Project Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading 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 key player in the global migration landscape. The organization aims to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, focusing on the needs of migrants and the communities they are part of. IOM's mission includes addressing the challenges of migration, enhancing the understanding of migration issues, and providing support to governments in managing migration effectively.

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 successful execution of project activities. The Project Assistant will assist in monitoring project activities, managing budgets, and providing administrative support to ensure that all project components are executed in accordance with IOM policies and procedures. The role also involves data collection, reporting, and facilitating psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support activities for conflict-affected community members, thereby contributing to the overall mission of fostering social cohesion and reconciliation in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: assisting in the implementation and monitoring of project activities related to peacebuilding and community stabilization; retrieving, compiling, summarizing, and presenting information/data on specific project topics; monitoring project budgets and verifying the availability of funds; supporting administrative coordination of project implementation by liaising with various organizational units and external parties; drafting status reports and maintaining beneficiary assistance files and databases; assisting in psychosocial support activities by managing logistical arrangements and facilitating referrals; preparing documentation for reintegration assistance and community-level infrastructure activities; organizing meetings, workshops, and training sessions; undertaking field visits to monitor project activities; responding to general information requests; and performing other related duties as assigned.

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 with two years of professional experience. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate good organizational and time management skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).

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. The degree must be from an accredited institution recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that candidates have a solid academic foundation to support their professional responsibilities.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience in providing administrative or operational support to the implementation of projects in areas such as reintegration, resettlement, beneficiary assistance, 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 or community-based initiatives will be considered an advantage, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to engage effectively with diverse populations and contribute to community development efforts.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Tamil is required for this position, both oral and written. Additionally, fluency in Sinhala is advantageous, as it enhances communication with a broader range of stakeholders. IOM's official languages are English, French, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages may be evaluated during the selection process, which could include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the language requirements effectively.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Sri Lanka 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, where applicable. The selection process may be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for a period of 24 months. 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 based on various factors. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.