The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is seeking an experienced development and migration professional to join its Nigeria Country Office as the Head of Programme Coordination and Innovation Unit (P-3). Based in Abuja, Nigeria, this internationally recruited leadership role offers an opportunity to shape strategic migration programming, strengthen donor partnerships, and drive innovation across one of IOM’s largest country operations.
With applications closing on 17 September 2026, the position is ideal for professionals with extensive experience in programme development, project management, monitoring and evaluation, and resource mobilization within the humanitarian or international development sector.
About the International Organization for Migration
Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration is the leading United Nations agency dedicated to migration. As a Related Organization of the UN, IOM works with governments, regional institutions, civil society, and humanitarian partners to promote safe, orderly, and humane migration while supporting displaced populations and vulnerable communities worldwide.
IOM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity, integrity, professionalism, and respect are central to its organizational culture. The organization actively encourages applications from women and candidates from underrepresented IOM Member States.
Position Overview
The Head of Programme Coordination and Innovation Unit (PCIU) will provide strategic leadership for programme coordination, project development, monitoring and evaluation, donor engagement, and innovation across IOM Nigeria’s portfolio.
Working under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and directly reporting to the Deputy Chief of Mission, the successful candidate will coordinate closely with programme managers, regional offices, headquarters, government institutions, UN agencies, and development partners.
Key Position Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | International Organization for Migration (IOM) |
| Job Title | Head of Programme Coordination and Innovation Unit |
| Duty Station | Abuja, Nigeria |
| Grade | P-3 (Professional) |
| Contract Type | Special Short-Term Graded |
| Initial Duration | 6 months |
| Maximum Contract | Up to 9 months |
| Application Deadline | 17 September 2026 |
Core Responsibilities
The successful candidate will lead IOM Nigeria’s Programme Coordination and Innovation Unit while ensuring the quality, effectiveness, and strategic alignment of migration programmes.
Major responsibilities include:
- Leading and supervising programme coordination and innovation staff.
- Developing high-quality project proposals and concept notes for donor funding.
- Coordinating monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and quality assurance across programmes.
- Managing relationships with donors, government ministries, UN agencies, and implementing partners.
- Supporting strategic planning and country programme development.
- Identifying funding opportunities and strengthening resource mobilization initiatives.
- Producing evidence-based analyses, assessments, and knowledge products.
- Developing visibility materials including quarterly reports, newsletters, and policy briefs.
- Representing IOM in inter-agency coordination mechanisms and national policy discussions.
The role also requires promoting knowledge management and ensuring migration is effectively integrated into national and regional development frameworks.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following academic and professional criteria.
Education
Candidates should possess either:
- A Master’s degree in Political Science, Social Sciences, International Relations, Law, or a related discipline with five years of relevant professional experience; or
- A Bachelor’s degree in the same fields with seven years of relevant experience.
Degrees must be awarded by institutions recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Required Professional Experience
IOM is looking for candidates with demonstrated expertise in international migration and programme leadership.
Essential experience includes:
- International migration programming and policy.
- Programme development, implementation, and management.
- Monitoring and evaluation systems.
- Donor reporting and grant management.
- Liaison with governments, NGOs, and international organizations.
- Understanding migration dynamics across West Africa, including arid and semi-arid regions.
Experience working within IOM systems or similar UN humanitarian environments will be highly advantageous.
Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong technical and leadership capabilities across programme management and strategic coordination.
Key competencies include:
- Project monitoring and evaluation
- Proposal writing and resource mobilization
- Strategic planning and policy analysis
- Stakeholder engagement and partnership development
- Knowledge management and evidence generation
- Excellent written and verbal communication
Leadership qualities such as empowering teams, strategic thinking, accountability, humility, and building organizational trust are essential for this P-3 managerial position.
Language Requirements
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken.
Working knowledge of another official UN language is considered an asset, including:
- French
- Arabic
- Spanish
- Russian
- Chinese
Language proficiency may be assessed during the recruitment process through written and oral evaluations.
Who Can Apply?
IOM welcomes applications from both first-tier and second-tier candidates.
Priority consideration is given to:
- Internal IOM applicants
- Qualified candidates from underrepresented IOM Member States
- Highly qualified female professionals
External candidates remain fully eligible and are encouraged to apply.
Important Recruitment Information
Applicants should note several important conditions attached to this vacancy:
- International professional staff are expected to be globally mobile.
- Employment is subject to funding confirmation.
- Medical, security, residency, and visa clearances are required before appointment.
- The selection process may be used to fill similar positions for up to 24 months.
- IOM maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against harassment, discrimination, sexual exploitation, abuse of authority, and fraud.
- No application or recruitment fees are charged at any stage.
Only applications submitted through the official IOM WAVE online recruitment system before the deadline will be considered.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This position represents a significant career opportunity for senior professionals seeking to influence migration governance and humanitarian programming across West Africa. Beyond managing complex development projects, the successful candidate will contribute to national policy dialogue, strengthen donor partnerships, drive innovation, and help shape evidence-based migration solutions affecting millions of people.
For experienced programme leaders with expertise in international development, humanitarian response, or migration policy, the Head of Programme Coordination and Innovation Unit offers both strategic responsibility and meaningful regional impact.
Application Deadline: 17 September 2026
