Deputy Programme Manager (Niger Community Cohesion Initiative (NCCI) at International Organization for Migration

Position Title: Deputy Programme Manager (Niger Community Cohesion Initiative (NCCI)

Duty Station: Niamey, Niger

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P3

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 05 July 2022

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 a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

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; Aruba (Netherlands); Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros;Congo (the); Cook Islands; Cuba; Curaçao; Fiji; Grenada; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Libya; Madagascar; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states.

Context:

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Niger, and under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager (PM) for the Niger Community Cohesion Initiative (NCCI), the successful candidate will oversee programme implementation and provide support to operations for the successful implementation of the NCCI.

Through NCCI, IOM seeks to improve community stabilization by developing and implementing small-grant activities through a process-oriented, community driven approach in Diffa, Tillabéri and Tahoua regions. The overall goal of NCCI is that at-risk communities have more trust in local government authorities and state structures and have improved resilience and cohesion to resist and address conflict, insecurity and violent extremist threats in targeted regions.

The Deputy Programme Manager (DPM) is a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT).

The successful candidate will have oversight of the Field Coordination Unit, the Programme Development Unit, and the Grants Unit. They will oversee and manage Unit teams based in Niamey, as well as Sub-Office heads in areas of operation. Successful performance will result in a well-managed grant portfolio which delivers flexible and quick responses that align with programme objectives and goals.

The DPM will maintain and strengthen the necessary operational structures and inter-unit processes to ensure transparent and accountable grant development, implementation, operations, and reporting. The successful candidate will also contribute to managing the refinement of the overall programme strategy (in line with the programme objectives already in place) and advice the PM on the evolution of the local political, legal, and economic situation and on how to continuously adapt the NCCI to ensure that it remains relevant and effective. They will also supervise the Field Coordination Unit, to ensure the proper financial, procurement, and general operational protocols and reporting needs are being met by field offices, in accordance with IOM rules and regulations and donor expectations.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Oversee the Field Coordination Unit, Programme Development Unit and Grants Unit, and provide managerial support in other areas of the programme as needed.
2. Ensure the successful, implementation of the programme’s community-based, small grant initiatives at the field level in accordance with the overall objectives of the programme by directly supervising programme implementation staff in the identification of local grantees and partners, technical consultants, and other programme implementers.
3. Provide management oversight of Programme Development Unit (PDU) in support of the development of targeted, high-impact activities which meet programme objectives, engage the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer to incorporate trends, lessons learned, etc., into new programme approaches and activity development ensure the PDU meets weekly and monthly targets.
4. Train and coach staff to support a strong understanding of the programme strategy, and work with field teams in their effort to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with local grantees, local government authorities, local contractors, international Non-Governmental Organisation (NGOs), donors, and other key stakeholders, in support of strong programming.
5. Manage Field Coordination Unit (FCU) team members to ensure that procurement, finance, logistics, and programmatic aspects of each grant activity are being implemented on-time, in accordance with the specifications of the approved activity and in line with IOM rules and regulations.
6. Coordinate closely with the Logistics/Procurement and Finance Units to ensure application of standard guidelines and procedures aimed at ensuring an appropriate, efficient and transparent use of funds.
7. Provide regular reporting to the PM on grant implementation and provide relevant inputs on project implementation to the Grants Unit.
8. Oversee the collection and submission of weekly bullets on the local political and security context to the Reporting Officer for inclusion in the bi-weekly report.
9. Coordinate the collection and submission of activity notes for weekly submission to the M&EOfficer for inclusion in the database.
10. 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 Niger and in accordance with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) requirements.
11. Coordinate with the M&E Officer and Assistants to develop, monitor, evaluate (M&E) and recommend performance measures for regional and individual activities, including contractors and grantees.
12. Develop a deep understanding of all aspects of the Grant Activity Cycle, particularly grant preparation and submission of grant ideas. Oversee the Grants Unit to ensure the programme grant matrix and database are updated weekly. Propose recommendations to strengthen administrative structures and processes to ensure smooth activity implementation.
13. 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

• Previous experience in community-based and/or small-grants programming desirable, particularly in the areas of infrastructure works, procurement and civil-society strengthening or Monitoring and Evaluation;
• Experience in project implementation, support to grants fund management; administrative and related fields;
• Experience in developing and maintaining budgetary disciplines across a wide range of gran activities;
• Experience working with staff from diverse environments and backgrounds;
• Experience in graphic design, Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) or other software to generate sophisticated reporting;
• Significant reporting and database experience required, preferably with Microsoft Access.

Skills

• Knowledge of the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) protocols and experience working in a phase III (or above) security environment;
• Familiarity with political analysis in complex crisis settings;
• Strong knowledge and cultural understanding of the region and conversant on regional politics;
• Excellent communication and writing skills with the ability to analyses complex problems and identify and convey clear, rapid solutions;
• Effective resource management skills;
• Strong general analytical skills.

Languages

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

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese).

For all applicants, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of 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.

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• 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.

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 action 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 2

• 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 potential.
• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

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.

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.

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. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.