Head of Programmes and Operations

Job Identification (Reference Number): 17376
Position Title: Head of Programmes and Operations (P)
Duty Station City: Kabul
Duty Station Country: Afghanistan
Grade: P-4
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to six months with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: Six months with possibility of extension
Closing date: 20 November 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 non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM), the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission for Operations (DCoM-OPS), in coordination with the Programme Support Unit and the Resource Management Unit, the Head of Programmes and Operations will be responsible for the management and effective implementation of IOM Afghanistan's programme portfolio, operational response and facilitating the development of country strategic plans.

1. Manage and provide guidance/quality assurance to all Programme Coordinators on project development, implementation and management in accordance with the Organizational policies, regulations and procedures, and donor requirements. 
2. In coordination with the PSU, Programme Coordinators and relevant technical experts, provide guidance and oversight in the identification, development and implementation of programmes including emergency responses in Afghanistan. Coordinate closely with the Regional Coordinators and the Sub Offices Operations for emergency responses in the respective areas of responsibilities.
3. In coordination with the Deputy Chief of Mission for Operations, ensure that all programming is designed and implemented to address humanitarian needs, promote pathways for solutions and lay the foundation for resilience building at the community level. Promote synergies and integrated programming between sectoral teams in alignment with HNRP, DS Framework and UNSFA. 
4.  Strengthen and implement strong programme governance including internal coordination and monitoring mechanisms for the oversight, reporting and management of IOM Afghanistan projects in coordination with the Programme Coordinators, Regional Coordinators, RMU, PSU and M&E Unit. 
5. Review the direction and strategy of the mission programming for effectiveness on a regular basis, build linkages with UN and NGO partners in the country, and with other IOM programmes in the region.  Contribute to coordinated and comprehensive responses by facilitating inter-unit/inter-sectoral collaboration, monitoring regional activities, and identifying opportunities to improve implementation and efficiency.
6. Analyze operational and administrative activities and prepare recommendations with a view to increasing their effectiveness and streamlining procedures. Provide regular reports to the mission leadership in order to provide an objective overview of programme performance.
7. In collaboration with PSU and RMU, ensure compliance with IOM and donor regulations and obligations as indicated in the funding agreements, project documents, work plans and budgets, with an emphasis on timely and accurate reporting.
8. Contribute substantially to the development of resource mobilization, donor and partner outreach strategies, taking into account thematic priorities set out in the Country Strategy and IOM's regional and global strategic priorities and objectives; work with the Deputy Chief of Mission and the Program Support Unit to ensure that programmes are adequately resourced. 
9. Support the Deputy Chief of Mission for Operations in ensuring that IOM is duly represented in relevant internal and external programmatic forums, including cluster and inter agency technical working group meetings.  Assist in coordinating IOM contributions and participations in the interagency planning, key strategic discussions and decision-making processes.
10. Lead the identification and development of capacity building requirements and opportunities for all programmes, in coordination with the Human Resources Unit.
11. Ensure that IOM's PSEA and Gender Equality policies are fully and coherently integrated/implemented in all IOM programmes.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master's degree in International Relations, Political or Social Sciences, 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.

Experience

• Practical experience with international organizations, in development, implementation and evaluation, and/or project implementation and management;
• Operational experience in humanitarian sectoral areas (such as Protection, Camp Coordination and Camp Management, ES/NFI, Shelter, DTM), and/or recovery resilience sectoral areas (such as livelihood, DRR, return and reintegration), and/or cross cutting areas (such as gender, PSEAH, AAP); and,
• Experience in liaising with government authorities, inter-governmental institutions, other national and international institutions and national and international NGOs.

Skills

• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
• Familiarity with interagency coordination mechanisms;
• Familiarity with project cycle steps and donor relations;
• Ability to supervise multiple teams;
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming; and,
• Knowledge of IOM financial rules and regulations.

Languages

IOM's official languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

For this position, fluency in English language is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, Spanish and French) and/or local language (Dari and Pashto) 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 can 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.