Senior Programme Manager (immigration And Border Governance (ibg))

Organizational Context

The Senior Programme Manager (IBG) operates under the direct supervision of the Deputy Regional Director Operations and technical oversight of the Senior Regional Thematic Specialist (IBG). This role is crucial for coordinating and managing the Regional Counter Migrant Smuggling Programme (RCMSP), enhancing the capacity of border management agencies and IOM Country Offices. It contributes to stronger migration governance and border security in the region, overseeing programme development, implementation, and new initiatives globally.

Job Purpose

The Senior Programme Manager (IBG) is primarily responsible for the comprehensive coordination and strategic management of the Regional Counter Migrant Smuggling Programme (RCMSP). This pivotal role aims to significantly strengthen the operational capacity of participating border management agencies and IOM Country Offices, enabling them to effectively address and respond to evolving challenges in counter migrant smuggling and broader border management. Through these efforts, the position directly contributes to fostering robust migration governance and enhancing border security throughout the region. The Manager oversees all critical facets of the Programme, from development and implementation to meticulous monitoring, comprehensive reporting, and targeted capacity building initiatives. This includes extensive high-level stakeholder liaison, effective staff supervision, and the proactive advancement of new initiatives both within the Programme and in a global context. Additionally, the role is instrumental in contributing to IOM’s global programming on counter migrant smuggling, notably through initiatives like the Data Exchange Solution for Counter Migrant Smuggling (DESC), and provides expert support for developing strategic plans at the regional office level.

Responsibilities

The Senior Programme Manager provides strategic oversight and management of the RCMSP, ensuring progress, promoting successful practices, and addressing underperformance. This involves leading and coordinating RCMSP interventions across Country Offices, organizational units, and technical divisions. The role includes designing and implementing contextualized capacity building activities on counter migrant smuggling and related migration and border management for relevant institutions and project staff. The Manager consults regularly with key internal and external stakeholders, including government representatives, donors, and UN agencies, to refine strategy, build synergies, and enhance programme visibility and cooperation. Identifying emerging needs and priorities is essential for expanding programming in the region. The position ensures Programme compliance with IOM’s policies on HR, financial management, donor reporting, and risk management. It fosters a culture of monitoring, evaluation, and learning, promoting lessons learned, action-oriented research, and knowledge incorporation. The Manager supervises and directs programme staff, overseeing recruitment as required, and participates in field missions for project implementation, monitoring, assessment, and liaison.

Work Experience

Candidates must have experience managing large, multi-country projects in migration, border management, or law enforcement. This includes policy and operational experience in migration and border management, with a background in immigration, border management technologies, and capacity building. Demonstrated managerial experience in staff management is essential, along with a proven record of establishing strong working relationships with governmental, diplomatic, and international institutions. Experience in project development, implementation, reporting, and financial aspects is also required, alongside familiarity with UN and donor programme regulations.

Skills

Strong planning, coordination, and logistics skills for complex activities. Excellent communication skills (oral and written English) and computer proficiency (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint). Very good knowledge of administrative, financial, and procedural aspects of project management. Sound judgment, analytical ability, and rapid decision-making for operational problems. Efficiency, flexibility, professionalism, and adherence to deadlines. Strong leadership, management, and coordination capacity. Familiarity with the East and Horn of Africa regions is an asset.

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