Senior Project Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is recognized as the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration. IOM works closely with both governmental and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that the needs and rights of migrants are respected, providing services and advice to governments and migrants alike. IOM operates in numerous countries around the world, implementing various programs, including Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Assistance (AVRR), which supports vulnerable migrants wishing to return to their countries of origin. The organization has a significant presence in the Americas, working with key stakeholders to facilitate safe and dignified returns for those who cannot do so independently.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the activities of the AVRR program under the supervision of the Chief of Mission and the Regional Programme Manager. This position involves coordinating monitoring exercises to ensure compliance with programmatic and organizational policies, maintaining documentation for audits, and developing reports and tools to inform regional and national coordinators. The role also includes participating in vulnerability assessments, mapping protection services, and implementing feedback mechanisms for beneficiaries. The Senior Project Assistant is expected to promote adherence to data protection standards, conduct capacity-building activities, and assist in the planning and coordination of AVRR activities. This position requires a proactive approach to project implementation and collaboration with various missions and offices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the Program Manager in coordinating monitoring exercises and spot checks to ensure adherence to AVRR policies.
• Maintain and organize compliance documentation for audits and reporting.
• Support the development of compliance and protection reports/tools for regional and national coordinators.
• Participate in rapid vulnerability assessments and establish referral mechanisms with national teams.
• Map and update protection services and develop materials for beneficiaries.
• Implement feedback and complaint mechanisms for beneficiary participation.
• Promote adherence to data protection standards during case management.
• Conduct capacity-building activities on AVR protection standards.
• Assist in planning AVRR activities, including movement management and training for national counterparts. 1
• Prepare, edit, and review project reports and documentation for proposals. 1
• Carry out administrative tasks for project activities. 1
• Liaise between various missions and coordinate with offices in Washington and the RO for the Americas. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a school diploma with six 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 institution with four years of relevant professional experience. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Experience in liaison work with government authorities, international organizations, UN agencies, and NGOs is advantageous. Candidates should have experience working with migrants, refugees, and vulnerable groups, as well as in case management and report writing.

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

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant experience in liaison work with government authorities and international organizations. Experience working with migrants, refugees, and vulnerable groups is essential, as is familiarity with case management and the establishment of referral mechanisms. Candidates should also have experience in writing reports and methodological notes, as well as in the dissemination and analysis of information.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish and English 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.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Mexico will be considered. The appointment is contingent upon medical fitness certification, verification of residency, visa, and government authorizations where applicable. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.