Head of Program Coordination and Innovation Unit (PCIU) (P4) Abuja, Nigeria Full Time NEW

Job Identification (Reference Number): 18334
Position Title: Head of Program Coordination and Innovation Unit (PCIU) (P)
Duty Station City: Abuja
Duty Station Country: Nigeria
Grade: P-4
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 6 months
Closing date: 05 February 2026

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, 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 direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCoM), in coordination with the Programme Managers, Senior Resource Management Officer, Heads of Sub-Offices IOM West and Central of Africa Regional Office (RO) and IOM’s Headquarters (HQ), the Head of Program Coordination and Innovation Unit (PCIU) will be responsible for the management and coordination of unit activities, including programme and project conceptualization, proposal development, Monitoring and Evaluation, support the CO’s strategic planning and relationships with UN, donors and the Government of Nigeria, particularly in relation to the operational aspects of programmes/projects and resource mobilization.

Responsibilities

1. Manage and supervise the staff of the Mission Coordination Support and Innovation Unit including Communication and Private Sector teams, ensuring their effective and timely engagement, performance of strategic programme coordination and reporting oversight for CO programmes/projects.

2. Provide strategic guidance and oversight on project proposals and concept notes in the areas of interest to the IOM Nigeria, and review and improve project reports, fact sheets and other documents in coordination with relevant Programme/Project managers and programme units.

3. Support the coordination and evaluation of programme and project activities of IOM Nigeria to ensure timely and effective implementation and quality reporting and advise the Programme Managers, Deputy Chief of Mission and Chief of Mission of the corrective measures that may be needed.

4. Provide strategic leadership on donor engagement and partnership management, advising the Deputy Chief of Mission on funding opportunities, partner engagement, and positioning of CO programmes at the policy and strategic level.

5. Provide advice for the mainstreaming of relevant African Union, ECOWAS, West African Community, Intergovernmental Authority on Development and Common Market for West Africa policies and frameworks into internal frameworks, policies as well as national level programming and design.

6. Oversee the preparation and quality of evidence-based programme information, assessments, and analyses, ensuring outputs meet strategic, policy, and reporting standards. Approves communications and visibility materials prepared by programme teams and ensures timely submission to HQ, RO, and donors.

7. Advise on the integration of regional and international policy frameworks into CO programming. Monitor emerging migration trends, identify strategic opportunities and risks, and recommend actions to the Chief of Mission. Lead initiatives on programme innovation, knowledge management, and cross-sectoral synergies to strengthen strategic engagement and operational impact.

8. Ensure strategic oversight of programme/project monitoring, evaluation, and quality assurance frameworks, guiding programme teams and validating outputs to meet institutional and donor standards implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and quality assurance.

9. Participate in relevant UN and inter-agency meetings and mechanisms to facilitate the integration of IOM programmes into inter-agency processes and the mainstreaming of migration into Common Country Analysis and Cooperation frameworks. With action focal point on UNINFO and other UN reporting structures.

10. Support IOM Nigeria in the work with respective national counterparts to facilitate cooperation, external relations, and liaison activities.

11. In close coordination with the Information Management System Officer, provide the evidence-based information of IOM Nigeria’s project development and fundraising efforts through targeted assessment surveys, analyses, studies, and systematic publication.

12. Develop and disseminate communications and visibility materials, such as quarterly reports, newsletters, flash reports, etc., and respond to information requests from HQ and Regional Office.

13. Facilitate the generation and the use of knowledge to promote improved policy engagement, project development and management in Nigeria and the West and Central Africa region.

14. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• Experience in the field of international migration, management, and evaluation;
• Work experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience, IOM Project Development, Management, Implementation and Monitoring systems;
• Experience in dealing with donors on project implementation and reporting;
• Experience and excellent understanding of the migration themes in West and Central Africa and extensive knowledge of the arid and semi-arid regions; and,
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions, and Non-Governmental Organizations.

Skills

• Knowledge in project monitoring and evaluation is required;
• Demonstrated expertise in thematic areas relevant to project liaison, reporting and monitoring;
• Ability to provide oversight and guidance at portfolio and organizational level;
• Expertise in positioning programs and advising on funding priorities;
• Skills to promote innovative approaches, cross-sectoral synergies, and evidence-based decision-making;
• Excellent communication skills for high-level reporting, advocacy, and representation with senior stakeholders;
• Expertise in positioning programs and advising on funding priorities;
• Ability to analyze regional and international policy frameworks and translate them into strategic programme guidance; and,
• Strong ability to interpret trends, risks, and opportunities and provide actionable strategic recommendations.

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 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.

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: International Organization for Migration, Nigeria