Head of Programmes (P)

The Head of Programmes will oversee the strategic development, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of all Country Office programme activities in Colombia, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, donor requirements, and national strategies. The role involves managing programme delivery, supporting fundraising, guiding programme officers, and ensuring compliance with IOM policies and donor requirements.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the overall development, implementation, and monitoring of programme activities under areas of responsibility.
• Identify potential and existing obstacles to programme delivery through continuous monitoring of new programme areas reflecting changes in host country and donor priorities.
• Develop the Country Office’s programme overview including all programmes implemented and identify key milestones and major activities to inform Chief of Mission’s planning and decision-making.
• Contribute to conceptualization and development of new programme actions aligned with IOM Colombia strategic priorities and global/regional strategies.
• Support Chief of Mission and relevant units in targeted fundraising efforts for new project initiatives and recommend donor/partner engagement.
• Oversee preparation of all narrative and financial reporting ensuring quality and compliance with IOM and donor requirements.
• Guide Programme Officers on project development, public information, donor relations, government liaison and information management to ensure consistency and coherence of activities.
• Provide guidance and support to Heads of Sub-Offices on priorities, policies and strategies.
• Ensure programme implementation reflects best practices and IOM policies and contribute to policy development by preparing inputs and sharing lessons learned.
• Ensure programme compliance with IOM project management policies including HR, financial management, donor reporting, and risk management.
• Identify programme strategic priorities and contribute to expanding partnership basis and scope of activities.
• Support creation of a culture of monitoring, evaluation and learning within the programme.
• Encourage identification of lessons learned and best practices and facilitate incorporation of knowledge into programme implementation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in International 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 in establishing and maintaining high-level relationships with government authorities (ministerial and vice-presidential levels), diplomatic missions, donors, international organizations, NGOs, the UN Country Team, private sector, and media.
• Demonstrated managerial experience in staff management.
• Field work experience in conflict/post-conflict assistance including reintegration of ex-combatants, assistance to victims including IDPs, returnees and former child combatants, emergency response and rural development.
• Experience coordinating shelter and Non-Food Items (NFI), community stabilization, livelihoods and integration, and return and reconciliation programmes.
• Experience developing and implementing regular pathways strategies, programmes and solutions.
• Experience in project development, implementation, and reporting including financial and budgetary aspects.
• Experience working in project development in developing countries in Latin America with governmental or international organisations.
• Experience coordinating and implementing interagency UN cooled mechanism related to migration flows.
• Experience in design, negotiation and implementation of government funded projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge in inter-agency programme regulations of the UN and other donors.
• In depth knowledge of migration related subject areas dealt with by IOM.
• Sound judgment and ability to analyze information and make rapid decisions to resolve operational problems.
• Efficiency, flexibility, high professionalism and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated leadership, management, and coordination capacity.
• Sound communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues from varied cultures and backgrounds.
• Advanced computer skills and proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications.
• Familiarity with IOM’s MiMOSA and PRIMA systems.
• Knowledge of the IOM project management cycle.
• Knowledge of IOM’s administrative and financial management.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (oral and written) required.
• Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) is an advantage.

Skills

• Staff Management
• Conflict/Post-Conflict Assistance
• Reintegration of Ex-Combatants
• Emergency Response
• Rural Development Policy
• Shelter Coordination
• Non-Food Items Coordination
• Community Stabilization
• Livelihood Programming
• Return and Reconciliation Programmes
• Pathways Strategies Development
• Project Development
• Project Implementation
• Project Reporting
• Finance Management
• Budget Management
• Inter-agency Coordination
• Migration Programme Management
• Government Funded Project Design
• Project Negotiation
• Inter-agency Programme Regulations
• Migration Subject Knowledge
• Decision Making
• Leadership
• Programme Coordination
• Communications Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Advanced Computer Skills
• Spreadsheet Applications
• Database Applications Knowledge
• MiMOSA
• PRIMA System
• Project Management Cycle
• Administrative Management

Languages

English, Spanish