Migration Specialist, IOM Africa

About the role

The International Organization for Migration recruits Migration Specialists across its African Regional Office (Nairobi), Country Offices, and Migration Response Centres. Roles cover migration governance, mixed migration response, labour migration, counter-trafficking, voluntary return, and migration health. Typical application deadline 31 August 2026 for current vacancies (check the careers portal for live listings).

Responsibilities

• Lead technical support to government counterparts on migration policy and operations.
• Manage IOM programmes including counter-trafficking, voluntary return and reintegration, labour migration governance, or migration health.
• Coordinate with UN partners, civil society organisations, and migrant communities.
• Author programme documents, donor reports, and substantive briefings.
• Represent IOM at country and regional forums.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree in social sciences, public policy, law, international relations, or related field.
• Five to seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of international migration law and mixed migration dynamics in Africa.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English; French, Arabic, or Portuguese strongly preferred.
• UN security clearance and willingness to travel within the duty station country.

Nice to have

• Prior UN system or international NGO experience.
• Familiarity with the African Union Migration Policy Framework.
• Field experience in mixed migration corridors (Horn of Africa, Sahel, Central Mediterranean, Southern Africa).

How to apply

Open the IOM Careers portal at the apply link, search for “Migration Specialist” filtered by Africa, and apply through the IOM recruitment system. CV, cover letter, written test, and competency-based interview follow. Closing dates vary by vacancy.