Job Identification (Reference Number): 17196
Position Title: Programme Coordinator (Southern Africa and Indian Ocean) (P)
Duty Station City: Lilongwe
Duty Station Country: Malawi
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 05 November 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
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. For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:
Internal 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 non-represented member states of IOM.
Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the UN Migration Agency. With 175 member states, it is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. Established in 1951 and now active in over 400 field locations worldwide, IOM works with partners, government and civil society to: 1. Assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration and human mobility; 2. Advance understanding of migration issues; 3. Encourage social and economic development through migration; and 4. Uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.
Over the past years, IOM has worked closely with national and local authorities and communities across sub-Saharan Africa to support the provision of humanitarian assistance to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), the planning and implementation of mass evacuations, the coordination and management of displacement sites, and the achievement of durable solutions for persons affected by displacement. IOM is also at the forefront of efforts to support the integration of displacement and climate mobility into continental, regional and national disaster risk management, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation policies and plans, working closely with governments, local communities and other stakeholders to build the resilience of communities.
In May 2023, representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Directorate General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) of the European Commission began discussions on an action to be implemented under the Regional Multi-Annual Indicative Plan for Sub-Saharan Africa (RMIP SSA) for 2024 which resulted in the development of the โRegional Responses to Climate Displacement in Sub-Saharan Africaโ programme (RE2CLID) outlining a regional response to climate displacement.
The RE2CLID programme seeks to enhance the resilience, self-reliance, and protection of Displacement-Affected Communities (DACs) living in areas at risk of disasters, environmental degradation, and other adverse impacts of climate change. The programme operates across two highly vulnerable sub-regional clusters, including the Southern Africa and South-West Indian Ocean Cluster, covering Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Comoros. The objective of the programme is to improve overall capacity to respond to and increase overall resilience to disaster displacement at regional level through strategic interventions regionally, nationally and locally. The action is framed around three main objectives: Strengthen systems that enable to avert, minimize and address displacement, and promote effective adaptation and resilience of communities most exposed to displacement risks due to climate hazards; Improve the governance and management of natural resources and agricultural land use in ways that create sustainable livelihoods for displaced and host communities; Help population displaced attain climate resilient durable solutions and enable social cohesion in host and return communities.
By addressing the root causes of disaster-induced displacement and fostering inclusive, climate-resilient solutions, RE2CLID aims to reduce vulnerability and enhance long-term resilience in displacement-affected communities.
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM) of Malawi, and in coordination with the Regional Expert, the Programme Coordinator (Southern Africa and Indian Ocean (SAIO)) will coordinate the implementation of the RE2CLID programme for the Southern Africa and Indian Ocean Cluster. In addition, the Programme Coordinator (Southern Africa and Indian Ocean) will also fulfill the responsibility of Programme Manager of the RE2CLID Project in Malawi, including the planning, execution and monitoring of country level activities.
1. Coordinate the implementation of the RE2CLID programme for the SAIO cluster across participating countries and facilitate timely, harmonized and evidence-informed decision-making, in close coordination with the Regional Expert.
2. Contribute to the definition and implementation of strategic and operational priorities for the SAIO cluster, in coordination with the Regional Expert and the Country Project managers. This includes conducting cross-country trend analysis and mobilizing necessary technical resources to ensure programmatic consistency and informed decision-making across implementing countries.
3. Engage with the EU Technical Assistance in Malawi on programme strategy, implementation, and operational/technical matters at cluster level, in coordination with the Regional Expert, Country Programme managers and GO Brussels.
4. Provide day-to-day support to implementing countries as requested by the country project teams, track progress made in the implementation of the action in SAIO, support problem-solving and escalate any high-level unresolved issues.
5. Facilitate effective collaboration and communication and information-sharing across the cluster, in coordination with the Regional Advisor and the Country Project Managers. This includes organizing and supporting meetings of the Regional Steering Committees and escalating relevant information.
6. In close collaboration with the Regional Expert, support the implementation of regional and multicountry activities in the SAIO Cluster and support coordination with key regional partners including SADC and the Indian Ocean Commission.
7. Promote and integrate global and regional policy directions and thematic innovations into RE2CLID programming within the SAIO Cluster, in coordination with the Regional Expert.
8. Facilitate the integration of inclusive approaches within all programme components in all Cluster 2 countries, emphasizing the active participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities, DACs, and marginalized groups.
9. Facilitate advocacy and visibility efforts, ensuring effective dissemination of programme achievements and lessons learned to various stakeholders, in close coordination with the EU Delegations, Country managers and IOMโs Media and Communication Department.
10. Manage the implementation of activities under the RE2CLID Action in Malawi including planning, executing and monitoring country-level interventions, preparing regular reports and sharing updates on progress, achievements, challenges, lessons learned and good practices.
11. Contribute to stakeholder engagement and partnership development for the programme in Malawi at national and local levels, including with relevant authorities (DODMA, Ministry of Lands, Ministry of Environment etc.), the EU Delegation in Malawi, project partners and other key stakeholders.
12. Lead activities aimed at strengthening national and local capacities on displacement management in Malawi, identifying synergies, sharing tools, and supporting capacity building efforts.
13. Actively identify opportunities and support efforts to integrate displacement and climate mobility into disaster preparedness, disaster response, disaster risk reduction, durable solutions and climate change adaptation frameworks and policy in Malawi ensuring coherence with efforts carried out regionally.
14. Supervise and coordinate the work of RE2CLID project staff, consultants, partners in Malawi, ensuring clarity of roles and quality of outputs.
15. Lead the drafting and timely submission of periodic progress reports, briefings, and other documents, and ensure accurate documentation of RE2CLID programme achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and best practices in SAIO countries.
16. Ensure alignment with donor requirements and compliance with IOM's institutional project management policies and procedures, including financial management, human resources, reporting, visibility, and risk management protocols.
17. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Education
Master's degree in International Development, International Relations, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.Accredited Universities are those listed in theย UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
Significantย experience in programme coordination and management, including operational and managerial experience in the fields of disaster preparedness and response, disaster risk reduction, community stabilization, durable solutions and climate action is essential;Significant experience in developing and leading displacement management activities โ including policy and operational response framework development, and the development and implementation of multilayered capacity building strategies to avert, minimize and address disaster displacement;Extensive experience in coordinating multisectoral programmes,ย particularly with the European Union, including donor relations, strategic planning, visibility, and reporting;Experience liaising with government authorities, and national/international partners; UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, local communities in a multi-cultural setting;Experience in policy engagement and representation with national authorities, UN partners, inter-agency coordination groups, NGOs and CSOs is highly desirable;Significant operational experience in emergency, fragile, displacement-affected, conflict and or disaster-prone contexts, including in the SAIO region, is highly desirable;Working experience with IOM' system (PRIMA, Wave) is an asset; and,Strong expertise in a wide range of thematic areas, particularly those related to displacement management, emergency preparedness, emergency response, disaster risk reduction,ย durable solutions, climate change adaptation and environmental governance; with at least 5 years of experience on displacement management in various operational contexts.Skills
Proven expertise supervising diverse and multicultural teams, managing technical backstopping structures, and coordinating programme support functions across countries;Strong familiarity with the humanitarian-development-peace nexus and regional cooperation mechanisms in Sub-Saharan Africa;Demonstrated strategic leadership and coordination skills in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, with sound judgment and the ability to make timely, informed decisions;Capacity to analyze and synthesize technical and policy information and to translate complex concepts into actionable strategies, plans, and guidance;Proven ability to maintain flexibility and professionalism under pressure, and to adapt quickly to changing priorities and evolving circumstances;Excellent interpersonal and representational skills, including the ability to communicate effectively, negotiate diplomatically, and foster collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders;Advanced project and team management skills, including the supervision of multi-disciplinary teams and coordination of support functions across regions;High proficiency in digital collaboration tools and office applications, including spreadsheets, databases, and knowledge management systems;Familiarity with IOM and UN rules and regulations, including programme and project implementation standards, M&E frameworks and donor requirements and compliance standards;ย Demonstrated knowledge of project budgeting, financial oversight, and donor compliance, particularly with EU-funded actions;Excellent writing, communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, including the preparation of technical and strategic documents for internal and external audiences;Strong organizational, coordination, and creative problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and the capacity to manage multiple priorities; and,Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team of colleagues of varied cultural and professional backgrounds.Languages
IOMโs official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is highly desirable.
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 link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Valuesย - 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 2
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 Organizationโs 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
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.ยNotes
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.ย Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board 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 stationโs 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 systemย (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 Vacancies