National Programme Officer (MECR)

Tags: Human Rights climate change Law English Spanish UNESCO Environment
  • Added Date: Tuesday, 14 October 2025
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Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. 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. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates. ย  Context

IOM Sri Lanka works in close partnership with national and local government institutions, non-governmental agencies, community organizations and the donor community to assist national entities to address pressing and complex challenges in migration management, to respond to the needs created by humanitarian emergencies in the country, and to ensure improved living conditions for vulnerable communities.

Working under the overall directives of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and the direct supervision of the Programme Manager (MECR), the incumbent will be responsible and accountable for providing programme and administrative coordination for the project tasks assigned in the scope of migration, environment, climate change, and risk reduction.

  1. Assist in the coordination and monitoring of the operational, administrative and financial aspects of the project in accordance with IOM policies and practices as well as donorโ€™s requirements.ย 
  2. Provide technical guidance on migration, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction in Sri Lanka Country Office (CO) and draft general and/or specific information on programme activities as requested by the supervisor and other relevant counterparts.ย 
  3. Keep the supervisor informed on the status of project implementation; identify gaps and suggest actions to improve implementation.ย 
  4. Participate in the development and adjustment of work plans, project budgets, Monitoring & Evaluation tools and standard operations procedures.ย 
  5. Coordinate the collection, verification and analysis of data and background information; update information management systems and social media platforms on project related activities including project awareness and visibility, summaries, press releases and other relevant materials.
  6. Coordinate timely preparation and dissemination of project reports in accordance with IOM procedures and donor requirements.ย 
  7. Liaise and coordinate with donors, partners, United Nations agencies, local authorities and stakeholders and government counterparts.ย 
  8. Contribute to the planning, development, organization and delivery of capacity building activities targeting IOM staff, government and civil society partners, implementing partners and communities.ย  ย 
  9. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, working groups, interagency coordination meetings, and other forums.
  10. Participate in the preparation of project proposals and a diverse range of communication products, concept notes and other planning documents.
  11. Supervise project staff, prepare inputs for performance evaluations and assist in the resolution of team conflicts.
  12. Undertake duty travel relating to project implementation, monitoring visits, project assessments, liaison with counterparts, etc.ย 
  13. Perform other related duties as required.ย 

    Education

  14. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies โ€“ behavioural indicators (Level 2)
  15. 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 Organizationโ€™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 2) (applicable only if position is with direct reports) Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organizationโ€™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 Organizationโ€™s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction. Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings. Notes 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. National Professional Officers should be nationals of the country of their employment. NPOs perform work at the professional level and the same standards of recruitment qualifications and performance, required for International Professional staff. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. 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 online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

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