Project Associate - Social Cohesion

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, saving lives and protecting people on the move. The organization drives solutions to displacement and facilitates pathways for regular migration while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration and humanitarian assistance, and aims to harness the full potential of migration to strengthen its support to people on the move.

Job Overview:
The Project Associate will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of IOM activities under the Roma Assistance Programme, which is funded by the European Union and implemented in cooperation with UNDP, UNFPA, and UNICEF. This position focuses on strengthening institutional capacities and coordination mechanisms related to the readmission and sustainable reintegration of Roma and other vulnerable populations. The Project Associate will be responsible for regular coordination with government authorities and relevant institutions at different governance levels. This includes organizing and following up on meetings, trainings, workshops, and other project activities. The role also involves preparing project documentation, reports, briefing materials, and correspondence, requiring effective and professional communication with government counterparts, project partners, and other stakeholders. The Project Associate will assist in monitoring and implementing project activities, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Associate include:

• Supporting the implementation and monitoring of project activities related to the Roma Assistance Programme.
• Retrieving, compiling, summarizing, analyzing, and presenting information/data on specific project topics.
• Monitoring the project budget, verifying the availability of funds, obtaining necessary approvals, and updating budget-related information.
• Acting as the focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, which involves extensive liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, and process administrative actions.
• Drafting status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, and bringing them to the attention of the supervisor while suggesting remedial actions.
• Drafting correspondence on project issues and preparing and updating reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentations, and other forms of documentation.
• Responding to complex information requests and inquiries, setting up and maintaining files/records, and organizing meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
• Participating in meetings and conferences, assisting in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, UN agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors, and other stakeholders relevant to the project.
• Assisting in monitoring the work of implementing partners and reporting non-compliances to the supervisor. 1
• Providing guidance and training to new or junior staff members. 1
• Performing other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Project Associate position include:

• A high school diploma with five years of relevant experience; or a Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or related fields from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
• Experience in organizing events and conferences.
• Proven experience and knowledge in project cycle management.
• Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups.
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-governmental, or government institutions/organizations in a multicultural setting is an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a high school diploma with five years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or related fields from an accredited academic institution. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience if they hold a Bachelor’s degree, or five years of relevant experience if they have a high school diploma. Candidates should have experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations, as well as experience in organizing events and conferences. Proven knowledge in project cycle management and experience working with vulnerable populations such as migrants and refugees is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian is required for this position, both oral and written. All IOM staff members are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish). Proficiency in the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to funding confirmation, and any offer made to the candidate is contingent upon this. The selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for a period of 24 months. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. 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. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process and only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.