Senior Programme Manager – Immigration and Border Governance

About the role

The Senior Programme Manager (Immigration and Border Governance) will lead the Regional Counter Migrant Smuggling Programme, coordinating activities across IOM country offices and partner agencies to strengthen migration governance and border security in the region.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight and management of the RCMSP, ensuring alignment with IOM policies, donor requirements and programme results.
• Coordinate design and implementation of capacity‑building activities on counter‑smuggling and border management for government institutions and project staff.
• Maintain regular consultation with internal and external stakeholders to refine strategy, build synergies and ensure programme visibility.
• Establish and nurture relationships with national and regional authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, academia and the private sector.
• Identify emerging needs, expand programming and support the development of strategic plans at the regional level.
• Ensure compliance with IOM project‑management policies, including HR, financial management, donor reporting and risk management.
• Promote a culture of monitoring, evaluation and learning, capturing lessons learned and best practices.
• Supervise programme staff, oversee recruitment of consultants and lead field missions as required.

Required profile

• Master’s degree in Management, Social Science, Law, International Relations or related field with at least seven years of relevant experience, or equivalent university degree with nine years of experience.
• Proven experience managing large, multi‑country migration or border‑management projects, including policy and operational aspects.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with governmental, diplomatic and international partners.
• Experience in project development, implementation, financial and budgetary reporting.
• Familiarity with UN and donor programme regulations.

Required skills

• Strong planning, coordination and logistics capabilities for complex activities.
• Excellent written and oral English communication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.
• Sound judgment and rapid decision‑making in operational contexts.
• Leadership and staff‑management experience.