Education:

About the Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading United Nations agency dedicated to promoting safe, orderly, and humane migration worldwide. Established in 1951, IOM collaborates closely with governments, intergovernmental institutions, and civil society to provide services and policy guidance that benefit both migrants and host communities.

IOM offers a dynamic, inclusive, and professional work environment where employees are encouraged to grow, innovate, and make a meaningful impact on migration governance. Women and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Joint Labour Migration Programme (JLMP) is a flagship initiative of the African Union Commission (AUC) in partnership with IOM, the International Labour Organization (ILO), GIZ, and other development partners. Launched in 2018, JLMP advances labour migration governance across Africa, focusing on both intra-African migration and migration corridors to Europe and Arab States.

JLMP contributes to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supporting decent work, social protection, skills mobility, mutual recognition of qualifications, and labour migration policy harmonization. The programme fosters regional cooperation and institutional capacity building, ensuring the rights of migrant workers are protected while promoting development benefits for both sending and receiving countries.

Job Description:
The Programme Officer (Migration Governance and Policy) will support the day-to-day implementation of the JLMP within the IOM Special Liaison Office in Addis Ababa. Reporting to the Director of the Special Liaison Office and the Senior Liaison Officer for the African Union and UNECA, the Programme Officer will play a critical role in implementing the JLMP’s technical agenda, coordinating with partners, and providing policy advice.

This role is ideal for professionals seeking to influence labour migration governance at the continental level, working with high-level stakeholders including the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, Member States, UN agencies, and development partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain professional relationships with JLMP implementing partners, including AUC, ILO, GIZ, RECs, and Member States, ensuring strong institutional collaboration.
• Coordinate the preparation of JLMP annual work plans, submission of reports, and participation in briefings.
• Collaborate with the Resources Management Unit to ensure efficient financial management and timely reporting.
• Analyze labour migration trends, policies, and legal frameworks to identify gaps and support reforms.
• Provide technical advice to governments, RECs, AUC, and other institutions on labour migration governance, legal frameworks, and policy initiatives.
• Draft policy papers, background notes, talking points, and briefing materials to inform decision-making.
• Develop and deliver capacity-building activities for government and non-government stakeholders, including workshops, training sessions, and peer exchanges.
• Ensure gender mainstreaming and integration of cross-cutting issues into programme implementation.
• Coordinate with IOM Headquarters, Regional Offices, and Country Offices to provide technical guidance and ensure programme coherence.
• Oversee administrative, logistical, and operational support for the programme and proactively report risks or incidents affecting implementation.
• Supervise and mentor programme staff and consultants, ensuring transparent recruitment and performance management.
• Represent IOM in programme technical committees and multi-stakeholder coordination forums.
• Support project design and funding proposals to secure resources for labour migration initiatives.
• Perform other tasks as assigned to ensure effective programme delivery and institutional growth.

Educational Qualification:

• Master’s degree in Programme Management, Labour Economics, International Development, Social Sciences, Law, Public Administration, or a related field with at least five years of relevant professional experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Degrees must be obtained from accredited institutions listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Work Experience:

• Experience in programme conceptualization, development, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation.
• Proven experience in multi-stakeholder project management and capacity-building initiatives.
• Experience liaising with government authorities, regional institutions, UN agencies, and international organizations.
• Knowledge of the AU, Regional Economic Communities, and labour migration governance frameworks in Africa.
• Experience in organizing workshops, seminars, and consultations with high-level stakeholders.
• Strong familiarity with financial and human resources management in project settings.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Deep understanding of international and intra-African labour migration policies, legal frameworks, and operational challenges.
• Knowledge of UN, AU, and bilateral donor programming and policy frameworks.
• Familiarity with the AU-ILO-IOM-GIZ JLMP is an advantage.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with governments, UN agencies, private sector entities, and civil society partners.
• Excellent leadership, coordination, analytical, and information management skills.
• Strong communication, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, and deliver high-quality outputs with minimal supervision.
• Commitment to IOM values of inclusion, integrity, professionalism, courage, and empathy.
• Fluency in English is required; working knowledge of French, Arabic, Kiswahili, or Portuguese is an advantage.

Job Location:
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Employment Type and Salary:

• Fixed-term contract for 1 year with the possibility of extension.
• Salary and benefits are competitive and aligned with UN professional standards.

How to Apply:

• Applications must be submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.
• Applicants should provide a cover letter and CV detailing relevant experience.
• Scanned certificates or attachments are not required at the application stage.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
• The application deadline is March 9, 2026, 23:59 local time, Geneva, Switzerland.

Why This Role is a Career Opportunity:

• Contribute to shaping labour migration policy across Africa and influencing continental governance frameworks.
• Engage with high-level stakeholders including AU institutions, RECs, Member States, UN agencies, and international development partners.
• Enhance professional skills in programme management, policy advisory, and multi-stakeholder coordination.
• Work in a supportive and inclusive environment that values diversity, professional growth, and career development.
• Make a meaningful impact on migrant workers’ rights, decent work opportunities, and sustainable development outcomes across the continent.

APPLY Link