National Programme Officer (MECR)

Provide programme and administrative coordination for project tasks related to migration, environment, climate change, and risk reduction.

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Application deadline 3 months ago: Friday 20 Mar 2026 at 18:30 UTC

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Overview

Provide programme and administrative coordination for project tasks related to migration, environment, climate change, and risk reduction.

You have:

  • Bachelor’s degree in political climate change & environmental management, environment & sustainability, migration studies, social sciences or related fields from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience.
  • Master’s degree in the above-mentioned fields.
  • Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience, project development, management, and reporting.
  • Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, donors, academia, other national/international institutions, and NGOs.
  • Fluency in English is required (oral and written).
  • Working knowledge of Sinhala/Tamil highly advantageous.

Contract

This is a NO-A contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 1 years of experience, depending on education. More about NO-A contracts.

This is a Fixed Term contract. More about Fixed Term contracts.

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates.

Context

IOM Sri Lanka works in close partnership with national and local government institutions, non-governmental agencies, community organizations and the donor community to assist national entities to address pressing and complex challenges in migration management, to respond to the needs created by humanitarian emergencies in the country, and to ensure improved living conditions for vulnerable communities.

Working under the overall directives of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and the direct supervision of the Programme Manager (MECR), the incumbent will be responsible and accountable for providing programme and administrative coordination for the project tasks assigned in the scope of migration, environment, climate change, and risk reduction.

Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in political climate change & environmental management, environment & sustainability, migration studies, social sciences or related fields from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
  • Master’s degree in the above-mentioned fields.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

  • Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience, project development, management, and reporting.
  • Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, donors, academia, other national/international institutions, and NGOs.

Skills

  • Understanding of migration in relation to environment, climate change and natural hazards.
  • Demonstrated level of expertise in the thematic area relevant to project development.
  • Sound knowledge of international fora and policy process in the areas of migration, climate change, environment, disaster risk reduction, knowledge of frameworks such as UN conventions on climate change, ecosystems, desertification etc.
  • Understanding of legal frameworks human rights approaches, soft law and protection issues related to environmental migration.
  • Knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization.
  • Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.
  • Knowledge of international fora and policy process in the areas of migration, climate change, environment, disaster risk reduction.
  • Knowledge of legal frameworks human rights approaches, soft law and protection issues related to environmental migration.

    Languages

  • For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

  • Working knowledge of Sinhala/ Tamil highly advantageous

    IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.

    Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

    Required Competencies

    IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

    Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

  • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.

  • Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
  • Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
  • Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
  • Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

    Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 2)

  • Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

  • Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
  • Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
  • Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
  • Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

    Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 2) (applicable only if position is with direct reports)

  • Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.

  • Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
  • Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
  • Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
  • Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

    Notes

  1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
  2. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
  3. National Professional Officers should be nationals of the country of their employment. NPOs perform work at the professional level and the same standards of recruitment qualifications and performance, required for International Professional staff.
  4. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
  5. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
  6. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
  7. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

    For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Responsibilities

  1. Assist in the coordination and monitoring of the operational, administrative and financial aspects of the project in accordance with IOM policies and practices as well as donor’s requirements.
  2. Provide technical guidance on migration, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction in Sri Lanka Country Office (CO) and draft general and/or specific information on programme activities as requested by the supervisor and other relevant counterparts.
  3. Keep the supervisor informed on the status of project implementation; identify gaps and suggest actions to improve implementation.
  4. Participate in the development and adjustment of work plans, project budgets, Monitoring & Evaluation tools and standard operations procedures.
  5. Coordinate the collection, verification and analysis of data and background information; update information management systems and social media platforms on project related activities including project awareness and visibility, summaries, press releases and other relevant materials.
  6. Coordinate timely preparation and dissemination of project reports in accordance with IOM procedures and donor requirements.
  7. Liaise and coordinate with donors, partners, United Nations agencies, local authorities and stakeholders and government counterparts.
  8. Contribute to the planning, development, organization and delivery of capacity building activities targeting IOM staff, government and civil society partners, implementing partners and communities.
  9. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, working groups, interagency coordination meetings, and other forums.
  10. Participate in the preparation of project proposals and a diverse range of communication products, concept notes and other planning documents.
  11. Supervise project staff, prepare inputs for performance evaluations and assist in the resolution of team conflicts.
  12. Undertake duty travel relating to project implementation, monitoring visits, project assessments, liaison with counterparts, etc.
  13. Perform other related duties as required.

Potential interview questions

How have you previously handled projects related to migration and climate change? This question assesses your direct experience in the relevant thematic areas. Use specific examples of projects you managed, emphasizing your role and impact.
Describe a time you effectively coordinated with multiple stakeholders. The interviewer seeks to understand your collaboration skills. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you provide an example of a successful project you led and the approach you used? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What do you consider the most pressing migration-related issue in your region? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure stakeholder needs are incorporated into project planning? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Explain a situation where you had to adapt to a change during a project. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What strategies do you use for effective communication in your work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Discuss your experience with data collection and analysis for project reporting. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 8 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: iom.int