The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a Related Organization of the United Nations, invites qualified and experienced professionals to apply for the position of Regional Project Development Officer (P-4) based in Nairobi, Kenya. As the leading UN agency in the field of migration, IOM works globally to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Since its establishment in 1951, IOM has remained committed to assisting migrants and supporting governments in addressing migration challenges through strategic planning, service delivery, and policy development.
With operations spanning across all continents, IOM collaborates closely with governments, intergovernmental agencies, civil society, and the private sector to ensure a comprehensive, evidence-driven approach to migration governance. Through its workplace culture and inclusive policies, IOM fosters a professional environment where staff are encouraged to develop, innovate, and lead in shaping migration practices that are ethical and effective.
This position is an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals with a passion for strategic project development, resource mobilization, and international cooperation. Located in Nairobi, Kenya, the position forms part of the Regional Office’s strategic operations team. It offers the chance to influence programmatic approaches across East and Horn of Africa, working in close coordination with Country Offices, Thematic Units, and Headquarters.
Position Overview
- Job Title: Regional Project Development Officer (P)
- Grade: P-4 (Professional Category)
- Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
- Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
- Job Identification Number: 16025
- Application Deadline: 10 August 2025
- Recruiting Type: Professional
- Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Role Summary
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Regional Director for Operations and overall guidance of the Regional Director, the Regional Project Development Officer will serve as the head of the Regional Project Development Unit (RPDU). The position will be central to ensuring quality assurance in project design, alignment to IOM strategic frameworks, and promotion of institutional standards in project development and reporting.
This officer will support capacity development and policy implementation across Country Offices (COs), especially smaller ones, and will promote cross-thematic, multi-country programming. The successful candidate will work in close partnership with HQ, Thematic Units, the Regional Data Hub, and donors to ensure that programming across the region remains coherent, evidence-based, and strategically aligned.
Duties and Responsibilities
A. Technical Support and Capacity Development
- Project Development (PD) Support: Provide direct and technical assistance in drafting project proposals—particularly those with regional, multi-thematic, or multi-country focus—collaborating with RTUs and aiding countries without an IOM presence.
- Funding Alignment: Ensure that all project and funding submissions from COs are aligned with institutional strategy, informed by data (in collaboration with the Regional Data Hub), and responsive to donor interests.
- Results-Based Reporting: Ensure donor reports reflect results-based management principles, drawing from accurate data sources and are consistent with IOM’s Strategic Plan.
- Capacity Building and Compliance: Facilitate training and technical support to ensure that IOM standards on Project Cycle Management (PCM), including PRIMA and results-based reporting, are upheld across the region, particularly in smaller COs.
B. Knowledge Management
- Knowledge Sharing Platforms: Spearhead engagement with knowledge management systems and platforms across COs and the Regional Office (RO), in coordination with the HQ Innovation and Knowledge Management Unit.
- Institutional Learning: Foster inter-office collaboration and information exchange, promoting harmonized practices in reporting, resource mobilization, and program design.
C. Quality Control and Oversight
- Proposal and Reporting Oversight: Ensure that project proposals and donor reports are processed efficiently and with quality assurance, in line with IOM policies and with input from relevant technical staff.
- Development Fund Support: Support Country Offices in the submission and endorsement of proposals under the IOM Development Fund (IDF).
- Strategic Results Framework (SRF): Guide the integration of SRF indicators in project designs across the region to ensure consistency with IOM strategic goals.
D. Partnerships and Resource Mobilization
- Donor Partnerships: Collaborate with RTUs and the Regional Policy and Liaison Officers (RPLOs) to strengthen relationships with regional donors and stakeholders in donor capitals.
- Strategic Funding Response: Offer expert guidance to smaller COs in identifying funding opportunities, navigating calls for proposals, and managing application processes in partnership with the Resource Mobilization Division.
- Donor Mapping: Assist in donor and private sector engagement strategies, including mapping exercises, outreach, and diversification of the donor base.
E. Planning and Coordination
- Global Coordination: Represent the region in global initiatives such as the IOM Annual Global Appeal, Project Handbook processes, and the Donor Accountability Working Group.
- Flexible Funding Mechanisms: Support the administrative coordination of flexible funding, collaborating with HQ and Monitoring and Evaluation Officers.
F. Mainstreaming and Strategic Priorities
- Integration of Cross-Cutting Issues: Promote and mainstream cross-cutting themes such as gender, protection, and environment within project development and implementation processes across the region.
G. Unit Management
- Leadership of RPDU: Manage and oversee the Regional Project Development Unit, ensuring delivery of its functions in accordance with its mandate and the organization’s strategic objectives.
- Other Duties: Perform additional duties as required by the Regional Director or Deputy Regional Director to further enhance IOM’s regional programming and institutional integrity.
Required Competencies
Candidates will be assessed on IOM’s competency framework which includes the following:
Core Values
- Inclusion and respect for diversity
- Integrity and transparency
- Professionalism
- Courage
- Empathy
Core Competencies – Level 3
- Teamwork: Fosters effective collaboration across units.
- Delivering Results: Timely delivery of quality outcomes.
- Managing Knowledge: Encourages innovation and knowledge sharing.
- Accountability: Takes ownership for actions and responsibilities.
- Communication: Provides clear, structured, and inspiring communication.
Managerial Competencies – Level 3
- Leadership: Demonstrates and instills IOM’s vision and direction.
- Empowering Others: Enables staff growth and contribution.
- Building Trust: Creates an environment of integrity and fairness.
- Strategic Thinking and Vision: Plans and executes with foresight and clarity.
- Humility: Shows openness to feedback and owns personal development.
Education and Professional Background
- Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related field from an accredited institution, with a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience.
- Alternatively, a bachelor’s degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant experience will be accepted.
- Demonstrated expertise in project development, inter-agency coordination, thematic programming, and results-based reporting.
- At least five years of work experience in non-OECD countries, developing programs and mobilizing resources.
- Experience liaising with UN agencies, government bodies, civil society, and donors is essential.
Languages
- Fluency in English (oral and written) is required.
- Working knowledge of French is considered an advantage.
Additional Information
- The position is open to both first-tier candidates (internal applicants, women, and nationals of non-represented IOM member states) and second-tier candidates (all other external applicants).
- Internationally recruited professional staff must be willing to relocate and be mobile.
- Appointment is contingent upon medical fitness, and successful security and reference checks.
- IOM upholds a zero-tolerance policy against misconduct including sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination.
How to Apply
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through its online e-Recruitment system. The system also enables candidates to monitor the progress of their applications.
Candidates must submit their applications no later than 10 August 2025, 23:59 Geneva time.
For more information on this vacancy and other career opportunities, please visit the official IOM Careers website.
