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 become a key player in the field of migration, with a mission to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. The organization operates in over 100 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to addressing the challenges and opportunities of migration. IOM's work encompasses a wide range of areas including migration management, humanitarian assistance, and development, with a focus on protecting the rights and dignity of migrants.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) program in Turkey. This position involves assisting in the implementation and monitoring of project activities aimed at providing support to beneficiaries of the AVRR program. The incumbent will work closely with the National Project Officer and the Senior Project Associate to ensure effective communication and coordination among stakeholders involved in the AVRR process. The role requires a proactive approach to managing project-related tasks, including data compilation, budget monitoring, and administrative coordination. The Project Assistant will also be responsible for drafting reports and documentation, organizing meetings and training sessions, and responding to inquiries related to the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the implementation and monitoring of project activities related to the AVRR program.
• Retrieve, compile, summarize, and present information/data on specific AVRR project topics to support decision-making.
• Monitor the project budget, verify the availability of funds, obtain necessary approvals, and update budget-related information as required.
• Support the administrative coordination of project implementation by liaising with various organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, and process administrative actions.
• Draft status reports that identify shortfalls in delivery and bring them to the attention of the supervisor for timely resolution.
• Prepare correspondence, reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentations, and other forms of documentation as needed.
• Organize meetings, workshops, and training sessions to facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity building among stakeholders.
• Respond to general information requests and inquiries, and maintain organized files and records related to the project.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor to support the overall objectives of the AVRR program.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a school diploma with four 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, along with two years of relevant professional experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Additionally, candidates should have experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations, as well as experience working with migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups. Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations is considered an advantage.

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

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience if they hold a Bachelor’s degree, or four years of relevant experience if they possess only a school diploma. Experience should include working with governmental authorities, international institutions, and non-governmental organizations, particularly in contexts involving migrants, refugees, and vulnerable populations. Experience in a multi-cultural setting and with international humanitarian organizations is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Turkish is required for this position, both oral and written. Knowledge of additional UN languages such as French or Spanish is considered an asset. Proficiency in the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Turkey 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. 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. 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. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.