Senior Programme Manager Vacancy-Job Ref: JKEIOM/1010/2026108

Senior Programme Manager Vacancy-Job Ref: JKEIOM/1010/2026108

Nairobi (Kenya)

Job Description
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Regional Director Operations and technical oversight of the Senior
Regional Thematic Specialist (IBG), and in cooperation with relevant departments at Headquarters (HQs), the Senior Programme Manager (IBG) will be responsible and accountable for the overall coordination and management of the Regional Counter Migrant Smuggling Programme (RCMSP), including strengthening the capacity of participating border management agencies and IOM Country Offices (COs) to respond to emerging challenges in counter migrant smuggling and border management, contributing to stronger migration governance and border security in the region.

The Senior Programme Manager will oversee all aspects of the Programme development and implementation, including but not limited to monitoring, reporting, capacity building, extensive high-level stakeholder liaison, staff supervision, and advancement of new initiatives within the Programme and in a global context. In addition, the Senior Programme Manager will contribute to IOM’s global programming on counter migrant smuggling, including the Data Exchange Solution for Counter Migrant Smuggling (DESC) and supporting other regional and global-level engagements on the subject. The Senior Programme Manager will oversee the programme management functions and will provide expert support and advice for the development of strategic plans at the regional office on countering migrant smuggling and border management.

Provide strategic oversight and management of the RCMSP, in line with IOM policies and practices as well as donor requirements, to ensure progress toward intended results, promote successful practices for replication, and address underperformance with corrective measures.
Provide leadership and ensure coordination of RCMSP interventions across and between COs implementing project activities, different organizational units, and technical divisions at HQs.
Coordinate the design and implementation of contextualized capacity building activities on counter migrant smuggling and related migration and border management thematic areas, targeting relevant institutions, as well as project staff, in collaboration with relevant technical specialists and partners.

Consult regularly with key internal and external stakeholders, including CO focal persons, technical specialists, programme staff, donor representatives, and government representatives, to refine strategy; build synergies with other ongoing national, regional, and/ or global related initiatives, and ensure programme visibility.
Establish strong working relationships at national and regional levels, including with relevant government counterparts and regional authorities, and participate in relevant counter migrant smuggling and border management-related engagements to enhance awareness of IOM’s capacities in the counter migrant smuggling field and pursue increased cooperation with key stakeholders such as relevant UN agencies, international organizations, NGOs, academia, and the private sector.

Identify emerging needs and priorities in counter migrant smuggling to expand programming in the region in coordination with Senior Regional Thematic Specialist (SRTS), COs, relevant government partners, and other stakeholders.
Ensure Programme compliance with IOM’s project management policies, including HR, financial management, donor reporting, and risk management.
Support creation of a culture of monitoring, evaluation, and learning within the Programme.

Encourage identification of lessons learned and best practices, promote action-oriented research, and facilitate real-time incorporation of knowledge and learning into Programme implementation.
Supervise and direct project/ programme staff; oversee and coordinate, as required, the recruitment of programme staff and consultants.
Participate in or lead field missions and other duty travel related to project implementation, monitoring and assessment, liaison with counterparts, and any other task as necessary in order to achieve project objectives.

Perform such other relevant duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

Master’s degree in Management, Social Science, Law, International Relations, Regional Studies, 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.

Experience

Experience in managing large, multicountry projects/ programmes (notably in the fields of migration, border management, law enforcement);
Experience in the field of migration and border management, including policy and operational experience;
Background in immigration and border management, including border management technologies, Integrated Border Management, and capacity building in migration and border management;
Demonstrated managerial experience in staff management;

Proven record of establishing and maintaining good working relationships with governmental and diplomatic authorities, national, regional, and international institutions, international agencies (i.e., UN), and civil society organizations;
Experience in project development, implementation, and reporting, including financial and budgetary aspects; and,
Familiarity with inter-agency programme regulations of the UN and other donors.

Skills

Strong planning, coordination, and logistics skills related to the implementation of complex activities;
Strong communication skills, including good oral and written English as well as good computer skills (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint);
Very good knowledge of administrative, financial, and procedural aspects of project management;
Familiarity with the East and Horn of Africa regions is an asset;
Sound judgment, ability to analyze information and make decisions rapidly to resolve operational problems;
Efficiency, flexibility, a high level of professionalism, and the ability to adhere to strict deadlines; and,
Strong leadership, management, and coordination capacity.

Languages

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN languages (Arabic, 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.

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