Programme Officer (P2) Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo Full Time

Job Identification (Reference Number): 15704
Position Title: Programme Officer (P)
Duty Station City: Bunia
Duty Station Country: Congo, The Democratic Republic of the
Grade: P-2
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 14 July 2025

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 non-represented member states:
   Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Madagascar, 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.

Context

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCoM), and in close coordination with the Regional Office and relevant Divisions at Headquarters (HQ), the Programme Officer will be responsible and accountable for supervising and coordinating the implementation of the EU-funded Borderlands Programme, with a focus on activities implemented by IOM DRC along the DRC–Uganda borders.

The position will focus on the coordination of activities, ensuring effective implementation in close collaboration with unit heads (Transition and Recovery Unit, Protection and Health) and IOM colleagues in Uganda. The Programme Officer will serve as a technical focal point for government partners, civil society, humanitarian, peace, and development actors in the project implementation area.

Responsibilities

1. Supervise and ensure the overall implementation of the programme and Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) project activities in line with IOM standards and donor requirements.

2. Closely coordinate with key units (Transition and Recovery, Protection and Health) and IOM Uganda counterparts to facilitate cross-border cooperation and alignment.

3. Participate in project planning to support coherence, effectiveness, and impact.

4. Serve as a technical focal point for government partners, civil society organizations, and humanitarian, peace, and development actors.

5. Liaise closely with stakeholders to support the resolution of project-related challenges and the relevance of interventions.

6. Participate in technical-level coordination forums related to cross-border governance and migration.

7. Implement project monitoring frameworks and provide technical inputs to assist with further development in close collaboration with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team.

8. Draft donor reports in compliance with contractual obligations.

9. Maintain records of project progress, achievements, and lessons learned for future programming.

10. Monitor budget utilization and compliance with financial procedures, bringing issues to the prompt attention of the supervisor.

11. Supervise project staff, providing guidance and technical support for effective delivery of outputs.

12. Participate in training initiatives for project teams and stakeholders.

13. Participate in resource mobilization efforts by researching opportunities for project expansion and possible funding sources in close collaboration with the Resource Mobilization Unit.

14. Provide inputs for discussions with potential donors and partners.

15. Strictly adhere to IOM policies, donor regulations, and international best practices.

16. Document potential project risks and work closely with relevant units to implement mitigation measures.

17. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Migration Studies, Development Studies, Public Administration, or a related field 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 programme management, implementation and/or coordination, particularly in border governance or cross-border programming;
• Experience in supervising teams and coordinating multi-sectoral interventions; and,
• Experience in donor reporting and compliance.

Skills

• Excellent coordination, analytical, and report-writing skills;
• Proven ability to work with government authorities and international organizations;
• Strong ability to engage with diverse stakeholders;
• Knowledge of IOM project management frameworks and donor requirements; and,
• Familiarity with the migration dynamics in the Great Lakes region is an advantage.

Languages

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

Working knowledge of local languages is an advantage.

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

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.

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.

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, 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

Tagged as: Democratic Republic of the Congo, International Organization for Migration