Programme Support Officer (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)) (P2) Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire

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 at 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:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, 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.

Organizational Context and Scope

Since 2017, IOM Côte d'Ivoire has been providing support to the Government of Côte d'Ivoire to develop and to address border governance and border management and security challenges comprehensively.

Aligned with IOM's Strategic Plan for 2024-2028, the African Union's Strategy for Integrated Border Governance (2020), and the National Development Plan of Cote d’Ivoire, International Organization for Migration’s (IOM’s) Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) programming aims to assist the government of Côte d'Ivoire in leveraging the beneficial potential of borders as conduits for promoting peace, security, and stability, and enhancing integration through effective border governance. This approach also facilitates safe and secure cross-border movements while ensuring that border communities are engaged in border governance processes, thereby enhancing human security.

The emphasis on border governance underscores IOM's dedication to sustainable development by demonstrating how well-managed mobility, immigration, and border management contribute to peace, security, and regional integration, provide access to legal identity, strengthen regular migration pathways, and facilitate trade.

In accordance with the 2030 Agenda, the IBG programs implemented in Cote d’Ivoire act as catalysts for sustainable development and inclusive growth by considering how immigration and border governance can influence and shape development outcomes for migrants and border communities and foster sustainable integration of migrants into the socio-economic frameworks of destination countries.

To continue supporting the Governments of Côte d’Ivoire, IOM Côte d'Ivoire will boost its programming to strengthen national capacities to respond to emerging cross-border threats that impact on security and stability in northern border regions and reinforce community resilience.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and direct supervision of the IBG Programme Manager (PM), the Programme Support Officer (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)) will be responsible for providing technical, administrative, and process-related support for the management of the different projects and interventions of the IBG portfolio funded by several donors.

Responsibilities

1. Support and coordinate the overall implementation of the IBG Projects assigned, supervising the timely delivery of project activities and results according to work plans, and monitoring the budgetary, administrative and technical aspects of the projects in line with IOM's policies and practices as well as donor requirements.

2. Closely coordinate with other IOM units, UN and implementing agencies and partners in relation to the execution, reporting and monitoring of the project activities.

3. In close coordination with the IBG PM, explore and maintain a network of partners comprising governmental authorities and civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders to facilitate collaboration with the various interventions of the Immigration and Border Governance portfolio.

4. Participate in field missions, in line with prevailing security restrictions, relating to project assessments, liaison with counterparts, project coordination and implementation, and the provision of technical and process-related guidance.

5. Draft regular project reports in a timely manner in accordance with the donor’s requirements, IOM regulations, and established procedures and deadlines in close collaboration with the IBG Program Manager and relevant colleagues in the Regional Office.

6. Contribute to the design and delivery of tailored capacity-building activities for relevant institutions, communities and other stakeholders involved in the project, including workshops and training sessions on IBG.

7. Support the overall information management of project activities, including awareness campaigns and visibility, preparing inputs for regular updates, summaries, and press releases, and drafting other pertinent documents related to the projects in line with the donor and IOM’s requirements.

8. Provide technical information on the expansion of the IBM portfolio, including through research, information collection and analysis to support the development of projects and assist in the Unit’s efforts to mobilize resources.

9. Participate in conferences, workshops, steering committees, and other relevant forums to facilitate project implementation and coordination, and to share knowledge on immigration and border governance themes.

10. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Business Administration, Migration Studies, International Relations, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Experience in migration-related areas of work, including operational and field experience;
• Experience working in multi-stakeholder environments and experience in liaising with governmental authorities and communities;
• Experience in a multi-stakeholder project coordination, management, development, the design of theories of change, results matrices, and context analysis;
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation in the international development/humanitarian sector required; and,
• Knowledge and working experience in the West African Region and/or in the African continent is an advantage.

Skills

• Understanding of the thematic areas relevant to the Immigration and Border Governance portfolio;
• Excellent multi-actor coordination skills;
• Excellent writing, reporting, and analytical skills; and,
• Good communication skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and government authorities.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

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

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, 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.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

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 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 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 2

• 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.

Notes

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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 will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

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 the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link 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: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications HERE by 01 April 2026 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.