Junior Programme Officer (Somalia Resilience & Solutions)

Support IOM Kenya's Resilience & Solutions portfolio focusing on cross-border challenges.

IOM - UN Migration

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Application deadline in 19 days: Sunday 16 Aug 2026 at 00:00 UTC

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Overview

Support IOM Kenya's Resilience & Solutions portfolio focusing on cross-border challenges.

You have:

  • Master's degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, development studies, or similar.
  • At least 2 years of relevant work experience in livelihoods and economic recovery, peacebuilding, or similar fields.
  • Experience working with IDPs and/or refugee contexts.
  • Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and with governments and UN agencies.
  • Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and accountability.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

Under the direct supervision of Programme Coordinator (Resilience & Solutions) of International Organization for Migration (IOM) Kenya, the successful candidate will be responsible for supporting IOM Kenya Country Office’s Resilience & Solutions portfolio that address the interconnected challenges facing border communities between Somalia and Kenya. These challenges include climate-induced displacement, competition over scarce natural resources, lack of livelihoods, and security threats associated with violent extremist groups.

The role will contribute to strengthening community resilience, promoting social cohesion and peaceful coexistence, supporting climate change adaptation, and advancing prevention of violent extremism (PVE) initiatives, particularly in Somalia-Kenya cross-border areas where population movements and shared environmental pressures require coordinated regional responses.

Under the direct supervision of Programme Coordinator (Resilience & Solutions) the Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Support the implementation of IOM’s Resilience & Solutions portfolio in Kenya, with a particular focus on programmes addressing climate change adaptation, peacebuilding and community stabilization in the Somalia-Kenya cross-border context. Particular focus on addressing impact of Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE) in the Somalia-Kenya border areas. Coordinate with relevant IOM units, including Immigration and Border Management, to promote integrated and conflict-sensitive approaches. • Support the identification of emerging priorities, funding opportunities, particularly in areas related to climate resilience, community stabilization, durable solutions, and peacebuilding in Somalia-Kenya border areas. Maintain engagement with government counterparts, UN agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and community-based organizations. • Support the Programme Coordinator in monitoring operational, administrative and financial aspects of ongoing projects by coordinating with field offices and implementing partners. • Support knowledge management, coordination, and cross-border learning by documenting best practices, lessons learned, and programme results to inform future resilience and stabilization programming in the East Horn of Africa. • Contribute to resource mobilization for the mission by supporting the development of concept notes and project proposals addressing cross-border challenges. • Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Building Trust • Client Orientation • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Creativity • Empowering Others • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Judgement and Decision-making • Knowledge Sharing • Leadership • Managing Performance • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Self-Management • Technological Awareness • Vision • Working in Teams

Experience: • Experience in the fields of livelihoods & economic recovery, peacebuilding, durable solu-tions, disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and/or Prevention of Violent Ex-tremism (PVE), including operational and field experience, project development, and pro-ject management; • Experience in working in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and/or refugee contexts and in complex humanitarian emergencies or post-conflict environments; • Working experience in engaging with the Government counterparts and UN agencies is strong asset; and • Experience of working in a multi-cultural setting. • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

Skills: • Demonstrated expertise in one of or a combination of the thematic areas : resilience-building, livelihoods & economic recovery, peacebuilding, social cohesion, durable solu-tions, disaster risk reduction and/or Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE); • Expertise in project development and reporting, including excellent English writing, com-munication and negotiation skills; and, • Expertise in context analysis and conflict sensitivity key concepts and principles, and their application, will be assessed favorably.

The position will be based in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. Nairobi, the vibrant capital of Kenya, offers an exciting and dynamic lifestyle for international job seekers. As East Africa’s economic hub, the city boasts modern infrastructure, a thriving business ecosystem, and a diverse expatriate community. With a range of high-end residential areas, world-class restaurants, and entertainment options, Nairobi provides a comfortable and cosmopolitan living experience.

The city enjoys a pleasant climate year-round and is home to stunning green spaces such as Karura Forest and the Nairobi National Park, allowing residents to balance work with outdoor adventures. Additionally, Nairobi’s cost of living is relatively affordable compared to many global capitals, making it an attractive destination for professionals seeking career growth while enjoying a high quality of life.

The Conditions of Service, available here: https://explore.unv.org/cos, outline the policies and rules governing UN Volunteer assignments. Full information on entitlements at the duty station can be accessed here: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

Potential interview questions

Describe a time you successfully contributed to a peacebuilding initiative. This question assesses your direct experience and approach to peacebuilding. Highlight specific actions you took, the context, and the outcomes.
How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects simultaneously? The interviewer wants to understand your organizational and planning skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you discuss a time when you had to adapt your approach due to changing circumstances? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you employ for effective communication in diverse teams? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain a situation where you had to mobilize resources for a project. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure the sustainability of programs you work on? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What role does community engagement play in the projects you manage? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe your experience with climate change adaptation projects. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 2 days ago - Updated 7 hours ago - Source: unv.org