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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:
Internal candidates
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
IOM’s Border Management Return and Readmission (BMRR) Division assists government partners and other stakeholders to enhance migration policies, legal frameworks, technical and administrative structures, and human resources required to effectively address the challenges and harness the opportunities of migration and cross-border mobility. BMRR interventions are designed to advance IOM’s commitment to facilitate safe, orderly, and regular migration, along with predictable human mobility, through three distinct but complementary Units: Border and Identity Solutions (BIS), Immigration Visas and Readmission (IVR), and Legal Identity (LI).
In Lesotho, IOM is supporting the Government of Lesotho to strengthen its border management capacities, including the phased rollout of the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) at key border crossing points and Immigration Headquarters. The Lesotho program on Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) is closely aligned with national priorities for migration governance, regional integration, and the facilitation of secure, effective, and efficient cross-border movement. The Programme Officer will work in close coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Immigration, and other relevant stakeholders, with the IOM Sub-Regional Office (SRO) in Pretoria, as well as the MIDAS Team in the BIS Unit in Headquarters (HQ).
Under the direct supervision of the Sub-Regional Director (SRD) for Southern Africa in Pretoria, and the technical supervision of the Project Officer (MIDAS and IBG) based in the Border & Identity Solutions (BIS) Unit at HQ, the Project Officer (Immigration & Border Governance) will work in close coordination with the Sub-Regional Director for Southern Africa, the IBG Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) in the Regional Office (RO) Nairobi, and the BIS Unit at HQ. Project Officer (Immigration & Border Governance) will be responsible for supporting programme development, coordination, and implementation related to the Border and Identity Solutions, IVR, and LI portfolios in Lesotho. The position will also provide technical support to border management authorities and other relevant stakeholders of the Government of Lesotho.
Responsibilities
1. Coordinate and support the planning, development, coordination, and implementation of IBG projects in Lesotho, including the rollout and expansion of MIDAS, strengthening visa and admissions processes, and border development/trade initiatives, ensuring alignment with IOM policies, practices, and donor requirements.
2. Support the coordination and day to day implementation of IOM Lesotho’s border management information systems programmes, ensuring close collaboration with the MIDAS team at HQ, national authorities, and donors, including timely reporting in line with donor requirements.
3. Provide operational and technical support to programme staff and assist in monitoring the budgetary, operational, and administrative aspects of IBG projects; act as a focal point for coordination with relevant IOM Units, RO Nairobi, government counterparts, donors, and partners.
4. Support accurate reporting and prudent budget expenditure for all IBG programming, including supporting the implementation of the MIDAS project and related initiatives and ensuring compliance with IOM financial procedures and donor requirements.
5. Provide technical support to border management authorities and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen border governance, identity management, and related national systems.
6. Supervise and guide the IBG team in project delivery, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation, and identify and suggest improvements in coordination and execution.
7. Provide inputs to the SRD, in coordination with the IBG RTS, on national and regional trends, donor priorities, and resource mobilization opportunities for IBG programming, while also supporting coordination related to IOM Lesotho’s migration services activities and proactively identifying programmatic synergies with other units.
8. Assist in establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with government counterparts, implementing agencies, and donors, ensuring coordinated interventions, synergies, and sustainable impact.
9. Support the design of capacity building activities, together with technical experts, on IBG thematic areas, including document security, legal identity, identity management, biometrics, readmission, visa and admission pathways, and Advance Passenger Information.
10. Contribute towards the development of forward looking initiatives with the Ministry of Home Affairs and security agencies on border development, trade facilitation, and cross border cooperation, including OSBP related processes, as relevant.
11. Contribute to IBG thematic engagement within UNNM and GCM related initiatives, support expansion of the IBG portfolio, contribute to project development, and support fundraising efforts.
12. Assist in the development of information and training materials; support staff recruitment processes and contribute to performance monitoring; integrate gender and protection considerations across programming, undertake duty travel as required, and perform other duties as assigned.
13. Provide IBG technical expertise and support to smaller IOM missions in the sub region, as needed and upon request, to strengthen regional collaboration and ensure consistency in IBG programming and standards.
14. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Master’s degree in Migration Management, Security Studies, Law Enforcement, Information Management, Political or Social Science, International Law, Humanitarian Affairs, 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
Demonstrated experience in immigration and border management/governance, border security, and/or law enforcement, including operational and field experience;
Experience in IBG project development, project management, systems implementation, monitoring, and evaluation;
Proven experience supporting the implementation of multiple IBG‑related projects;
Experience in legal identity relevant to IBG/regular pathways is an advantage;
Experience working with governmental authorities, UN agencies, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs);
Experience working in multi‑cultural settings; experience working with supervising or coordinating the work of project staff or teams; training design and delivery experience; and,
Experience in the East and Horn/Southern Africa region is an asset
Skills
Advanced English writing, communication, and negotiation skills;
Capacity to develop well-structured concept notes, project proposals, and thematic briefs;
Capacity to contribute to the development of IBG-related curriculum; and,
Computer/software literate.
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 is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, 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.
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 29 March 2026 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.