Project Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1951, dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. With over 173 member states and offices in more than 100 countries, IOM works to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, development, and policy advocacy, aiming to enhance the well-being of migrants and their communities. IOM's mission is to provide services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike, ensuring that migration contributes to the development of both individuals and societies.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the management of the Unit’s projects under the supervision of the Chief of Mission in the Netherlands and the Programme Coordinator for Labour Mobility and Resettlement. The position involves assisting 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 be responsible for monitoring the project budget, verifying the availability of funds, obtaining necessary approvals, and updating budget-related information. This role requires extensive liaison with various organizational units and external parties to ensure smooth administrative coordination of project implementation. The Project Assistant will draft status reports, identify shortfalls in delivery, and suggest remedial actions, as well as prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, and other documentation. Additionally, the Project Assistant will respond to complex information requests, maintain files and records, organize meetings, workshops, and training sessions, and assist in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, UN agencies, NGOs, donors, and other stakeholders relevant to the project. The role also includes monitoring the work of implementing partners and reporting any non-compliances to the supervisor, as well as providing guidance and training to new or junior staff members.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of project activities, ensuring adherence to project objectives and timelines.
• Retrieve, compile, summarize, analyze, and present information/data on specific project topics to support decision-making processes.
• Monitor project budgets, verify the availability of funds, obtain necessary approvals, and update budget-related information as required.
• Act as the focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, liaising with diverse organizational units and external parties to initiate requests and process administrative actions.
• Draft status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, and bring them to the attention of the supervisor while suggesting remedial actions.
• Prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, and other forms of documentation related to project activities.
• Respond to complex information requests and inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate communication.
• Set up and maintain files and records for project documentation, ensuring easy access to information.
• Organize meetings, workshops, and training sessions, coordinating logistics and ensuring effective participation. 1
• Participate in meetings and conferences, assisting in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, UN agencies, NGOs, donors, and other stakeholders. 1
• Assist in monitoring the work of implementing partners, reporting any non-compliances to the supervisor. 1
• Provide guidance and training to new or junior staff members, fostering a collaborative work environment. 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.
• Proven experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, UN agencies, and NGOs.
• Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups is highly desirable.
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, NGOs, or government institutions in a multicultural setting is an advantage.
• Experience with project development is also considered 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 disciplines from an accredited academic institution, accompanied by three years of relevant professional experience.

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 possess a school diploma. Experience should include liaising with governmental authorities, national and international institutions, UN agencies, and NGOs. Additionally, candidates should have experience working with migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups, as well as prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations or in a multicultural setting, which is considered advantageous. Experience in project development is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Dutch is required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in these languages, which will be evaluated during the selection process, potentially including written and/or oral assessments. While English and Dutch are mandatory, knowledge of IOM’s official languages, which include French and Spanish, is considered a plus but not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for the Netherlands will be considered. Any offer made to the candidate is contingent upon funding confirmation. The selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar positions for a period of 24 months. Appointment will also be subject to certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and necessary authorizations by the concerned government, where applicable. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with its aims and objectives, 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 duly completed applications submitted through its online recruitment system.