Project Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is recognized as the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration. IOM collaborates closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to address the complexities of migration. The organization is dedicated to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits both migrants and society. IOM's mission includes assisting in the management of migration challenges, enhancing understanding of migration issues, promoting social and economic development through migration, and upholding the dignity and well-being of migrants. IOM operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing a diverse workforce committed to these goals.

Job Overview:
The Project Associate position is integral to the implementation of project activities related to accommodation services and the Assisted Voluntary Returns hub. The role is supervised by the Chief of Mission in Cyprus and the National Project Officer, ensuring that project activities are executed effectively and in compliance with organizational standards. The Project Associate will coordinate with various units and partners, assist in monitoring project activities, and ensure that all necessary administrative actions are taken. This position requires the retrieval, compilation, summarization, analysis, and presentation of information related to specific project topics. The Project Associate will also monitor the project budget, verify fund availability, and ensure that all budget-related information is updated accordingly. The role involves extensive liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties, drafting reports and correspondence, responding to complex inquiries, organizing meetings and training sessions, and providing guidance to new or junior staff members.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Associate include:

• Supporting the implementation and monitoring of project activities related to accommodation services and the Assisted Voluntary Returns hub.
• Coordinating with relevant units and partners to ensure effective delivery of assistance.
• Retrieving, compiling, summarizing, analyzing, and presenting information/data on specific project topics.
• Monitoring the project budget, verifying the availability of funds, obtaining necessary approvals, and updating budget-related information.
• Acting as the focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties.
• Drafting status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, and suggesting remedial actions.
• Preparing and updating reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentations, and other documentation.
• Responding to complex information requests and inquiries, setting up and maintaining files/records, and organizing meetings, workshops, and training sessions.
• Participating in meetings and conferences, assisting in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, UN agencies, NGOs, donors, and other stakeholders. 1
• Monitoring the work of implementing partners and reporting non-compliances to the supervisor. 1
• Providing guidance and training to new or junior staff members. 1
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Project Associate position include:

• A school diploma with five 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 with three years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, UN agencies, and NGOs.
• Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups.
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations or government institutions in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
• In-depth knowledge of the migration setting in Cyprus and familiarity with UN and bilateral donor programming.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a school diploma with five 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 from an accredited institution. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience if they hold a Bachelor’s degree, or five years of relevant experience if they have a school diploma. Experience should include liaising with governmental authorities and working with vulnerable groups such as migrants and refugees. Prior experience with international humanitarian organizations is considered an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Greek (both written and oral) is required for this position. IOM’s official languages also include French and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages may be beneficial. Language proficiency 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 Cyprus will be considered. The appointment is contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and government authorizations 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 similar positions for a period of 24 months. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct 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 during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.