Head of Program Coordination and Innovation Unit (PCIU)

International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental andnon-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for thebenefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants We are recruiting to fill the position below: Job Title: Head of Program Coordination and Innovation Unit (PCIU) Job Identification: 18334 Location: Abuja Job type: Full-time Grade: P-4 Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months) Initial Contract: 6 months Responsibilities Manage and supervise the staff of the Mission Coordination Support and Innovation Unit including Communication and Private Sector teams, ensuring their effective and timely engagement, performance of strategic programme coordination and reporting oversight for CO programmes/projects. Provide strategic guidance and oversight on project proposals and concept notes in the areas of interest to the IOM Nigeria, and review and improve project reports, fact sheets and other documents in coordination with relevant Programme/Project managers and programme units. Support the coordination and evaluation of programme and project activities of IOM Nigeria to ensure timely and effective implementation and quality reporting and advise the Programme Managers, Deputy Chief of Mission and Chief of Mission of the corrective measures that may be needed. Provide strategic leadership on donor engagement and partnership management, advising the Deputy Chief of Mission on funding opportunities, partner engagement, and positioning of CO programmes at the policy and strategic level. Provide advice for the mainstreaming of relevant African Union, ECOWAS, West African Community, Intergovernmental Authority on Development and Common Market for West Africa policies and frameworks into internal frameworks, policies as well as national level programming and design. Oversee the preparation and quality of evidence-based programme information, assessments, and analyses, ensuring outputs meet strategic, policy, and reporting standards. Approves communications and visibility materials prepared by programme teams and ensures timely submission to HQ, RO, and donors. Advise on the integration of regional and international policy frameworks into CO programming. Monitor emerging migration trends, identify strategic opportunities and risks, and recommend actions to the Chief of Mission. Lead initiatives on programme innovation, knowledge management, and cross-sectoral synergies to strengthen strategic engagement and operational impact. Ensure strategic oversight of programme/project monitoring, evaluation, and quality assurance frameworks, guiding programme teams and validating outputs to meet institutional and donor standards implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and quality assurance. Participate in relevant UN and inter-agency meetings and mechanisms to facilitate the integration of IOM programmes into inter-agency processes and the mainstreaming of migration into Common Country Analysis and Cooperation frameworks. With action focal point on UNINFO and other UN reporting structures. Support IOM Nigeria in the work with respective national counterparts to facilitate cooperation, external relations, and liaison activities. In close coordination with the Information Management System Officer, provide the evidence-based information of IOM Nigeria’s project development and fundraising efforts through targeted assessment surveys, analyses, studies, and systematic publication. Develop and disseminate communications and visibility materials, such as quarterly reports, newsletters, flash reports, etc., and respond to information requests from HQ and Regional Office. Facilitate the generation and the use of knowledge to promote improved policy engagement, project development and management in Nigeria and the West and Central Africa region. Perform such other duties as may be assigned. Qualifications Education: Master’s Degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or, University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience. Experience: Experience in the field of international migration, management, and evaluation; Work experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience, IOM Project Development, Management, Implementation and Monitoring systems; Experience in dealing with donors on project implementation and reporting; Experience and excellent understanding of the migration themes in West and Central Africa and extensive knowledge of the arid and semi-arid regions; and, Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions, and Non-Governmental Organizations. Skills: Knowledge in project monitoring and evaluation is required; Demonstrated expertise in thematic areas relevant to project liaison, reporting and monitoring; Ability to provide oversight and guidance at portfolio and organizational level; Expertise in positioning programs and advising on funding priorities; Skills to promote innovative approaches, cross-sectoral synergies, and evidence-based decision-making; Excellent communication skills for high-level reporting, advocacy, and representation with senior stakeholders; Expertise in positioning programs and advising on funding priorities; Ability to analyze regional and international policy frameworks and translate them into strategic programme guidance; and, Strong ability to interpret trends, risks, and opportunities and provide actionable strategic recommendations. Application Closing Date 5th June, 2026; 10:59 PM. Notes Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. 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. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted. 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. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.