Programme Assistant (Labour Mobility)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is recognized as the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration. IOM works closely with governmental and non-governmental partners to address migration issues globally. The organization focuses on three main objectives: saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration. IOM operates in numerous countries worldwide, providing support and expertise in migration governance, humanitarian assistance, and development initiatives. In Lebanon, IOM's Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion (LMI) unit leads various projects aimed at enhancing labour mobility and social inclusion for refugees and migrants, particularly through the Abeona programme, which supports displaced Syrians in accessing complementary labour pathways to third countries. This programme is funded by both the Government of Italy and the European Union, reflecting IOM's commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in crisis contexts.

Job Overview:
The Programme Assistant (Labour Mobility) will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Abeona programme, which focuses on providing displaced Syrians with access to labour pathways and skills development opportunities. The successful candidate will work under the overall supervision of the Head of Programmes in Beirut and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Manager (Labour Mobility). The position involves a variety of tasks, including project implementation, monitoring, data analysis, budget management, and administrative coordination. The Programme Assistant will be responsible for compiling and presenting information on project topics, drafting reports and correspondence, and liaising with various stakeholders, including local authorities, partners, and UN agencies. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams to achieve project objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Assistant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: assisting in the implementation and monitoring of project activities; retrieving, compiling, summarizing, analyzing, and presenting information/data on specific project topics; coordinating with the Senior Programme Manager to monitor the project budget and verify the availability of funds; acting as the focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation; drafting status reports and identifying shortfalls in delivery; preparing and updating various forms of documentation, including reports, briefing notes, and statistical tables; responding to complex information requests and inquiries; organizing meetings, workshops, and training sessions; participating in meetings and conferences; assisting in coordinating implementation activities with relevant stakeholders; monitoring the work of implementing partners and reporting non-compliances; providing guidance and training to new or junior staff; and performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 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. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. Knowledge of migration-related subject areas, labour migration programmes, and UN and bilateral donor programming is essential. Familiarity with financial rules and regulations is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a school diploma with five years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, or Law. The degree must be from an accredited academic institution, as recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of migration issues and the operational context in which IOM operates.

Experience:
Candidates should have experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national and international institutions, UN agencies, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable groups is highly desirable. Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations or government institutions in a multicultural setting is an advantage. Additionally, experience in skills development and job-matching for migrant workers and/or refugees, particularly through complementary labour pathways, is beneficial for this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Arabic is required for this vacancy. IOM's official languages also include French and Spanish, but the primary languages for this position are English and Arabic. Candidates' proficiency in these languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure effective communication in the role.

Additional Notes:
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for a period of 24 months. The post is subject to local recruitment, meaning only those holding a valid residence and work permit for Lebanon will be eligible for consideration. Appointment will be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and necessary authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy on 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 a fee at any stage of its recruitment process and only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.