The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is recruiting a Project Development and Donor Liaison Officer at P-2 grade for its Country Office in Accra, Ghana, on a fixed-term contract of 1 year with possibility of extension. Applications close on 12 November 2026 at 23:59 Geneva time. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full vacancy notice, and every duty, requirement, competency and condition is set out below.
Vacancy 23763: Key Facts
📌 Position: Project Development and Donor Liaison Officer (P)
🆔 Job Identification: 23763
📍 Location: Accra, Ghana
📝 Contract type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
⏱️ Initial contract duration: 1 year with possibility of extension
🏛️ Org type: Country Office
🗂️ Vacancy type: Vacancy Notice
🪪 Recruiting type: Professional
🎓 Grade: P-2
🚨 Based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response: No
Who Is Hiring: IOM in Brief
🕰️ Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration
🤝 It works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners
🧭 It promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all
🛟 It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement and facilitates pathways for regular migration
🗣️ It provides services and advice to governments and migrants
A Respectful and Inclusive Workplace
IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.
IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required.
First-Tier and Second-Tier Candidates
Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. 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 this vacancy, first-tier candidates are:
🏢 Internal candidates
🗺️ Candidates from IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories
Second-tier candidates include all external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.
Non-Represented IOM Member States for This Vacancy
The posting lists the following Member States as non-represented (first tier):
Bahamas, Barbados, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Where the Role Sits: Ghana, Togo and Benin
The officer works under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Ghana (resident), Togo, and Benin, and in close collaboration with the relevant units at the Regional Office (RO) and Headquarters (HQ).
The role is responsible and accountable for supporting the coordination and facilitation of project development, donor and institutional reporting in the fields of migration management and emergency response, as well as assisting with liaison activities with counterparts in the government, UN agencies and other relevant stakeholders, in line with IOM's regional and country strategies.
Building Results-Based Projects and Proposals
📝 Contribute to the development of results-based programmes and projects, concept notes and project proposals
👥 Work in close coordination with the CoM, Project Managers, United Nations Country Team (UNCT), relevant donors, government counterparts and project partners
💡 Provide technical inputs and support that respond to emerging trends and priorities
✅ Ensure proposals are in compliance with IOM and donor interests and requirements
Mapping Needs and Aligning With IOM Strategy
🔍 Review resource requirements and document programmatic needs, gaps and opportunities
🧭 Contribute to the alignment with IOM global, regional and country strategies during project development and donor reporting
📊 Support and promote the use of the Strategic Results Framework (SRF) global results and indicators
Endorsements and Donor Reports
🖋️ Support the endorsement process for concept notes and project proposals
📄 Support the Project Managers in drafting donor reports
🏛️ Work in close coordination with relevant units in the Country Office (CO) and RO, in line with IOM policies, standards and internal procedures
Finding New Funding Opportunities
💶 Research potential and realistic funding opportunities among government and non-government donors
📬 Review calls for proposals and collect donor information
🗂️ Draft donor profiles and guidance notes on donor priorities
📈 Assist with developing approaches to expand the IOM donor base
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🌍 All opportunities in Ghana →
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Liaison With Donors, Governments and Partners
🤝 Support effective working relationships with donor counterparts and project/programme partners
🏛️ Partners include government authorities, diplomatic missions, and other relevant agencies and working groups
Visibility Materials, Briefings and Donor Visits
📣 In coordination with relevant units in the CO, draft visibility and other resource mobilization materials
🗓️ Organize donor briefings and visits
Training Country Office Staff
🎓 Run capacity building and training activities in the field of programme development, donor and institutional reporting and the roll-out of the SRF for the CO's staff
🏫 Deliver these through workshops and seminars
Knowledge Management and Records
🗄️ Maintain accurate, updated and pertinent records of all correspondence, project development and donor and institutional reporting files
💻 Keep related information in IOM's relevant software application
➕ Perform such other duties as may be assigned
Education: Two Routes to Eligibility
🎓 Master's degree in International Relations, International Development, Political or Social Sciences, Migration Studies, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with two years of relevant professional experience; or
📘 University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience
Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Professional Experience IOM Expects
🧩 Experience in supporting results-based project development and reporting, technical writing and editing, preferably in the international development/humanitarian sector
🤲 Proven experience in donor relations and grant management for specific donors of IOM's interest
🎯 Demonstrated experience with the Results-Based Management approach and other strategic planning approaches
📑 Proven experience in donor report writing in humanitarian and/or development settings
Skills for the Role
✍️ Demonstrated communication, writing and organizational skills; ability to prepare clear and concise reports
📏 Demonstrated knowledge of monitoring and evaluation concepts, approaches and methodologies
🧠 Proven analytical and planning skills; capacity to establish working relationships with governmental authorities, national and international institutions and Non-Governmental Organizations
👩🏫 Demonstrated capacity to supervise and train support staff; ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds
⏲️ Demonstrated ability to work with accuracy under constraints and pressure; high sense of confidentiality, initiative and good judgment
🚀 Demonstrated personal commitment, efficiency, flexibility, drive for results, creative thinking
🖥️ Good level of computer literacy, including database applications
Language Requirements
🔤 Fluency in English is required (oral and written)
🗣️ Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage
📝 Proficiency in the required language(s) will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments
The Five IOM Values
All IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values, and competencies are assessed during the selection process:
🌐 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: works 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)
🧭 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
Mobility, Funding and the 24-Month Roster
✈️ Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile
🏦 Any offer made in relation to this vacancy is subject to funding confirmation
🗺️ This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations
📆 Recommended candidates remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for 24 months
Clearances and Closing Time
🩺 Appointment is subject to all clearances, including medical and security, as well as accreditation and any residency or visa requirements
🕛 Vacancies close at 23:59 local time in Geneva, Switzerland on the closing date
🚫 No late applications will be accepted
Conduct, Safeguarding and Background Checks
🛡️ IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination
🧒 IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children
🔐 IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system-wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud
⚖️ Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times
No Fees at Any Stage
IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise, and does not request any information related to bank accounts.
How to Apply
📝 IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system
🏢 Internal candidates apply through the separate internal link in the WAVE system
📲 The online tool also lets you track the status of your application
📞 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Find more international roles like this in the jobs listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grade and contract does this IOM role in Accra offer?
The position is graded P-2 in the Professional category. It is a fixed-term contract of 1 year with possibility of extension, based in the IOM Country Office in Accra, Ghana.
Who supervises the Project Development and Donor Liaison Officer?
The officer reports directly to the Chief of Mission in Ghana (resident), Togo, and Benin. The role also works closely with the relevant units at the IOM Regional Office and Headquarters.
How much experience do I need?
With a Master's degree in a relevant field you need two years of relevant professional experience. With a university degree in the same fields you need four years of relevant professional experience.
Which fields of study are accepted?
International Relations, International Development, Political or Social Sciences, Migration Studies, Law, or a related field. The degree must come from an accredited institution listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
What languages are required?
Fluency in English, oral and written, is required. Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an advantage, and language skills may be tested in writing or orally.
What is the difference between first-tier and second-tier candidates?
First-tier candidates are internal candidates and candidates from IOM Member States not represented among Professional staff; their applications are considered first. All other external candidates are second tier.
Can I be considered for other IOM positions through this process?
Yes. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for 24 months.
Does IOM charge any application fee?
No. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment and never asks for bank account information.
Is the job offer guaranteed once I am selected?
Any offer is subject to funding confirmation. Appointment also depends on medical and security clearances, accreditation and any residency or visa requirements.
When does the vacancy close?
Applications close on 12 November 2026 at 23:59 local time in Geneva, Switzerland. Late applications are not accepted.
Deadline
⏳ 12 November 2026
