Project Assistant (Humanitarian Support)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to become a leading organization in the field of migration, with a mission to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 10,000 employees. IOM's work encompasses a wide range of migration-related issues, including humanitarian assistance, migration management, and the protection of migrants' rights. The organization collaborates closely with various stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and civil society, to address the challenges and opportunities presented by migration.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant (Humanitarian Support) will play a crucial role within the Humanitarian Response and Recovery (HRR) Unit at IOM's Global Office in Brussels. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about humanitarian work and eager to contribute to the organization's mission of improving the lives of migrants in vulnerable situations. The incumbent will support the administrative management of contracts with the European Union’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), ensuring that all processes are handled efficiently and effectively. This role will provide the opportunity to gain insights into IOM's projects and policies, as well as the current EU policy discourse on humanitarian aid and migration. The Project Assistant will work under the supervision of the Global Thematic Specialist and the EU Liaison Officer, contributing to various aspects of humanitarian response and recovery efforts.

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

• Supporting the administrative management of DG ECHO contracts and amendments, ensuring timely processing and proper documentation.
• Assisting in the review of project reports from IOM field missions, updating relevant databases, and uploading reports in the APPEL system.
• Monitoring and analyzing new funding opportunities and relevant communications in the field of humanitarian aid.
• Liaising with European Commission/ECHO staff and IOM missions, attending events, and sharing relevant information.
• Providing general support to the HRR team regarding updates on key emergencies and IOM responses.
• Participating in meetings and conferences, assisting with preparation and follow-up tasks.
• Organizing meetings and events related to the thematic area.
• Performing any other tasks as required by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess excellent drafting and reporting skills, as these are essential for the role. Knowledge of EU institutions, decision-making processes, and budget rules is considered an advantage. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is required. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a commitment to IOM's values of inclusion, integrity, professionalism, courage, and empathy, as these are integral to the organization's mission and work culture.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree or equivalent in Political Sciences, Migration Studies, International Relations, or Law, along with one year of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a High School degree from an accredited institution and three years of relevant professional experience will also be considered. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that candidates have received a recognized and quality education.

Experience:
Candidates should have first-hand experience in the field of humanitarian aid or EU liaison, particularly in dealing with humanitarian emergencies. Experience in project development and reporting within a country office implementing humanitarian projects is advantageous. Specific training in humanitarian aid and forced displacement is also considered an asset, as it demonstrates a commitment to the field and enhances the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Candidates who possess additional language skills may have an advantage in the selection process, as multilingualism is often beneficial in international organizations.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Belgium will be eligible for consideration. The appointment will be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and any necessary authorizations by the relevant government authorities. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with the organization's aims and objectives, including issues related to sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. Furthermore, IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system. Candidates are encouraged to track the status of their applications through this system.