Head of Programmes (P)
Organizational Context
IOM has been active in Guinea for over two decades, supporting migration management, development, and humanitarian efforts. The Head of Programmes is a senior management role within the Country Office in Guinea, responsible for the strategic and operational alignment of IOM's diverse migration-related programmes. This position requires close coordination with national and international partners to ensure programme relevance and impact.
Job Purpose
The Head of Programmes is a senior management role responsible for ensuring the strategic and operational alignment of IOM's migration-related programmes in Guinea. This critical position leads a broad portfolio encompassing migration management, youth employment, immigration governance, public health, climate change, crisis response, disaster risk reduction, and peacebuilding. The role involves close coordination with national governments, UN agencies, donors, and local communities to ensure programmes are impactful and sustainable. Additionally, the Head of Programmes will lead the UN Network on Migration for Guinea, fostering collaborative efforts to implement the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration. This requires high autonomy, strategic judgment, and adherence to IOM’s global standards and local contexts.
Responsibilities
The Head of Programmes will provide strategic leadership and manage programmes across various sectors including Labor Migration and Youth Employment, Immigration and Border Governance, Crisis Response and Disaster Risk Reduction, Community Stabilization and Peacebuilding, and Migration Health. This includes overseeing initiatives for job creation, capacity-building for national authorities, crisis response efforts, and peacebuilding projects. The role involves harmonizing programming for regional impact, supervising and mentoring staff, and ensuring robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems. Furthermore, the position is responsible for partnerships and resource mobilization, leading donor engagement and securing funding from key international donors. Building relationships with government counterparts, UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society is crucial. The Head of Programmes will also lead policy development and advocacy, support migration governance dialogues, and lead the UN Network on Migration for Guinea, aligning with the Global Compact for Migration. This includes managing programme-related budgets, ensuring donor compliance, and performing other assigned duties.
Work Experience
Proven experience managing large, complex programs in migration management, governance, peacebuilding, immigration and border management, youth development, or counter-trafficking. Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise multidisciplinary teams, strong resource mobilization and donor engagement experience, and extensive experience in training and capacity building are essential. Familiarity with the West African context and migration issues is also required.
Skills
Proven leadership in strategic program development and implementation. Excellent partnership-building skills with government, UN agencies, and civil society. Familiarity with IOM/UN project management cycles and donor requirements. Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming. Capacity to interface with government officials and stakeholders on migration issues. In-depth knowledge of migration-related issues and policies.