officer will oversee and supervise the work of the Programme Support Unit (PSU) in IOM Niger.

The Programme Support Officer will ensure that the PSU provides timely and quality support to the mission to ensure that new project ideas are developed into concept notes, high quality project proposals and donor reports are developed and submitted on time (with the necessary internal endorsements), there is programmatic coherence and synergy among the various activities and programmes in the mission and ensures monitoring and evaluation.

The Programme Support Officer will support the Chief of Mission with donor liaison and preparing high quality presentations and other information material for (potential) donors and will conduct research on funding opportunities and priorities of specific donors with Niger and the region.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Support Project Managers in ensuring that IOM internal policies and procedures are met in regard to proposal development and submission (i.e., secure internal endorsements); ensure timely submission of project reports and compliance with donor agreements.
2. Support Project Managers in the development of new project proposals, reporting and monitoring & evaluation (M&E) frameworks.
3. Liaise with the Senior Resource Management Officer to coordinate resource mobilization efforts and ensure that project budgets reflect the common costs needs of the office.
4. Liaise with Regional Thematic Specialists (RTS) staff in the Regional Office (RO) Dakar for the timely endorsement of all project proposals and reports.
5. Conduct research on funding opportunities, funding priorities and programming interests, including private sector donors, and prepare appropriate materials highlighting IOM Niger strategy; gather data from different programme units.
6. Establish and maintain clear information management system on project development and reporting and other relevant tasks and work closely with relevant project managers to ensure deadlines are met.
7. Support the Chief of Mission and the Senior Programme and Policy Liaison Officer with the liaison with senior Government of Niger authorities and UN agencies. Participate in relevant UN working groups, advocating for the inclusion of IOM thematic areas or interests, aiming at coordinating and promoting new joint activities and fundraise for new projects/programmes.
8. Organize field visits for donor representatives, IOM visitors and Government of Niger (GoN) officials, as needed.
9. Supervise the M&E officer and ensure that aspects of M&E are integrated throughout the whole project cycle of IOM projects, in line with IOM’s international procedures and donor requirements, from project development to end of project evaluation.
10. Support the development and updating of informational materials for external partners, including IOM Niger Fact Sheets, etc.
11. Prepare speeches and presentation for the Chief Mission with relevant project managers.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Law, International Cooperation/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

• Experience working in Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), UN, International Organizations or Diplomatic missions;
• Experience in liaising with donor countries and international funding mechanisms;
• Work experience in the West and Central African region an advantage;
• Extensive experience in project development and reporting, good understanding of Monitoring and Evaluation and information management; and,
• Experience in producing materials targeting outside audiences and policy documents.

Skills

• Familiarity with standard office applications and capacity in MS Publisher, Photoshop, website design and similar application desired;
• Familiarity with programmes focusing on different aspects of migration and population displacement;
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with relevant Government counterparts, international organizations and private sector entities;
• Thorough knowledge of the functions of intergovernmental organizations and familiarity with the UN system;
• Excellent leadership, coordination, and information management skills;
• In-depth knowledge of the UN System, and NGO humanitarian community;
• Knowledge of shelter-related technical guidelines and standards;
• Understanding of cluster related information management tools and systems;
• Good knowledge of human and financial resources management;
• Sound conceptualization, analytical and writing skills;
• Sound communication, organizational and interpersonal relationship skills;
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure with minimum supervision;
• Ability to establish and maintain partnerships with development partners, government counterparts, UN agencies, local authorities and other relevant stakeholders; and,
• Knowledge of social media an advantage.

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.