VN 2024 610 Head of Programmes (P4) Canberra, Australia

Organizational Context and Scope

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. IOM is part of the United Nations system, as a related organization. IOM supports migrants across the world, developing effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration and, as such, is a key source of advice on migration policy and practice.

Australia is one of the seven Country Offices for Partnerships and Advocacy (COPAs) in IOM whose primary focus is relationship development with donor countries (Australia and New Zealand), ensuring the establishment of adequate liaison and information channels, and supporting Country Offices with outreach and advocacy.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (Country Offices for Partnerships and Advocacy), and in coordination with the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP), relevant Country Offices, and departments at Headquarters (HQ), the Head of Programmes will be responsible and accountable for providing support and programmatic advice to the CoM in their responsibilities of resources mobilization and partnerships, supervising operations and programme activities planning, implementation and reporting in the Country Office and its Sub-Offices in coordination with relevant Project Managers in Australia and in an efficient manner consistent with IOM Australia Country Strategy and Resource Mobilization Strategy, Regional Office for Asia Pacific (ROAP) Strategy, IOM’s Strategic Plan and overall priorities and directions of the Organization.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

1. Drive the development and manage the overall implementation of IOM Australia’s programming and oversee its technical aspects, in support of and in coordination with dedicated project managers.
2. Facilitate effective communication between the Government of Australia and IOM Missions to promote the identification of gaps and opportunities to strengthen Australia’s contributions to IOM global, regional, and country initiatives; Liaise with the Australian government and other partners to ensure IOM Australia expands its portfolio and remains pertinent, in line with changing Government policies and needs.
3. Support and provide advice to the Chief of Mission in strategic planning, based on analyses of migration and related policy trends as well as IOM’s priorities, and the alignment, development, implementation, and monitoring of the Australia-IOM Strategic Partnership Framework, and IOM Country Strategy for Australia in line with the IOM Strategic Plan, ensuring it remains relevant, updated, and consulted with key stakeholders.
4. In coordination with the Resources Management Unit, exercise administrative and financial management responsibility for relevant projects, identifying resource or financial gaps, and initiating and proposing corrective action.
5. Supervise and promote effective coordination and communication mechanisms to ensure consistency between programmes in Australia and seek synergies with IOM programmes and timely and fluid information-sharing; and cooperation between country missions overseas implementing Australian global programmes, in coordination with ROAP and Headquarters Departments and Divisions.
6. Identify opportunities to engage Private Sector on strategic initiatives promoting migration pathways and addressing trafficking and smuggling of migrants.
7. Address potential and existing obstacles to programme delivery, through continuous monitoring of new programme areas that reflect changes in countries and donor priorities.
8. Coordinate regular, ad-hoc and other required internal and external reports and performance measurement assessed against IOM‘s Strategic Results Framework (SRF) and ensure that all reporting requirements are met in a timely manner.
9. Develop and maintain strong partnerships and regular liaison with stakeholders in particular Government institutions, the UN system, national civil society and Private Sector to enhance coordination and facilitate the implementation of programmes.
10. Serve as the IOM Australia focal point to support IOM’s engagement in migration policy processes including the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons, and Related Transnational Crime and other regional or international mechanisms, processes or dialogues relevant to Australia and provide technical assistance as part of the Government of Australia’s participation in these processes, in coordination and close liaison with ROAP, HQ, and relevant IOM Country Offices.
11. Supervise and build capacity among programme staff and oversee personnel management including improvements to the Unit staff structure, improving lines of communication and accountability, resolving conflicts in reporting lines and seeking opportunities for staff development.
12. Facilitate knowledge generation and management through the identification of best practices and lessons learned to ensure more comprehensive and efficient delivery.
13. Participate at the strategic level on the design of databases and other information systems that produce information on Country Office caseloads, program implementation and internal procedures.
14. Upon delegation of the CoM, represent the Organization and strengthen relations with government authorities, diplomatic missions, Donors, International Organizations, non — governmental organizations, the UN Country Team, private sector and public media as required.
15. In coordination with the CoM, represent IOM at relevant seminars and meetings, such as inter/national fora on migration, as well as at other events, and perform periodic field visits to create relationships with state authorities, and monitor program activities.
16. Upon delegation of the CoM, serve as Officer in Charge (OiC), and upon request by the same, represent the Country Office in donor briefings, high-level meetings and events.
17. Perform other such duties as may be assigned.

EDUCATION

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, Law, Internal Relations, and or Business 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.

EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated experience in liaising with governmental authorities, international agencies (i.e., UN), and civil society organizations, donors and diplomatic Missions;
• Demonstrated experience in developing partnerships with the Private Sector;
• Previous experience as a Head of Office, or Senior Programme Manager with a Government or UN agency, or a regional or international organization; experience of working with regional cooperative processes and coordination with other IOM offices;
• Experience in managing large programmes on the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization, working experience on regular pathways and migrant protection is an advantage;
• Experience in project development, implementation, and reporting, including financial and budgetary aspects;
• Supervisory and team management experience; and,
• Experience in operations and developing and maintaining standard operating procedures and guidance materials is an asset.

SKILLS

• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization, particularly Migrant Protection and Regular Pathways;
• Sound judgment, ability to analyze information and make decisions rapidly to resolve 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; and,
• Thorough knowledge of the IOM project management cycle, programme support modalities and administrative systems and rules.