National Programme Officer – Protection and Gender
Grade: Junior level - NO-A, National Professional Officer - Locally recruited position
Closing Date: Oct 04, 2026
Location: Nairobi (Kenya)
Occupational Groups: Women's Empowerment and Gender Mainstreaming, Project and Programme Management

Job Description

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and the direct supervision of the Programme coordinator (Migration Management), and in collaboration with relevant units at Headquarters (HQ) and the Administrative Centres, the National Programme Officer – Protection and Gender will be responsible and accountable for supporting the coordination and implementation of the migrant protection and gender mainstreaming programme portfolio of the IOM Kenya Mission.

 

Responsibilities

1.    Assist in the coordination and monitoring of the operational, administrative and financial aspects of the migrant protection programme portfolio in accordance with IOM policies and practices as well as donor requirements.
2.    Keep the supervisor informed on the status of migrant protection and gender programme portfolio implementation; identify gaps and suggest actions to improve implementation. 
3.    Participate in the development and adjustment of work plans, project budgets, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) tools and standard operating procedures (SOPs), including those supporting gender mainstreaming. 
4.    Coordinate the collection, verification and analysis of data and background information; update information management systems and social media platforms on activities related to the migrant protection and gender programme portfolio, including project awareness and visibility, summaries, press releases and other relevant materials.
5.    Coordinate timely preparation and dissemination of migrant protection programme portfolio reports in accordance with IOM procedures and donor requirements.  
6.    Liaise and coordinate with donors, partners, United Nations (UN) agencies, local authorities, stakeholders and government counterparts.  
7.    Contribute to the planning, development, organization and delivery of capacity building activities targeting IOM staff, government and civil society partners, implementing partners and communities.   
8.    Attend relevant conferences, workshops, working groups, interagency coordination meetings, and other forums.
9.    Participate in the preparation of project proposals and a diverse range of communication products, concept notes and other planning documents.
10.    Supervise the assigned staff member and provide training and technical guidance to relevant staff supporting the migrant protection and gender portfolio.
11.    Undertake duty travel relating to project implementation, monitoring visits, project assessments, liaison with counterparts, etc. 
12.    Perform such other relevant duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • Master’s degree in Political Science, Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution; or,

  • Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with two years of relevant professional experience.

     

Experience

  • Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations; 

  • Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and,

  • Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

 

Skills

  • Knowledge of migrant protection and gender mainstreaming; 

  • Knowledge of M&E tools and methodologies;

  • Knowledge of donor programming and reporting requirements;

  • Strong writing and analytical skills;

  • Strong stakeholder coordination and partnership-building skills; and,

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and information management systems.

     

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, for this position, fluency in English and Swahili is required (oral and written).

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 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 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 2, if with direct reports

  • 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

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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.

No late applications will be accepted. 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

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
Initial Contract Duration: 6 Months
Org Type: Country Office
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type: National Officer
Grade: NO-A
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No

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