​​Programme Officer (Immigration and Border Governance

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is hiring a Programme Officer (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)) (P) to support and strengthen national and regional migration governance initiatives based in Nairobi, Kenya. This role represents a high-impact opportunity for experienced professionals seeking Programme Officer IBG job opportunities at IOM and long-term careers at the International Organization for Migration within the United Nations system.

As a mid-level professional position at the P-3 grade, this role contributes directly to advancing safe, orderly, and regular migration through policy development, operational support, and institutional capacity building across immigration and border governance portfolios.

Key Job Information

• Position: Programme Officer (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)) (P)
• Location: Nairobi – SO11, Kenya
• Employment Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
• Experience Level: Mid-level / Professional (P-3)
• Recruiting Type: Professional
• Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
• Application Deadline: 18 January 2026

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 world’s leading agency working on migration. IOM partners with governments, intergovernmental institutions, civil society, and international actors to address complex migration challenges and promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of migrants and host communities.

IOM plays a central role in immigration and border governance globally, supporting Member States through policy advice, operational assistance, and capacity development in areas such as border management systems, migration data, legal identity, regular migration pathways, and humanitarian border management. Professionals exploring UN migration jobs in Kenya and international development careers in Nairobi will find IOM at the forefront of migration governance reform and innovation.

The organization is committed to inclusion, diversity, and equal opportunity, and actively encourages applications from qualified female candidates and nationals of non-represented Member States as part of its broader commitment to equitable global representation.

Job Description

The Programme Officer (Immigration and Border Governance (IBG)) will be responsible for managing, coordinating, and overseeing a portfolio of IBG programmes in Kenya and the wider region. Reporting directly to the Deputy Chief of Mission and working in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist and the IBG Division, the role ensures that all activities are delivered in line with IOM policies, donor requirements, and international standards.

This position is well suited for professionals seeking immigration and border governance jobs in Kenya that combine strategic oversight with hands-on programme implementation. The role contributes to national and regional migration systems strengthening, while supporting Member States in implementing the Global Compact for Migration and related international commitments.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee the implementation of the Immigration and Border Governance portfolio, including projects on border management information systems, regular migration and admission pathways, regularization, readmission cooperation, immigration policy, legal identity, and counter-migrant smuggling initiatives.
• Provide technical input into the development of policy, legal, and operational tools that enhance safe, orderly, and regular migration.
• Support Regional and Country Offices through technical guidance on emerging migration trends, donor priorities, and IBG resource mobilization strategies.
• Deliver operational guidance and technical supervision to IBG programme teams, ensuring effective planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation.
• Design and coordinate capacity-development activities on document security, passport examination, identity management, responsible use of biometrics, admission and stay channels, readmission cooperation, and Advance Passenger Information systems.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with government counterparts, immigration authorities, UN agencies, and development partners.
• Oversee the development of training, guidance, and public information materials for border, immigration, customs, and visa authorities.
• Contribute to inter-agency coordination within the UN Network on Migration and other institutional platforms advancing migration governance.
• Undertake duty travel as required and perform other responsibilities aligned with programme needs.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Economic Development, Public or Business Administration, International Studies, or a related field, with at least five years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with a minimum of seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in programme design, implementation, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation within migration or development contexts.
• Proven experience in immigration policy, border governance, or migration management programming.
• Experience working with government institutions, diplomatic missions, and international or UN organizations.
• Strong understanding of regional and international migration dynamics.
• Familiarity with UN and bilateral donor-funded programmes and compliance requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working on UN or international organization migration programmes.
• Knowledge of East African or regional migration trends.
• Working knowledge of an additional UN official language such as French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, or Chinese.

Benefits and Compensation

This P-3 UN Programme Officer role is offered under a fixed-term contract with competitive UN-system salary, benefits, and entitlements. The position offers strong professional development opportunities, exposure to regional and global migration policy processes, and a clear pathway for advancement within careers at IOM and the wider UN system.

Internationally recruited staff are required to be mobile, and appointments are subject to funding confirmation, medical clearance, and security requirements.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply using the Apply Now button below. Applications must be submitted through the official IOM e-Recruitment system before the closing date. This Programme Officer IBG vacancy in Nairobi may also be used to fill similar positions across other duty stations within a 24-month period.