IOM is Recruiting a National Programme Officer in Samoa

National Programme Officer in Samoa, (Samoa Nationals Only)

Position Title: National Programme Officer in Samoa
Duty Station: Apia, Samoa
Classification: National Professional Officer, NO-A
Type of Appointment: One-Year Fixed Term (with possibility of extension)
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Application Deadline: [Insert exact deadline if available]

About IOM

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and a related agency of the United Nations system.
IOM works closely with governments, intergovernmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations to promote humane and orderly migration that benefits migrants and society.
The IOM’s mission is to ensure that migration is well-managed, protects the rights of migrants, and contributes to sustainable development. Globally, IOM operates in over 100 countries, delivering services and expertise to both migrants and partners.
In 2023, the IOM opened its office in Samoa, marking the 11th IOM office in the Pacific.
The Samoa office focuses on strengthening the government’s capacity in immigration and border management, implementing modern systems to enhance security and efficiency, and supporting broader migration management programs aligned with Samoa’s national priorities.

Context

IOM Samoa supports the Government of Samoa in modernizing its Border Management System (BMS), strengthening immigration governance, and applying a risk-based approach to security using advanced data tools such as airline passenger data analysis.
In addition, IOM collaborates with the Pacific Immigration Development Community (PIDC), based in Samoa, to advance regional research and initiatives on labor mobility, climate mobility, and immigration data management.
As part of its expanding portfolio, IOM Samoa seeks a qualified National Programme Officer (Migration Management) to provide technical and operational leadership in immigration, border governance, labour mobility, and migrant protection.

Major Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission in Fiji and the direct supervision of the Programme Manager in Samoa, and in close coordination with regional and global IOM specialists, the successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of migration management programs in Samoa.

Key duties include:

Programme Implementation and Oversight

Lead and coordinate the implementation of projects, ensuring compliance with IOM’s global standards, policies, and donor requirements.
Oversee financial, administrative, technical, and logistical aspects of program implementation.
Monitor activities against work plans, track progress, and prepare evaluation reports.
Identify bottlenecks and recommend corrective measures to ensure efficiency and quality.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

Develop and apply monitoring and evaluation (M&E) tools to assess project outcomes.
Prepare regular reports for donors, government partners, and stakeholders.
Contribute to information management and visibility efforts, including awareness campaigns, website updates, and press releases.

Programme Development and Strategy

Identify new opportunities for program expansion in Samoa that align with national and regional priorities.
Draft and contribute to project proposals, background research, and policy briefs.
Support the development of methodologies, contingency plans, and standard operating procedures.

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

Maintain close liaison with government ministries, UN agencies, NGOs, donors, and civil society.
Represent IOM in conferences, technical workshops, working groups, and inter-agency forums.
Ensure coordination with the PIDC and other regional organizations.

Capacity Building

Design and deliver training programs for government officials, border management staff, and partners.
Develop learning materials and toolkits to enhance national and regional migration management capacity.

Staff Supervision and Management

Supervise and mentor project staff and consultants.
Provide guidance on performance, skills development, and career growth.

Other Duties

Undertake duty travel as required to monitor field activities.
Perform other functions as may be assigned by the Chief of Mission or Programme Manager.

Required Qualifications

Education

Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Migration Studies, Development Studies, Security Studies, Humanitarian Affairs or a related field from an accredited institution, with at least two years of relevant professional experience; OR
University degree in one of the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

Proven expertise in project management, monitoring, evaluation, and research.
Professional experience in migration management, immigration, border security, labour mobility, and migrant protection.
Demonstrated success in delivering capacity-building programs and developing training tools.
Experience with financial planning, procurement, and donor reporting.
Strong experience liaising with government officials, intergovernmental institutions, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders.
In-depth knowledge of Samoa’s migration landscape and regional Pacific dynamics.
Experience with border security operations and systems will be an added advantage.

Skills

Excellent communication and report writing skills.
Strong team collaboration and leadership abilities.
Capacity to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with project management tools.
Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills.

Languages

Fluency in English and Samoan (oral and written) is required.
Working knowledge of another official UN language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, or Russian) is an advantage.

Required Competencies

Values

Inclusion and respect for diversity
Integrity and transparency
Professionalism
Courage
Empathy

Core Competencies (Level 2)

Teamwork
Delivering results
Managing and sharing knowledge
Accountability
Communication

Managerial Competencies (Level 2)—if supervising staff

Leadership
Empowering others
Building trust
Strategic thinking and vision
Humility

Additional Information

Appointment will be subject to medical fitness certification, residency verification, and government authorizations.
This selection process may also be used to fill similar positions in other Pacific duty stations within 24 months.
Only nationals of Samoa are eligible for this post.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, abuse of authority, and all forms of discrimination.
IOM does not charge any fee at any stage of its recruitment process.