Job Identification (Reference Number):ย 15871
Position Title:ย Head of Programmes
Duty Station City:ย Beirut
Duty Station Country:ย Lebanon
Grade:ย P-4
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 6 Months with Possibility of Extensionย ย
Closing date: 19 August 2025
Introduction:ย ย ย ย
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 at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย
For the purpose of this call, the following are considered first-tier candidates: ย
Internal candidates External female candidates: Candidates from the following non-represented member states:Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from nonrepresented member states of IOM and female candidates.
Context:
Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region, and the direct supervision of the Head of Office (HOO), and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialists in the Regional Office (RO) in Cairo, Egypt, the Head of Programmes will be responsible and accountable for managing and coordinating select programmes and projects in Lebanon. They will ensure that programmes are implemented effectively and efficiently, consistent with the Country Strategy, and in line with the expectations of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) donors, and beneficiaries, in collaboration with national authorities.
1. Coordinate and oversee the implementation of a diverse range of migration-related projects and programmes. In coordination with the Resources Management Unit and Programme Managers, ensure that all projects and programmes comply with IOM and donor regulations, policies, and obligations as indicated in the funding agreements, project documents, work plans, and budgets.
2. Contribute to the formulation of IOM Lebanonโs Country Strategy, policies, and approaches across IOMโs operational portfolio. Identify and develop new programmes to address emerging needs in coordination with the Programme Support Unit.
3. Encourage innovation and adaptation in programme design and implementation to respond effectively to changing circumstances and emerging needs. Collaborate with project teams to identify and document best practices, challenges, and lessons learned throughout the project lifecycle, and integrate feedback from monitoring and evaluation findings into programme design and implementation.
4. Provide expert support and advice to ensure the highest efficiency in the Country Officeโs (CO) Risk Management and Compliance functions. Strengthen internal controls and ensure compliance with contractual rules and regulations through effective management and the provision of accurate, researched, and documented risk and compliance information. Ensure the effective delivery of services and transparent utilization and management of programme resources. Ensure timely and quality donor reporting, as well as reporting on IOM programmes and results, as requested by the RO, Headquarters (HQ), or the United Nations (UN). Prepare briefings and background information requested by the RO, HQ, government, and other entities.
5. Work closely with the HOO, IOM Lebanon Senior Management Team, and Programme Managers to enhance collaboration and coordination within the country programming, and ensure that all programmes work towards common goals and a consistent and coherent strategy.
6. Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including other UN agencies, donors, government authorities, private sector, and other partner organizations. Facilitate the coordination and implementation of ongoing activities, promote new activities, and fundraise for new programmes and projects.
7. Ensure IOM participation in appropriate policy and operational inter-agency mechanisms. Engage with UN agencies in the development and implementation of the Lebanon Response Plan (LRP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
8. Support the implementation of the CO communication strategy to promote IOM's image and programmes.
9. Provide strategic recommendations and advice to the HOO to improve the performance of IOMโs Lebanon programming. Ensure effectiveness, coherence, impact, and integrity in implementation.
10. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Educationย
Masterโs degree in Political or Social Sciences, Law, International Relations, Business Administration or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.ย
Experience
Skills
Proven leadership and negotiation skills, particularly in a multi-stakeholder and multi-cultural environment;Excellent track record of effective working relationships with governmental and diplomatic authorities and UN agencies;Excellent understanding of and proven experience in inter-agency coordination and strategic engagement, UN structures and systems;Sound financial and business administration capacities;In-depth knowledge of the broad range of migration-related subject areas dealt with by the organization;Knowledge of the migration trends and challenges in Lebanon and the MENA region an advantage;In-depth knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming; and,Knowledge of IOM project development procedures (including Project Information and Management Application (PRIMA)) and processes.Languages
IOM's official languages are English, French and Spanish.ย
For this position fluency in English is required (Oral and Written). Working knowledge of Arabic and/or French is highly desirable and/or another official UN language (Chinese, 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
IOM's competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five 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 Competencies โ behavioural indicators Level 3
Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization's priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.Managerial Competencies โ behavioural indicators Level 3
Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization's 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 Organization's 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.
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 theย IOM e-Recruitmentย system (for internal candidates linkย 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:ย IOM Careers and Job Vacanciesย