Senior Programme Manager (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)) (P)
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-related agency established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. It operates globally, saving lives, protecting migrants, and facilitating regular migration pathways. This role, Senior Programme Manager (Immigration and Border Governance), sits within the organization and reports to the Deputy Regional Director Operations, with technical oversight from the Senior Regional Thematic Specialist (IBG).
Job Purpose
The Senior Programme Manager (Immigration and Border Governance - IBG) is responsible for the overall coordination and management of the Regional Counter Migrant Smuggling Programme (RCMSP). This involves strengthening the capacities of border management agencies and IOM Country Offices to address emerging challenges in counter migrant smuggling and border management, thereby enhancing regional migration governance and border security. The role encompasses all aspects of programme development and implementation, including monitoring, reporting, capacity building, high-level stakeholder engagement, and staff supervision. Furthermore, the position contributes to IOM's global counter migrant smuggling initiatives, such as the Data Exchange Solution for Counter Migrant Smuggling (DESC), and provides expert advice for strategic planning in this domain.
Responsibilities
Provide strategic oversight and management of the Regional Counter Migrant Smuggling Programme (RCMSP), ensuring alignment with IOM policies, donor requirements, and successful outcomes. Lead and coordinate programme interventions across country offices, organizational units, and headquarters. Design and implement capacity-building activities on counter migrant smuggling and related border management areas for institutions and staff. Engage with key internal and external stakeholders, including government representatives, donors, and other international organizations, to refine strategy, build synergies, and enhance programme visibility. Establish and maintain strong working relationships at national and regional levels. Identify emerging needs and priorities to expand regional programming. Ensure compliance with IOM's project management policies, including HR, financial management, reporting, and risk management. Foster a culture of monitoring, evaluation, and learning within the programme. Supervise and direct programme staff, overseeing recruitment as needed. Conduct field missions for implementation, monitoring, and liaison. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.
Work Experience
Requires experience in managing large, multi-country projects/programmes, particularly in migration, border management, or law enforcement. Experience in migration and border management policy and operations is essential. Background in immigration and border management, including technologies and capacity building, is necessary. Demonstrated managerial experience, proven ability to build relationships with governmental and international bodies, and experience in project development, implementation, and reporting (including financial aspects) are required. Familiarity with UN and donor programme regulations is also needed.
Skills
Strong planning, coordination, and logistics skills for complex activities. Excellent oral and written English communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint). Good knowledge of administrative, financial, and procedural aspects of project management. Sound judgment, analytical ability, and rapid decision-making for operational problem-solving. Efficiency, flexibility, professionalism, and ability to meet strict deadlines. Strong leadership, management, and coordination capacity.