Project Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and offices in over 100 countries. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities they live in. IOM's mission includes addressing the challenges of migration, providing humanitarian assistance, and supporting the development of migration policies that respect human rights and dignity.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Philippines’ component of a specific project, ensuring alignment with government priorities and donor requirements. This position involves close collaboration with the National Project Officer, the National Emergency and Preparedness Officer, and the Migration Management Programme Manager. The successful candidate will assist in the implementation and monitoring of project activities, which includes retrieving, compiling, summarizing, analyzing, and presenting information and data on specific project topics. The Project Assistant will also monitor the project budget, verify the availability of funds, and ensure necessary approvals are obtained. This role requires extensive liaison with various organizational units and external parties to facilitate administrative coordination of project implementation. The Project Assistant will draft status reports, correspondence on project issues, and prepare various forms of documentation, including reports, briefing notes, and presentations. Additionally, the candidate will respond to complex information requests, maintain files and records, organize meetings and training sessions, and assist in coordinating activities with local authorities, partners, and stakeholders relevant to the project. The role also includes monitoring the work of implementing partners and providing guidance and training to new or junior staff members.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of project activities, ensuring alignment with project goals and objectives.
• Retrieve, compile, summarize, analyze, and present information/data on specific project topics.
• Monitor the project budget, verify the availability of funds, and obtain necessary approvals for budget-related information.
• Act as the focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, liaising with diverse organizational units and external parties.
• Draft status reports identifying shortfalls in delivery and suggest remedial actions to the supervisor.
• Prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, and other documentation related to the project.
• Respond to complex information requests and inquiries from stakeholders.
• Set up and maintain files and records for project documentation.
• Organize meetings, workshops, and training sessions related to project activities. 1
• Participate in meetings and conferences, assisting in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, and other stakeholders. 1
• Monitor the work of implementing partners and report any non-compliances to the supervisor. 1
• Provide guidance and training to new or junior staff members. 1
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• A 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, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
• Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups.
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations or government institutions in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
• Knowledge of issues around climate change, human mobility, and disaster preparedness and response in the Philippines is an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a 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 school diploma. Experience should include liaising with governmental authorities, working with migrants and vulnerable groups, and prior work with international humanitarian organizations or government institutions in a multi-cultural setting.

Languages:
Fluency in Filipino is required, both oral and written. Proficiency in IOM’s official languages, which include English, French, and Spanish, is also beneficial. Language proficiency will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for the Philippines will be considered. Any offer made to the candidate is contingent upon funding confirmation. This selection process may also be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for a period of 24 months. Appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and necessary government authorizations. 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, sexual harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.