National Programme Officer (Migration Management)

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organisation in the field of migration and a related agency of the United Nations system. Guided by the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society, IOM supports governments and communities in addressing migration challenges and opportunities.

IOM opened its Samoa office in 2023, becoming the 11th IOM office in the Pacific region. The office currently supports the Government of Samoa in strengthening immigration and border management, including upgrading the national Border Management System to integrate functions required for modern and effective immigration operations. It also assists in implementing a risk-based approach to border security through the use of airline passenger data.

In addition, IOM Samoa works closely with the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC), based in Samoa, on a range of regional initiatives. These include research on the role of immigration in facilitating labour mobility and responding to climate mobility, as well as efforts to strengthen regional capacity to collect, analyse, and share immigration data for improved operations and policymaking.

Building on these foundations, IOM Samoa looks to continue supporting immigration and border governance while expanding its programme areas to provide broader assistance in migration management, aligned with the needs and priorities of the government and partners.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission in Fiji and direct supervision of the Programme Manager in Samoa, and in coordination with relevant units and specialists in sub and regional offices, the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for supporting the development,  implementation, monitoring and reporting activities of the migration management programme in Samoa, particularly in the areas of immigration and border governance, labour mobility and protection. 

1. Coordinate the overall implementation of the project including the oversight of the financial, logistical, administrative and technical aspects in accordance with IOM’s policies, practices and global standards as well as relevant requirements, guidelines and grant agreements. 
2. Monitor project implementation according to the work plan; document and evaluate results; identify the causes of deviations and bottlenecks and recommend and implement corrective actions. 
3. Promote and contribute to the integration and mainstreaming of gender, protection, human rights and other pertinent cross-cutting issues into programme implementation.
4. Develop monitoring, evaluation, and reporting tools. Contribute to information management including awareness raising and visibility, press releases, website updates and other relevant information-sharing materials. 
5. Identify potential areas for project development and contribute to the development of new projects by selecting and summarizing background information, assessing the local context and drafting segments of project proposals.
6. Participate in the development and adjustment of methodologies, contingency plans, approaches and standard operations procedures to respond to emerging challenges in the county through a consultative process with other relevant parties in the office. 
7. Coordinate the elaboration and dissemination of reports for donors, government and other relevant stakeholders ensuring timely submission and compliance with donor and IOM requirements.
8. Liaise and coordinate with government entities, implementing partners, United Nation agencies, civil society, donors and other stakeholders. 
9. Plan, develop, organize and deliver capacity building activities to build capacity of staff, partners, government officials, and other humanitarian actors. 
10. Participate in relevant conferences, working groups, workshops, steering committees, working groups, and other forums.
11. Supervise, train, and guide project staff as necessary. 
12. Undertake duty travel as required related to project implementation and monitoring. 
13. Perform other related duties as assigned. Education
    • Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Economic Development, Migration Studies, Security Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience, or,
    • University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.   Experience
      • Proven expertise in project management, research, monitoring and evaluation, and programming.
      • Demonstrated experience in migration management, specifically immigration, border security, labor mobility, and protection. Experience in other relevant thematic areas is a strong asset. 
      • Extensive experience in supporting and delivering capacity-building initiatives, including the development of training materials, facilitation, and research activities.
      • Demonstrated expertise in project procurement processes and financial planning, monitoring, and reporting to ensure compliance with organizational and donor requirements.
      • Proven ability to liaise effectively with senior government officials, intergovernmental institutions, private sector partners, UN agencies, and both national and international NGOs.
      • Deep understanding of the migration and mobility landscape in Samoa and the wider Pacific region.
      • Specialized experience and knowledge in border security operations and systems will be regarded as a distinct advantage. Skills
        • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively.
        • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain trusted working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
        • A collaborative team player, willing to support colleagues and contribute to a positive team environment.
        • Demonstrated problem-solving abilities, with flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and contexts.
        • A proactive self-starter who can take initiative and work with minimal supervision.
        • Openness to learning new areas and developing new skills as required.
        • Strong organizational and follow-up skills, ensuring tasks and commitments are completed in a timely manner.
        • Ability to effectively navigate protocols, reporting lines, and approval processes.
        • High attention to detail, with accuracy and thoroughness in all aspects of work. Languages

          For this position, fluency in English and Samoan is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of any other UN languages is desirable. 

          IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. 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 three 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.
14. Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.