Senior Programme and Policy Officer (P)

Job Identification (Reference Number): 15352
Position Title: Senior Programme and Policy Officer
Duty Station City: Geneva
Duty Station Country: Switzerland
Grade: P-4
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: 31 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. External female candidates:
3. 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 nonrepresented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

The Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIO) reports to the Director General and is responsible for internal audit, investigations, advisory, and evaluations services to IOM.  The Office provides the Director General with independent, objective assurance and systematic review and advice, to add value to and improve the design, delivery and operations of IOM's strategies, programmes and projects. OIO also provides, at the Administration’s request, consulting and advisory services on organizational issues and policies, and conducts independent reviews. This position, located in the OIO Directorate and reporting to the Director, provides strategic and operational advice, results-based outputs, support and coordination for the efficient and effective implementation of the OIO mandate. 

Under the direct supervision of Director, Office of Internal Oversight the Senior  Programme and Policy Officer will be responsible with the following:

 Policy Development

1. Substantively contribute to strategy and policy development, including the analysis and assessment of issues, developments and trends pertaining to oversight.

2. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

3. Oversee and coordinate the review and updating of OIO policies, assess existing procedures, identify areas for improvement and prepare strategic proposals accordingly, and ensure alignment with best practices, legal frameworks, and institutional objectives.

4. Serve as OIO’s designated focal point for institutional policy coordination, responding to inter-divisional requests and aligning OIO’s perspective to broader IOM policy initiatives.

5. Analyze, review, and provide advice on oversight matters in IOM funding agreements, contractual arrangements, and other legal instruments.

Programme Management  

6. Lead the preparation of briefing materials, documents and presentations, for meetings attended by the Director and OIO personnel as well as other conferences, policy and technical working groups and other fora.

7. Prepare various background papers, programme and policy documents, and reports relating to OIO’s mandate, objectives and activities. 

8. Provide authoritative advice and support to the Directorate and OIO Divisions in relation to external quality, risk and other assessments, ensuring alignment with applicable professional standards, internal regulations, and oversight requirements.

9. Oversee the execution and delivery of other OIO projects and initiatives as required.

Reporting and Communications

10. Lead, coordinate and ensure the preparation of all reports required for submission to the Standing Committee on Programmes and Finance (SCPF), the Audit and Oversight Advisory Committee (AOAC) and other internal and external stakeholders, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timeliness.

11. Serve as the key liaison and coordination focal point for OIO Divisions, ensuring substantive and logistical engagement with the Audit Oversight Committee and its Secretariat.

12. Oversee and coordinate all OIO donor reporting, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations, organizational standards, and statutory requirements.

13. Ensure other reporting activities and requirements with both internal and external stakeholders, including entities such as the Multilateral Organisation Performance Assessment Network (MOPAN).

Inter-Agency Coordination 

14. Provide authoritative advice, guidance and support to OIO Divisions in their engagement with UN oversight bodies such as the United Nations Representatives of Investigation Services (UNRIS), the United Nations Representatives of Internal Audit Services (UNRIAS), and the United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG).

15. Monitor and assess developments within the UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB) and advise and keep the OIO Leadership Team informed of emerging themes, endorsements, decisions, and relevant policy discussions.

16. Support the Director in fulfilling all responsibilities related to IOM’s participation in the Joint Inspection Unit, including post-engagement follow-up actions.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education:

• Master’s degree in Law, Public Policy, Business Administration, Management, Audit 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 is required.

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

Experience:

• At least seven years of postgraduate progressively responsible relevant professional experience is required, preferably with an international organization, NGO, or government office.
• Experience in policy development and project management in an international context is required.
• Experience working in internal oversight including audit, investigations, and evaluation is desirable. 
• Experience with and knowledge of UN-interagency frameworks is an advantage.

Skills:

• Excellent drafting skills along with the ability to compile, proofread, and edit, consolidating the work of others into a final product for publication or other purposes is required;
• Policy skills include analytical thinking, research, problem-solving, and collaboration;
• Strong research skills are required demonstrating the ability to gather information, evaluate existing policies, and develop evidence-based recommendations.; and,
• Ability to analyze complex data, identify trends, and understand the potential impacts of different policy options. 

Languages:

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and 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 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:

Previous applicants do not need to re-apply.

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 endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board 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