Junior Programme Officer (Somalia Resilience & Solutions)

Host entity: IOM

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Safety and security, Migration, refugees, Project management, programme development, strategy

Application deadline: 16/08/2026

Mission and objectives

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM works to help ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people.

The IOM Constitution recognizes the link between migration and economic, social and cultural development, as well as to the right of freedom of movement.

IOM works in the four broad areas of migration management :
• Migration and development
• Facilitating migration
• Regulating migration
• Forced migration.

IOM activities that cut across these areas include the promotion of international migration law, policy debate and guidance, protection of migrants' rights, migration health and the gender dimension of migration.

Assignment context

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.

Task description

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.

Skills and experience

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.

Competencies and values

• 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

Living conditions

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.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.