Head Of Sub-Office

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a UN-related agency focused on promoting humane and orderly migration. It collaborates with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners, providing services and advice to governments and migrants. The EU IOM Joint Initiative in Cameroon aims to protect migrants, strengthen migration governance, and support reintegration, with activities coordinated by local and international partners.

Job Purpose

The Head of Sub-Office in Douala, reporting to the Chief of Mission, is responsible for managing the operational, administrative, and programmatic functions of the Sub Office. This role ensures effective coordination of field activities, high-quality implementation of reintegration and community initiatives, and sound management of Migration Health Assessment Centre (MHAC) operations. The position plays a crucial part in protecting migrant dignity and rights, strengthening national migration governance, and supporting sustainable reintegration within Cameroon, aligning with the objectives of the EU IOM Joint Initiative.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate daily field operations, ensuring efficient implementation, risk-sensitive decision-making, and timely reporting, while providing functional oversight to field staff and upholding institutional standards. Manage administrative, logistical, and procurement processes, including full operational oversight of the MHAC clinic in Douala, adhering to IOM procedures and medical quality standards. Contribute to programme design by developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs), workflows, and M&E instruments. Maintain and enhance data collection mechanisms, ensuring proper management of beneficiary data and responsible use of digital tools. Mainstream Do No Harm, conflict sensitivity, protection, child safeguarding, and MHPSS into activities, ensuring safe referral of vulnerable individuals. Uphold high standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability, ensuring compliance with internal controls, financial rules, and ethical conduct policies. Identify implementation challenges and capacity needs, proposing actionable solutions and strengthening the capacities of staff and partners. Provide technical guidance for community mobilization and reintegration activities, supporting communication and local ownership. Maintain strong coordination with government authorities, UN agencies, civil society, and partners, and support private sector engagement. Supervise community-based reintegration initiatives, grantees, consultants, and partners, ensuring alignment with donor requirements. Coordinate with support units for timely and within-budget implementation. Prepare results-based reports and support evidence-based planning. Supervise HR management, workflow, and quality assurance for MHAC Douala, ensuring compliance with HAP standards. Ensure national authorities are informed of health activities and obtain necessary regulatory approvals. Support emergency preparedness and response, integrating durable solutions and resilience principles.

Work Experience

Required experience includes assisted voluntary return and reintegration, community-based reintegration, or similar direct assistance work, along with experience working with UN agencies or international organizations. Experience in field coordination, team supervision, and operational oversight is essential. Experience in protection (child protection, counter-trafficking, MHPSS) and MHAC or health assessment operations are considered advantageous.

Skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Excellent organizational, analytical, and strategic thinking abilities. Capacity to work effectively in multicultural environments and to guide, supervise, and motivate staff. Knowledge of migration governance and operational standards. Familiarity with financial rules, procurement procedures, and accountability frameworks. Understanding of data protection, responsible data use, and digital/AI tools.

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