
Head of Programmes
International Organization for Migration Source Verified
Harare
Jan 10, 2026
Job Description
Job Description
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.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 Zimbabwe is recognized by the Government of Zimbabwe (Go. Z) as the principal international inter
• governmental organization addressing the entire spectrum of migration issues. IOM has been operational in Zimbabwe since 1985, and Zimbabwe became a Member State of IOM in 2002. In line with IOM’s global strategy, IOM Zimbabwe works in advancing migration policy and practice while addressing humanitarian and development challenges of migration. It does so together with governmental, intergovernmental and civil society partners through well
• informed, coordinated and protection
• centred actions. The areas of IOM intervention in the country include: humanitarian response and recover, migration management, migration health services, movements assistance and migration protection as well as migration data.
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (Co. M) in IOM Zimbabwe and in collaboration with relevant Units at the Regional Office (RO) and the Sub
• regional office, the Head of Programmes will support the Co. M in its Responsibilities to ensure coherence between IOM Zimbabwe Programmes and ensure that programmes are implemented in an effective and efficient manner, in line with IOM Zimbabwe’s overall strategy and with the Government of Zimbabwe, donors, and beneficiaries’ expectations. The Head of Programmes will also be responsible for coordinating ongoing IOM Zimbabwe’s partnerships as well as supporting efforts to identify new programme opportunities, contributing to resource mobilization and the strategic positioning of the Country Office (CO).
Requirements
Education
Master`s degree (or equivalent) in Law, Social Sciences, Economic and Political Development, International Relations and/or a closely related discipline from an accredited 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 the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
At least seven years for University degree holder (five years for Master’s degree holder) of progressively responsible Experience in international emergency and/or development work preferably, or strongly involved in project design, coordination, management or implementation at national, regional and/or international levels;
Experience coordinating and liaising with government agencies, local self
• governance bodies, civil society organizations, and donors;
Experience in providing technical support and/or capacity building for key stakeholders in projects/programmes on promoting human rights and/or gender equality;
Experience working in the field of emergency response and humanitarian assistance is required; and,
Previous Experience working with IOM in the SADC region is an advantage.Skills
Excellent project management Skills, including knowledge of IOM administrative and financial procedures and budget monitoring
Good liaison and negotiation Skills;
Knowledge of the cluster systems, various steps of project cycle and coordination with different donors, local authorities, beneficiaries and other stakeholders;
Ability to supervise, motivate and coach/direct staff;
Ability to work with in autonomy;
Strong management capability and Experience;
Ability to negotiate and resolve operational problems; and,
Good level of computer literacy.Languages
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Responsibilities
Assist the Co. M in formulating country strategies and approaches across the mission’s operational portfolio, as well as identify and develop new programmes to address emerging needs in line with Government Plans, the UN Country Team strategy in
• country, IOM national commitments, as well as regional and global strategies.
Coordinate the implementation of programmes/activities at national level working closely with the programmatic units. Identify potential and existing obstacles to programme delivery, through continuous monitoring of programmes activities, facilitate dialogue between actors and promote solution to emerging challenges.
Promote convergence between all units and programmes aiming to advance efficiency and effectiveness of all operations through balance division of labour, while reducing parallel structures and communication channels, thereby avoiding duplication, overlap and wastage of resources (human, financial, time, other).
Keep abreast of and analyze migration issues, political and socio
• economic policies and emerging trends, including but not limited to, migrants’ protection, human rights, reintegration, international law. Identify priorities and inform and recommend actions to the Zimbabwe Co. M in anticipation of risks and opportunities for IOM.
Coordinate humanitarian response programming together with unit in the event of need due to disaster. This may include (re)activating sector work on shelter, non
• food items, camp coordination and management and housing land and property as required.
Facilitate knowledge building and management focusing on the identification of best practices and lessons learnt for organizational sharing and learning and the organization of trainings for the operations/project staff on programmes issues.
Support in actively building and maintaining strong, regular and cordial communications with key programmes stakeholders, including national and local authorities, civil society, UN agencies, service providers and donors. Provide support to the Co. M in donor engagement and funding negotioations as IOM Zimbabwe expands into new areas.
Liaise with national and international counterparts to advance the development and objectives of the ongoing programmes/projects in
• country and regionally. Seek opportunities for programmatic partnerships and synergies when appropriate with other humanitarian and development partners, as well as Government entities.Identify potential programme opportunities and projects, and coordinate with programme development on drafting project proposals and concept notes in the areas of interest to the IOM Zimbabwe Country Office. Prepare, compile and review project reports, fact sheets and other documents in coordination with relevant program units.
Upon delegation of the Co. M, represent IOM and participate in relevant country UN and inter
• agency bodies and mechanisms, including but not limited to, UNCT and or potential HCT meetings,, relevant mechanisms, contributing to the integration of IOM policies and programmes into inter
• agency processes and strategies. When delegated, represent the Country Office (CO) in donor briefings, high
• level meetings and media presentations.
Perform such other Responsibilities as may be assigned.
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