Programme Officer (DDRR) at International Organization for Migration - IOM

Location: Abuja, Nigeria, With frequent travel to field locations within Nigeria
Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P3
Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: As Soon as Possible

Context

• Working under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and the direct supervision of the Programme Manager (STRR - DDRR), and coordinating with the Programme Advisor at IOM HQ and the IOM Washington corner, specifically the IOM Global Coordinator for OTI Programmes, the successful candidate will participate as a member of the Senior Management Team for the OTI-funded Demobilization, Disassociation, Reintegration and Reconciliation (DDRR) initiative in Nigeria and be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the DDRR programme. 
• The Programme Officer will coordinate the various priorities and activities that emerge from the overall work of the DDRR programme in order to establish systems, commitments and support to the handling and reintegration of programme beneficiaries relating to Boko Haram / ISIS WA and the impacts of ongoing conflict.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

• Provide wide-ranging technical support and supervision of distinct activities emerging from the development of the DDRR programme, and in particular the identification and framing of priorities and lines of support to the Government and partners relating principally to Pillars 1 and 2 of the IOM DDRR programme framework.
• Provide overall framing and supervision of the financial, technical and administrative aspects of discrete activities to be supported within the overall framework of the DDRR programme, including the development of documentation for agreed activities, in line with IOM’s policies and procedures as well as donor requirements.
• Provide supervision and oversight to the establishment of technical implementation teams for the development and implementation of high-impact activities which meet the objectives of the programme, including recruitment, administrative and logistics support to project staff and consultants in the field.
• Maintain strong and close partnership with the OTI Field Corner, specifically the OTI Country Representative (CR) and Deputy Country Representative (DCR); support and provide advice on the identification of partners, stakeholders and key actors, technical consultants, and other programme implementers.
• Working in coordination with the Programme Manager, establish and maintain strong partnerships with partners such as local and federal government authorities, local contractors, UN Agencies, international NGOs, donors, and other key stakeholders as relevant. Establish and maintain project coordination structures with all stakeholders.
• Coordinate with the senior management team, including OTI, on concepts identified by program staff, and propose ‘Yellow Light’ activities as result of the dynamic and ongoing priorities established by governmental authorities and other partners in the programme, for review and approval.
• Manage and coordinate with operations staff as appropriate for activity implementation to ensure that procurement, finance, logistics, and programmatic aspects of each activity are being implemented on-time and in accordance with the specifications of the approved activity.
• Provide advice and guidance to the logistics, financial and procurement teams in the application of standard guidelines and procedures aimed at ensuring an appropriate, efficient and transparent use of funds.
• Manage and coordinate, as required, with the DDRR engineering team to ensure the technical quality of proposed, ongoing and concluding grant activities.
• Prepare progress and other reports on activity implementation, ensure proper information exchange on all operational aspects of projects, and provide relevant inputs on project implementation.
• Prepare and ensure the collection and submission of weekly bullets on the local political and security context, as well as the operational achievements and challenges to the Monitoring and Evaluation / Reporting Officer for inclusion in the periodic reports.
• Share weekly progress and other reports, updates (programmatic, political, security) via both phone and email communications with the IOM DC corner, to ensure strong information exchange within the OTI 4-corners communications model.
• Prepare and ensure the collection and submission of activity notes for weekly submission to the Monitoring and Evaluation / Reporting Officer and OTI for inclusion in the database.
• Liaise with IOM's Staff Security Unit (SSU) and the Mission Security Focal point as/when required, in close conjunction with the management of IOM Nigeria and in accordance with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) requirements.
• Coordinate with the Monitoring and Evaluation / Reporting Officer and project assistants to develop, monitor, evaluate (M&E) and recommend performance measures for related DDRR activities, including contractors and grantees.
• Coordinate closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation / Reporting Officer, the Public Information Officer and relevant counterparts, support the development of public information material and serve as an information focal point for the generation of stories, photos, and relevant materials to contribute to the development of strategic communications materials with other concerned stakeholders. Also liaise with the Public Information Unit and prepare briefing notes and/or other communication on programme activities.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Master's Degree in International Relations, Management, Development Studies, Planning, Business Administration or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or
• University Degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:

• Specific work experience with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) programs an advantage, preferably with the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI); Experience supporting assessments, program design, intra-governmental coordination, project management and oversight is highly desirable;
• Specific international work experience on DDR programmes, and/or engagement in security sector initiatives will be an advantage;
• Strong knowledge and cultural understanding of the region and conversant on regional politics;
• Experience in project implementation, Capacity Building and Information Management projects, support to grants fund management; administrative and related fields;
• Knowledge of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) protocols and experience working in a phase III (or above) security environment;
• Excellent communication and writing skills with the ability to analyses complex problems and identify and convey clear, rapid solutions;
• Effective resource management skills;
• Experience in developing and maintaining budgetary disciplines across a wide range of grant activities;
• Knowledge of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) protocols;
• Experience working with staff from diverse environments and backgrounds;
• Experience in graphic design, Excel Power Point or other software to generate sophisticated reporting;
• Strong general analytical skills;
• Significant reporting and database experience required, preferably with Microsoft Access;
• Experience in the field of migration, community development and media;
• Experience working within the region an asset;
• Experience living or working in a developing or transitioning country an asset; Thorough knowledge of USAID/OTI programming, specifically in terms of pace and methodology preferred;
• Familiarity with OTI reporting needs and the OTI Activity Database preferred.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of local language is an advantage.

Desirable Competencies
Behavioral:

• Accountability - takes responsibility for action and manages constructive criticisms;
• Client Orientation - works effectively well with client and stakeholders;
• Continuous Learning - promotes continuous learning for self and others;
• Communication - listens and communicates clearly, adapting delivery to the audience;
• Creativity and Initiative - actively seeks new ways of improving programmes or services;
• Leadership and Negotiation - develops effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders; Performance Management - identify ways and implement actions to improve performance of self and others;
• Planning and Organizing - plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of responsibility;
• Professionalism -  displays mastery of subject matter;
• Teamwork - contributes to a collegial team environment; incorporates gender related needs, perspectives, concerns and promotes equal gender participation;
• Technological Awareness - displays awareness of relevant technological solutions;
• Resource Mobilization - works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs of IOM.

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.
• 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 security clearances.