Senior Project Associate (FRTF)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, development, and policy advocacy, aiming to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. IOM's mission is to support governments and migrants alike, providing services and advice concerning migration to promote the well-being of migrants and their families.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Associate (FRTF) position is crucial for the implementation and coordination of the Family Reunification Task Force (FRTF) program, which aims to reunite parents in Central America with their children residing in the United States. The incumbent will work under the general oversight of the Senior Programme Officer for the IOM USA Programmes Unit and will directly report to the National Project Officer. The role involves supporting the Parole-in-Place (PIP) caseload, ensuring effective processing of cases, and facilitating communication between various stakeholders, including U.S.-based NGOs and internal staff. The position also requires monitoring and strategic planning to enhance case oversight and operational efficiency. The Senior Project Associate will play a vital role in ensuring that the program meets its objectives and provides necessary support to families navigating the reunification process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Project Associate include monitoring the work of five FRTF PIP case workers, assigning tasks, identifying challenges, and supporting the resolution of issues related to submissions to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The incumbent will promote knowledge-sharing among staff, ensure adherence to data protection standards, and provide regular updates on PIP case trends. Additionally, the role involves assisting in the coordination of capacity-building workshops, liaising with NGOs, researching updates on USCIS filing guides, and preparing briefings for program management. The Senior Project Associate will also assist in communication with USCIS regarding Employment Authorization Document (EAD) trends, identify challenges in EAD processing, and support staff with form completion during high-volume periods. Furthermore, the incumbent will contribute to the upkeep of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), support the integration of new staff, and collaborate with data specialists to ensure compliance with reporting requirements.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in international relations, political science, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with four years of relevant work experience. Alternatively, candidates with completed secondary education and six years of relevant working experience will also be considered. Familiarity with services for vulnerable populations within the United States, experience in training on direct assistance implementation, and a casework background with migrant families are essential qualifications. Additionally, experience working with U.S. government donors, IOM, U.S.-based NGOs, and government officials is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in international relations, political science, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Alternatively, candidates with completed secondary education and six years of relevant working experience will be considered. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of migration issues and the legal frameworks governing family reunification.

Experience:
The position requires familiarity with services for vulnerable populations within the United States, as well as experience in offering training on direct assistance implementation. A background in casework with migrant families is essential, along with experience working with U.S. government donors, IOM, U.S.-based NGOs, and government officials. This level of experience is necessary to effectively navigate the challenges associated with the FRTF program and to provide the necessary support to families.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position, both oral and written. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders involved in the family reunification process. Additionally, a working knowledge of Portuguese is desirable, as it may enhance communication with certain populations and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Special Short Term Graded contract with an initial duration of 7 months. It is subject to local recruitment, meaning that only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for the United States will be considered. The appointment will be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, and necessary government authorizations. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.