Preparedness and Response Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1951, with a mission to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM has over 173 member states and operates in more than 100 countries, providing services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and development, aiming to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified.

Job Overview:
The Preparedness and Response Associate will play a crucial role in supporting the planning, analysis, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of humanitarian preparedness and response activities at both national and local levels. This position is vital for strengthening governance, coordination, and capacities in humanitarian action, temporary shelter, disaster risk management, climate change, and emergency response. The incumbent will work closely with the Chief of Mission and the Preparedness and Response Division Officer to ensure that IOM’s mandate and procedures are adhered to while contributing to the overall mission of the organization. The role requires a proactive approach to identifying the needs of populations on the move and host communities, providing technical inputs for strategy development, and ensuring effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: supporting the planning and implementation of humanitarian preparedness and response activities; contributing to the coordination of IOM Ecuador projects; identifying needs of affected populations; assisting in drafting donor proposals; providing technical assistance to government counterparts; organizing workshops and training sessions; generating and analyzing information for strategy design; drafting documentation on good practices; supporting administrative and logistical coordination of project implementation; and maintaining regular communication with the Division Officer regarding project progress and challenges. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of humanitarian preparedness and response frameworks and the ability to adapt strategies to meet the needs of diverse stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma with at least five years of work experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, International Cooperation, International Relations, Risk Management, or a related field with a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience. Accredited universities recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database are preferred. The position demands strong interpersonal and communication skills, proficiency in IT tools, and a practical understanding of administrative, financial, and logistical procedures in project management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma or a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, International Cooperation, International Relations, or Risk Management. Candidates with degrees from accredited institutions recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database will be given preference. The educational qualifications should align with the responsibilities of the role, ensuring that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform effectively in the position.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of specific experience in humanitarian preparedness and response is required, with operational experience in humanitarian response contexts being highly valued. Previous experience with preparedness, humanitarian assistance, and emergency response programs is advantageous, as is experience working with UN agencies. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian operations and the ability to navigate these challenges effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, oral and written fluency in English, particularly in the languages of beneficiaries, is considered an advantage. The selection process will specifically evaluate language proficiency, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the communication requirements of the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Ecuador will be considered. The appointment will be contingent upon medical fitness certification, verification of residency, and necessary government authorizations. The selection process may be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar roles for a period of 24 months. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts the organization's objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Furthermore, IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.