Project Assistant – Protection

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization established in 1951, dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM works in over 100 countries, providing services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, development, and policy advocacy, with a mission to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. IOM Ecuador specifically supports the government and regional actors in addressing migration challenges and opportunities, emphasizing sustainable, community-based interventions and strong coordination with local stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant – Protection plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation and monitoring of project activities aimed at assisting migrants, refugees, and host communities in Ecuador. This position involves working closely with the Programme Officer and the National Project Manager to ensure that project objectives are met effectively. The Project Assistant will be responsible for compiling and presenting data on specific project topics, monitoring budgets, and ensuring the availability of funds. Additionally, the role requires administrative coordination, drafting reports and correspondence, organizing meetings and workshops, and responding to information requests. The Project Assistant will also be expected to perform other related duties as assigned, contributing to the overall success of the project and the well-being of the communities served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Assistant – Protection include: assisting in the implementation and monitoring of project activities; retrieving, compiling, summarizing, and presenting information/data on specific project topics; monitoring the project budget and verifying the availability of funds; supporting administrative coordination of project implementation; drafting status reports and correspondence; organizing meetings, workshops, and training sessions; responding to general information requests; maintaining files and records; and performing other related duties as assigned. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and effective communication with various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a school diploma with four 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 two years of relevant professional experience. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. The ideal candidate should have experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, and NGOs, as well as experience working with vulnerable groups such as migrants and refugees.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a school diploma with four 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. The degree must be from an accredited academic institution recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
The position requires experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national and international institutions, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Candidates should have experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, and victims of trafficking. Demonstrated experience in supporting activities related to human trafficking, migrant smuggling, child protection, gender-based violence, and community-based protection is essential. Experience in organizing and facilitating community outreach and capacity-building workshops on protection topics is also required. Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations or in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is required for this position, both oral and written. Additionally, oral and written fluency in English or other beneficiary languages is considered an advantage. IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Ecuador will be eligible for consideration. The appointment will be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and necessary authorizations by the concerned government. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. Candidates are advised to include a cover letter in the 'Supporting Documents' section of their application.