Project Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an 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, making it a leading organization in the field of migration. IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities they are part of. The organization aims to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified, and it works to address the challenges and opportunities that migration presents.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of programmatic activities that focus on peacebuilding, resettlement, reintegration, land-related interventions in post-conflict contexts, and community stabilization. This position requires close collaboration with various stakeholders, including government and non-government organizations, to ensure the effective execution of project activities. The Project Assistant will be responsible for monitoring project budgets, compiling and presenting data, and assisting in administrative coordination. The role also involves supporting psychosocial activities and community-level infrastructure initiatives, making it essential for the candidate to have strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently. The Project Assistant will be expected to draft reports, organize meetings, and undertake field visits to monitor project activities, ensuring that all actions align with IOM policies and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Assistant's duties include assisting in the implementation and monitoring of project activities related to peacebuilding, resettlement, reintegration, land reconciliation, and community stabilization. Responsibilities also encompass retrieving, compiling, summarizing, and presenting information on specific project topics. The Project Assistant will monitor the project budget, verify the availability of funds, and update budget-related information as necessary. Administrative coordination is a key aspect of the role, which involves liaising with various organizational units and external parties to initiate requests and obtain necessary clearances. The Project Assistant will draft status reports, assist in surveys, maintain beneficiary assistance files and databases, and identify shortfalls in delivery. Additionally, the role includes assisting in psychosocial support activities, organizing logistics for community-level infrastructure activities, drafting correspondence and reports, and organizing meetings and training sessions. Field visits, particularly within the Northern and Eastern provinces, will be required to monitor project activities effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma with four years of relevant professional experience or a Bachelor’s degree in development, peace and conflict studies, international relations, social sciences, law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution, along with two years of professional experience. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. The ideal candidate will have experience in providing administrative or operational support to project implementation, particularly in areas such as reintegration, resettlement, community stabilization, and social cohesion. Experience with local communities or psychosocial initiatives is advantageous.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma with four years of relevant professional experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as development, peace and conflict studies, international relations, social sciences, law, or a related area from an accredited institution. It is essential that candidates have their degrees from recognized universities, as listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of two years of professional experience in project implementation, particularly in areas related to reintegration, resettlement, community stabilization, and social cohesion. Experience in assisting with field activities, data collection, or beneficiary support, preferably with UN agencies, international organizations, or NGOs, is essential. Additionally, experience working with local communities or supporting psychosocial initiatives will be considered an advantage, as it aligns with the project's focus on community engagement and support.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Tamil is required for this position, both oral and written. Candidates who are fluent in all three languages—English, Sinhala, and Tamil—will have an advantage. Proficiency in these languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. IOM's official languages are English, French, and Spanish, but for this role, the focus is primarily on English and Tamil.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to funding confirmation, and any offer made to the candidate will depend on this. The selection process may be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar positions for a period of 24 months. This post is subject to local recruitment, meaning only those holding a valid residence and work permit for Sri Lanka will be considered. The appointment will also be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and necessary government authorizations. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including issues related to 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.