Job Identification (Reference Number): 17625
Position Title: Programme Officer (Localization and Partnerships)
Duty Station City: Erbil
Duty Station Country: Iraq
Grade: P-2
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (6 Months with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 6 Months with possibility of extension
Closing date: 07 December 2025
Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture atย IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
This is an expedited recruitment process open only to:
a) internal candidates and
b) former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment process.
This process is not open to external applicants; their applications will not be considered at this time.ย
Context
IOM Iraq Country Office (CO) has a longstanding footprint in supporting civil society organizations. Through its Wasl Civil Society Fund, IOM Iraq CO has partnered with more than 120 civil society organizations in the last three years on a wide range of thematics. In line with the IOM Iraq COโs localization strategy and IOMโs global commitments to advancing the localization agenda, IOM remains committed to supporting civil society organizations with financial assistance, capacity strengthening, coordination, participation and communications support. This role will support the CO in centralizing the management of implementing partners and IOMโs positioning as a leading actor on localization in Iraq.
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and direct supervision of the Project Development, Reporting and Grants Management Officer, and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist ย (RTS) at the Regional Office (RO) for Middle East and North Africa in Cairo, and relevant Divisions/Departments/Units at Headquarters (HQ), the Programme Officer (Localization and Partnerships) will support and coordinate the development, ย implementation, monitoring and reporting activities of IOM Iraq COโs programming on localization and partnerships.
1.ย Support the overall implementation of the IOM Iraq COโs Localization Strategy and oversight of IOM work on localization and partnerships in Iraq, including its financial, administrative and technical implementation, in compliance with IOM policies and standards, as well as donor requirements, agreed timeline and deliverables.
2. In coordination with the direct supervisor, coordinate the work of all staff assigned to the COโs Localization and Partnerships Programme, as well as consultants, implementing partners and service providers recruited to support and/or undertake specific activities.
3.ย In coordination with the Head of Resources Management in CO Iraq, provide technical support to the ย alignment with institutional rules and regulations on the management of Implementing Partners.
4.ย Maintain close collaboration and contribute to the strengthening the partnerships with relevant stakeholders such as Government entities, national authorities, donors, development partners, United Nations agencies, and civil society.
5.ย Draft and produce progress and other reports and ensure proper information exchange on all operational aspects of the programmes between IOM, the programmesโ donors and other stakeholders.
6.ย Provide technical support in analyzing ย migration- and localization-related trends and issues in view of strategic, programmatic and programme-specific funding opportunities.
7.ย Contribute to the identification of donorsโ priorities and strategies, explore the possibility to develop follow up initiatives and/or initiate new programme development process in Iraq and draft projects proposals, in relation to expressed governmental needs, donorsโ priorities and in line with IOMโs mandate and strategy.
8.ย In coordination with the direct supervisor and the COโs Media and Communications unit, facilitate adequate information management on COโs activities through regular updates, summaries, press releases and other relevant materials that promote IOMโs visibility in Iraq.
9.ย Assist in conducting contextual analysis to identify potential activities to be implemented as part of the Localization and Partnerships Programme in line with IOM mandate and the priorities established by the Government and partners in Iraq.
10.ย Contribute to the development of relevant monitoring and evaluation plans and tools to track policy mainstreaming initiatives and measure progress and effectiveness, make recommendation on suitable course corrections, and supporting further development and improvements.
11.ย Ensure adequate information management on programme related activities including awareness raising and visibility; provide regular updates, summaries, press releases and other relevant materials, in coordination with the donor and IOMโs Public Information Department.
12.ย Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, steering committees and technical working groups, as well as other forums, to facilitate proper coordination and presentation of IOM activities.
13.ย Participate in relevant United Nations (UN) working groups and activities to encourage the mainstreaming of migration related issues into United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
14. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Education
Masterโs degree in Law, International Relations, Political or Social Sciences, International Development, International Relations,ย or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.Accredited Universities are those listed in theย UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
Experience in programme management, implementation and ย project development;ย Experience in coordination of various projects under the programme to ensure maximum outputs;Experience in liaising with government authorities and other national/international institutions;Experience in working with civil society organizations and advancing the localization agenda;Experience and strong familiarity with IOMโs operating procedures for implementing partnership management;Experience with UN and International Agencies, international or local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) preferred; and,ย Work experience in the Region is an advantage.ย
Skills
Languages
IOMโs official languages are English, French and Spanish.ย All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the the three languages.
For this position, fluency inย English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Arabic and of another official UN language (Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
IOMโs competency framework can be found at thisย linkย Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Valuesย - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these values:
Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.Core Competenciesย โ behavioural indicators Level 2
ย Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.ย Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.ย Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.ย Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organizationโs priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.ย Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational wayManagerial Competencies - behavioural indicators Level 2
Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organizationโs vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organizationโs goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.Notes
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
This vacancy is only open to current and former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment process.
The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station's country cannot be considered eligible.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment systemย (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies.