Programme Manager/Chief of Party (P5) Accra, Ghana

Position Title: Programme Manager/Chief of Party

Duty Station: Accra, Ghana

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P5

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 05 July 2024

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 a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

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:

1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Barbados; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Congo (the); Cook Islands; Fiji; Guinea-Bissau; Holy See; Iceland; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

The Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM) aims to increase state presence and community resilience in remote areas of Benin, Ghana and Togo that are at risk of encroachment by violent extremist organizations. In these areas, CSSM provides short-term, targeted programming tailored to the specific context, prioritizing interventions that strengthen positive state presence. CSSM’s overall aim is supported by three key outcomes focused on i) reinforced security provision; ii) expanded and improved government delivery of critical basic services; and, iii) community action to address local instability risks. The CSSM is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO) and aligns with the US Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability and the GFFO’s Concept on Foreign and Security Policy Strategy for an Integrated Peace, as well as regional and national efforts to prevent violence. The CSSM is being implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in close coordination with GFFO, USAID, as well as with communities in priority zones and all levels of the host Governments.

CSSM is managed under a One-Team approach in line with the USAID Office of Transition Initiatives model. The Programme Manager/Chief of Party will coordinate closely with USAID and GFFO Regional Program Representatives to ensure their substantial involvement as set out in CSSM governance documents.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Transition and Recovery Division, and in coordination with the IOM Mission in Accra, the Programme Manager/Chief of Party will lead, direct and oversee the implementation of the CSSM throughout its geographic coverage. The Programme Manager/Chief of Party will work in close coordination with donors and coordinate their substantial involvement in implementation. The Programme Manager/Chief of Party will also receive guidance from, and provide reporting to, IOM Washington, DC in line with the agreed-upon ‘five-corner management model’.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Provide full programmatic, financial, administrative and logistical programmatic leadership and management for all programme activities and ensure that IOM standards and operating modalities are met wherever the programme is implemented.
2. Conceptualize and design programme strategies, and direct appropriate resource allocation among several offices, stakeholders and sub-regions.
3. Manage a close, client-centered, in-country relationship with the programme’s donor representatives by maintaining frequent dialogue, reinforcing the principle of activity development, and meeting all regular and ad hoc donor requests, while ensuring that the programme team and other stakeholders fulfill their obligations with respect to the donor’s substantial involvement.
4. Lead and oversee the recruitment, training and capacity building of all programme staff, as well as create, deploy and periodically fine-tune all programmatic systems, including database management, supply chain, financial tracking and accounting. Ensure that all departments are coordinating together smoothly to achieve the programme objectives.
5. In close conjunction with the management of the IOM Country Office, the Country Office’s Field Security Officer, and in accordance with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) requirements, be responsible for the safety and security of all individuals implementing the programme. This includes ensuring that appropriate security information is regularly and appropriately disseminated, and that relevant safety and security training is conducted in coordination with IOM’s Staff Security Unit (SSU) when required.
6. Assess, develop a plan for, and oversee all tasks related to recruiting and onboarding staff, technical experts or service providers in relation to the programme.
7. Supervise Programme staff both directly and indirectly, ensuring appropriate training, coaching, support, quality control and performance evaluation processes are applied.
8. Liaise with international and national counterparts to further the development and enhance the objectives of the programme. Establish and maintain programmatic partnerships and synergies when appropriate with other humanitarian and development partners and government entities.
9. Actively consult with a wide range of sources, including management of the IOM Country Office, Regional Office, Headquarters, IOM Washington Country Office and donors, to continually assess the full context of the IOM programme funded by multiple bilateral donors, including in relation to other IOM or donor programmes and priorities in the country.
10. Continuously develop the programme in accordance with the programme objectives, updated strategic priorities, project successes, donor interests and UN security constraints.
11. Oversee the tracking of all programme expenditures to ensure budget recommendations are met, that all grant management and financial tracking instruments are reconciled and that all funds are spent in accordance with IOM standards and donor expectations. In coordination with the relevant IOM Country Office units, Headquarters and others, ensure the timely submission of financial reports to the donor.
12. Oversee and ensure the regular reporting, including all financial, narrative and database requirements, and ensure regular and proactive coordination with programme counterparts in the relevant oversight offices (e.g., Regional Office and Headquarters).
13. In coordination with the main programme counterparts, ensure that small grant initiatives and related community and government relationships are developed in accordance with programme goals and objectives.
14. Act as the primary contact for the programme in work across multiple sectors that include, but are not limited to, health, agriculture, education, municipal infrastructure, gender, transportation, and water and sanitation.
15. Develop and enforce measures to prevent fraud, waste and abuse, and strengthen existing measures including the implementation of a sound Monitoring and Evaluation system to ensure the transparent use of donor funds. Report corruption issues to the donor according to established procedures.
16. Perform such other duties that may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Law, International Relations, Development Studies and Planning, Political or Social Sciences, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with twelve years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Progressive responsibility with demonstrated supervisory experience in staff, security, budget and office management;
• At least 3 years of operational experience with USAID programming or on other large donor-funded programmes in a rapid transition or post-conflict area, with some of this experience having preferably been with USAID/OTI;
• Experience managing a Cooperative Agreement and following a ‘one-team’ approach is an advantage;
• Previous work experience in small-grants programming, infrastructure works, procurement and civil-society strengthening highly desirable;
• Thorough knowledge of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security protocols and experience working in complex environments is an advantage;
• Experience managing staff from diverse environments and backgrounds, including remote supervision in non-permissive operating contexts; and,
• Prior experience in relevant geographic region and thematic areas.

Skills

• Recognized expertise in conflict prevention, stabilization and preventing violent extremism;
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills including capabilities to present to diverse audiences;
• Proven abilities relating to implementation as well as resource management (budgets, human resources, procurement, and so forth) for large-scale programming in complex environments;
• Thorough understanding of donor processes and regulations, especially USAID and GFFO; and,
• Knowledge of financial rules and regulations.

Languages

IOM’s 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 and French is required (oral and written).

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – 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 – behavioural indicators level 3

• 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 Organization’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 – behavioural indicators level 3

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’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 Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.p df

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

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. 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 station’s 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, and background verification and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.