National Project Officer

Disaster-related internal displacements in Africa have risen sharply over the past 15 years – from 1.1 million in 2009 to 6.3 million in 2023, driven primarily by floods, droughts, and storms. Cumulatively, over 45 million disaster displacements have been recorded in the continent since 2009, with floods accounting for more than 75% of all disaster-related movements. In several regions across the continent climate extremes also intersect with conflict, fragility, and livelihood loss to exacerbate mobility. Displacement not only creates immediate humanitarian needs but can also hinder or reverse development gains for affected individuals, communities, and countries. This underscores the urgent need to address displacement and other forms of mobility through an integrated approach, preventing its occurrence by investing in hazard prevention, mitigation and climate change adaptation, preparing for more effective responses when displacement takes place, and addressing its protracted and long-term impacts by achieving durable solutions, recovery and sustainable development.

In response to these trends, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) launched an initiative, aiming to increase understanding of current and future impacts of climate change and natural hazards, especially as it relates to migration and displacement. As part of this vision, and utilising improved data and forecasts, IOM and its partners will support governments and communities to increase the resilience of populations most likely to be impacted by climate-induced displacement and putting in place measures to enhance prevention, preparedness, and reduce or address non-economic loss and damage.

Notably, IOM established its Climate Mobility Innovation Lab (CMIL) to promote evidence-based solutions to the challenges posed by climate change and human mobility globally, and more specifically in the African continent. As part of these efforts, and under the direct supervision of Head, Climate Mobility Innovation Lab for Africa, IOM is seeking a National Project Officer to help support day to day operations of CMIL Africa and implementation of the CMIL programming such as the Risk Index for Climate Displacement (RICD) as well as the rollout of the  Climate Catalytic Fund (CCF) and related innovative responses to climate change and human mobility in Africa. RICD is a decision support tool that allows to identify critical displacement hotspots in countries, while the CCF is a facility that mobilises small, fast, match-funded grants that supports locally-led adaptation, risk reduction and preparedness projects. 

The role will include supporting on day-to-day project management tasks related to RICD and CCF implementation, driving internal and external communication, as well as liaise with IOM country offices involved in the CMIL work. In addition the incumbent will coordinate and work with IOM partners including universities, research institutions, technical experts, local authorities, and community-based operational actors, contributing to the development of  methodologies, and liaising with internal support functions including procurement, HR, finance, etc. IOM is part of the United Nations (UN) System as the leading inter-governmental organization promoting since 1951 humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, with 174 member states and a presence in over 100 countries.

Responsibilities

1. Support the day-to-day management and implementation of CMIL Africa projects, ensuring activities are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with IOM and donor requirements.

2. Work with ICPAC and other CMIL key partners to support the planning, organization, and execution of the 1st Regional CMIL Climate Mobility Symposium in March 2026, including:

   1. Liaising with the IOM event team in Nairobi to arrange venue, visa, transportation and logistical arrangements for all participants;

   2. In collaboration with IOM’s RO and ICPAC, finalising the event programme and agenda, by identifying topics and speakers for both the policy and technical segments of the Symposium;

   3. Supporting the development of presentation materials such as slide decks, presentation materials & talking points for the Symposium;

   4. Drafting the Symposium report and other related materials; and

   5. During the symposium, managing participation of speakers and attendees, logistics, moderation and any other duty that might be required to ensure a smooth, productive event. 

3. Contribute to the operational rollout of the Climate Catalytic Fund (CCF) in collaboration with CMIL Global and CMIL AP, including coordination of calls for proposals, grant administration, monitoring of funded projects, and documentation of results.

4. Assist in day-to-day monitoring and facilitate technical level coordination of CCF with CMIL Global, including with support functions to ensure compliance and contribute to overall management of the CCF-funded projects. 

5. Liaise regularly with IOM Country Offices involved in CMIL initiatives to support implementation, troubleshooting, reporting, and alignment with national priorities.

6. Coordinate engagement with external partners, including universities, research institutions, technical experts, local authorities, NGOs, and community-based organizations.

7. Support the development and application of methodologies, tools, and guidance related to climate mobility, displacement risk, preparedness, and locally led adaptation.

8. Assist in the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) of CMIL and CCF activities, including tracking indicators, compiling lessons learned, and supporting adaptive programming.

9. Draft and consolidate technical reports, concept notes, briefs, donor updates, and internal documentation related to CMIL activities and results.

10. Support internal and external communication, including on CMIL SoMe channels, CMIL newsletters, knowledge products, and coordination inputs for visibility and advocacy efforts.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in political or social sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,

• Bachelor’s degree in the above-mentioned subject with four years of relevant experience 

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Experience

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

• Experience in working on issues related with climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, humanitarian responses, internal displacement and migration;

• Experience in organizing international events and workshop planning, implementation and post-workshop reporting and follow-ups.

• Demonstrated understanding of and experience working on project development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; 

• Demonstrated experience collaborating with a broad set of governmental, humanitarian and development actors;

• Experience working on grant management; and,

• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.Ability to work independently while maintaining effective coordination with external partners across Africa. 

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong organizational and project management capabilities.

• Proven ability to collaborate with, engage, and liaise effectively across multi-disciplinary teams.

• Understanding of climate migration, disaster resilience, or related fields is an advantage.

Languages

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

Proficiency of English language 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.
• 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) (applicable only if position is 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

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. 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.
3. National Professional Officers should be nationals of the country of their employment. NPOs perform work at the professional level and the same standards of recruitment qualifications and performance, required for International Professional staff.
4. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies