Senior Project Associate (Immigration & Border Governance) at at International Organization for Migration (IOM) - MY NGO JOBS

Effective border governance is a cornerstone of national security and regional stability, especially in a world defined by unprecedented human mobility. In the humanitarian and development context, managing borders is not just about security; it is about ensuring the safe, orderly, and dignified movement of people while protecting the rights of the most vulnerable. By taking on this senior role within the Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) unit, you will be at the forefront of modernizing migration management and strengthening the institutional capacity of the Nigerian government to handle complex border challenges.

Job Summary

The Senior Project Associate (IBG) is a high-level technical lead responsible for providing strategic and administrative oversight to the Immigration and Border Governance portfolio. Working at the G-6 grade, you will manage the implementation of complex project activities aimed at enhancing border security, identity management, and integrated border management (IBM) systems. You will serve as a primary link between IOM’s technical experts and national governmental counterparts to ensure that project objectives are met with precision and excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Project Coordination

Portfolio Oversight: Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of IBG project cycles, ensuring all activities align with IOM’s global border governance standards and donor agreements.
Technical Guidance: Provide advanced technical support in areas such as Integrated Border Management (IBM), traveler identification, and border security technologies.
Problem Solving: Proactively identify project implementation risks or delays and design effective mitigation strategies to keep the IBG roadmap on track.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

Government Liaison: Act as a key focal point for high-level coordination with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and other relevant governmental authorities to facilitate project buy-in and sustainability.
Reporting & Documentation: Draft, review, and finalize high-quality technical reports, policy briefs, and presentations for senior IOM leadership and international donors.
Capacity Building: Organize and facilitate high-level workshops, training sessions, and technical working groups for government officials on modern immigration protocols.

Administrative and Fiscal Management

Financial Stewardship: Manage and monitor project budgets at an advanced level, ensuring all expenditures comply with UN financial regulations and project timelines.
Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor junior project staff and consultants, ensuring a high-performance team culture focused on accountability and results.
Evaluation: Support project evaluations and audits by maintaining impeccable records and ensuring all project evidence is digitally and physically archived.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Education & Experience

Professional Background: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Relations, Law, Political Science, Public Administration, or a related field with at least four years of relevant professional experience.
Alternative Track: A High School Diploma with at least six years of relevant experience in project coordination or administration within a migration-related field.
Sector Expertise: Proven experience in border management, migration policy, or identity management projects is highly desirable.
UN Experience: Prior experience with a UN agency or a major international NGO in a senior general service role is a significant advantage.

Technical & Behavioral Competencies

Policy Knowledge: In-depth understanding of international migration law and integrated border management (IBM) concepts.
Strategic Communication: Ability to engage effectively with high-ranking government officials and international partners.
Digital Literacy: Advanced proficiency in MS Office (Excel/PowerPoint) and familiarity with project management software.
Ethical Standards: Deep commitment to IOM’s values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity.

Why This Job is Important

The IBG unit is responsible for the “infrastructure” of migration. As a Senior Associate, you are helping Nigeria build the systems that prevent human trafficking, manage migration flows, and protect national borders. Your work ensures that the tools used at entry points across the country are humane, efficient, and technologically advanced, making migration safer for everyone involved.

Benefits of Applying

Senior Leadership Grade: Occupy a G-6 graded position, offering a significant career milestone within the United Nations system.
High-Level Influence: Directly contribute to the modernization of Nigeria’s immigration and border policies.
Dynamic Environment: Work at the intersection of national security, international law, and humanitarian protection.
Competitive Package: Benefit from a Special Short Term contract (up to 9 months) with a salary and benefits package aligned with UN General Service scales.

Salary Expectations

This position offers a competitive salary according to the IOM Nigeria General Service (G-6) scale, including comprehensive medical insurance and UN-standard benefits.

About the Organization

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the UN Migration Agency, is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. We act with our partners in the international community to assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management and to advance understanding of migration issues. In Nigeria, our IBG unit works tirelessly to strengthen the capacity of the state to manage its borders effectively while upholding the rights and dignity of all people on the move.

Position Details & Application

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Contract Type: Special Short Term (SST) – G-6
Closing Date: 24th December, 2025; 12:55 AM.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates with a background in migration and border governance are invited to apply via the official IOM portal: APPLY NOW

Tips for Applicants

Emphasize “Government Liaison”: IOM’s IBG unit works very closely with the Nigeria Immigration Service. Highlight any experience you have in managing relationships with government agencies.
Focus on “IBM”: If you have any knowledge of Integrated Border Management (IBM) or Border Management Information Systems (BMIS), ensure this is prominently mentioned in your cover letter.
Project Life Cycle: Be prepared to discuss how you have managed a project from the “Planning” phase all the way through to “Evaluation” and “Closeout.”