- Position Title: Programme Officer (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)) (P)
- Advert Reference: Job Identification 18233
- Number of Vacancies: 1
- Location: Nairobi – SO11, Kenya
- Employment Type: Fixed-term Contract (1 year with possibility of extension)
- Application Deadline: 18th January 2026
- Category/Department: Migration Governance / Programme Management / Immigration & Border Governance
- Salary Expectation: Estimated KSh 380,000–520,000 gross monthly (including UN professional allowances and benefits). This estimate is based on UN P-3 grade salary scales adjusted to Nairobi duty station and comparable UN agency remuneration structures. Actual remuneration is set by IOM and subject to UN salary frameworks; this is an independent approximation to guide expectations and negotiation – no legal implication intended.
Introduction
The Programme Officer (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)) (P) role offers a senior professional opportunity within the United Nations system to lead and coordinate complex migration governance programmes at national and regional levels. This position is suited for highly experienced professionals with deep expertise in immigration policy, border management, and international migration frameworks.
As a Programme Officer (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)) (P), you will oversee high-impact projects supporting safe, orderly, and regular migration while strengthening national systems, regional cooperation, and humanitarian border management. This role demands strategic leadership, technical depth, and the ability to engage effectively with governments, donors, UN agencies, and other stakeholders.
About the International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. IOM works closely with governments, intergovernmental bodies, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The organization provides policy advice, operational support, and capacity-building across a wide range of migration governance areas, while fostering a diverse, inclusive, and values-driven workplace globally.
1. Programme Officer (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)) (P) (Nairobi – 1 Post)
Brief Overview:
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission, the Programme Officer (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)) (P) will manage, coordinate, and oversee the implementation of Immigration and Border Governance programmes in close collaboration with regional and global stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate the overall implementation of the IBG portfolio, including projects focusing on border management information systems, regular pathways, regularization, readmission cooperation, admission and stay channels, immigration policy, legal identity, counter-migrant smuggling, border and development/trade initiatives and Humanitarian Border Management, ensuring impact, effectiveness, coherence, integrity and timely completion in line with IOM policies and donor requirements.
- Provide technical inputs for the development of policy and operational resources aimed at enhancing safe, orderly, and regular migration pathways through immigration and border governance tools and policies.
- Provide guidance and substantive support to Regional and Country Offices, in coordination with the IBG Regional Thematic Specialist, on emerging national and regional trends, donor priorities and resource mobilization for IBG projects.
- Provide operational guidance and technical supervision on IBG projects, including management and technical support to programme staff and capacity development initiatives.
- Coordinate and conduct capacity-development activities on IBG thematic areas including document security, passport examination, legal identity, identity management, responsible use of biometrics, readmission cooperation, admission and stay pathways, and Advance Passenger Information.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with government counterparts to support project implementation and resolve operational challenges, including organizing regular stakeholder meetings.
- Oversee the development of public information and training materials for customs, border, and immigration authorities, visa officers and other border governance stakeholders.
- Establish partnerships with UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, governments and community stakeholders to ensure effective IBG programme implementation.
- Contribute to advancing IBG thematic priorities within the UN Network on Migration and initiatives supporting the Global Compact for Migration.
- Undertake duty travel as required to support and strengthen programme implementation.
- Perform any other duties as assigned.
Requirements for Appointment / Qualifications
Education
- Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Economic Development, Business or Public Administration, International Studies or a related field with five years of relevant professional experience; or
- University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- Experience in programme conceptualisation, development, monitoring, reporting and evaluation.
- Experience in programme development and capacity-development activities.
- Experience liaising with governmental, diplomatic, national and international institutions.
- Familiarity with financial and business administration.
- Strong understanding of internal and international migration issues at national and regional levels.
- Experience organizing high-level consultations, workshops and seminars.
- In-depth knowledge of migration-related thematic areas and UN or bilateral donor programming.
Skills
- Proven ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships with government, UN agencies, NGOs and private sector actors.
- Strong leadership, coordination, information management, analytical and writing skills.
- Knowledge of migration data, labour migration patterns and negotiation with government authorities.
- Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and operate with minimal supervision.
Languages
- Fluency in English (oral and written) is required.
- Working knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Terms of Service
- Fixed-term Contract (1 year with possibility of extension)
- Grade: P-3
- Internationally recruited professional position
Notes
- Candidates who are nationals of the duty station country are not eligible.
- International professional staff are required to be mobile.
- Appointment is subject to funding confirmation, medical clearance, security clearance, and visa requirements.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official IOM e-Recruitment system before 18th January 2026. Late applications will not be accepted. Only duly completed online applications will be considered.
IOM is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal employment opportunities and operates a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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