Senior Programme Manager (FMM II) at International Organization for Migration – IOM

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Organization: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Position Type: Professional (P) / Contract

Application Deadline: January 6, 2026

Empowering Mobility: Why This Role Matters

In an era of unprecedented global movement, the ability for people to move freely and safely across borders is a cornerstone of regional stability and economic growth. In West Africa, the effective implementation of migration protocols is not just a policy goal—it is a vital catalyst for development, human rights, and regional integration. As the Senior Programme Manager, you will lead a flagship initiative that transforms high-level ECOWAS frameworks into tangible opportunities for millions, ensuring that migration remains a force for good across the continent.

Job Summary

The Senior Programme Manager (Phase II) is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of the EU-funded “Support to Free Movement of Persons and Migration in West Africa” (FMM II) programme. Leading a high-level consortium including IOM, ICMPD, and the ILO, the successful candidate will coordinate multi-stakeholder efforts to strengthen migration governance at regional, national, and local levels across ECOWAS member states and Mauritania.

Key Responsibilities

Consortium Leadership & Governance

• Strategic Coordination: Lead and facilitate the Committee for Programme Steering and Coordination (CPSC), ensuring seamless communication between the European Union, Consortium partners, and ECOWAS.
• Inter-Agency Management: Oversee the implementation of all project activities, harmonizing the efforts of diverse technical specialists and focal points across West Africa to ensure a unified approach to migration governance.
• Synergy Identification: Proactively seek opportunities to link FMM II with other continental and regional initiatives, maximizing collective impact while preventing the duplication of humanitarian and development efforts.

Operational & Financial Oversight

• Resource Management: Supervise the administrative, financial, and human resource components of the programme in collaboration with the Resource Management Officer (RMO).
• Compliance Monitoring: Ensure all consortium partners adhere to their legal and operational obligations as defined in multi-partner agreements, promptly addressing any risks to project integrity.
• Reporting & Accountability: Manage the design and execution of robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks; lead the preparation and timely submission of high-quality narrative and financial reports for the EU Delegation.

Stakeholder Engagement & Sustainability

• Diplomatic Liaison: Act as the primary technical point of contact for the EU, ECOWAS, and governmental authorities, fostering strong institutional partnerships.
• Knowledge Products: Oversee the creation of strategic information products and publications that showcase programme results and best practices.
• Sustainability Planning: Spearhead the development of a comprehensive exit strategy in coordination with the Project Support Unit (PSU) and regional stakeholders to ensure the long-term viability of migration reforms.

Candidate Qualifications & Skills

• Academic Foundation: * A Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Law, or Social Sciences with at least 7 years of relevant professional experience.
  • OR a Bachelor’s degree in the same fields with at least 9 years of relevant experience.
• Professional Expertise: * Significant experience in progressively senior management roles within the migration sector.
  • Proven track record in coordinating complex, multi-agency consortia and engaging with high-level diplomatic missions.
  • Specific expertise in labour mobility, migration policy, protection, and social inclusion.
• Strategic Knowledge: * In-depth understanding of South-South mobility dynamics and the African continental integration architecture.
  • Familiarity with UN, ECOWAS, and EU bilateral donor programming and financial regulations.
• Regional Insight: Prior work experience within the West African region is highly desirable.

About the Organization

Founded in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the UN’s leading inter-governmental agency dedicated to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. With 175 member states and a presence in over 100 countries, IOM works at the intersection of migration and development, providing essential services to migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons. In Nigeria, IOM plays a pivotal role in supporting the government and regional bodies like ECOWAS to manage migration challenges while upholding the dignity and well-being of all individuals on the move.

Benefits & Expectations

• Salary Expectations: Competitive (Based on IOM Professional Staff salary scales and UN common system benefits).
• Travel: Significant regional travel across West Africa and Mauritania is expected.
• Impact: The opportunity to shape the future of regional integration and migration rights in one of the world’s most dynamic economic zones.

Tips for Applicants

1. Emphasize Inter-Agency Success: In your application, provide specific examples of where you successfully managed a consortium or balanced the interests of multiple international stakeholders.
2. Highlight Regional Nuance: Demonstrate your understanding of the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol and how it applies practically at the national level.
3. Focus on Governance: Use your cover letter to showcase your experience in policy development rather than just project implementation.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the requirements are invited to submit their application through the IOM official career portal:

Apply via IOM Oracle Cloud Recruitment

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Applications from qualified female candidates are especially encouraged.