Project Associate (AVRR)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, saving lives and protecting people on the move. The organization drives solutions to displacement and facilitates pathways for regular migration while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration and providing assistance to those in need.

Job Overview:
The Project Associate will work under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Head of Unit for Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration. The primary responsibility of this position is to assist in the implementation of Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration projects. These projects aim to support the Austrian return system by complementing existing national mechanisms in the field of assisted voluntary return and reintegration, with a particular focus on returnees in vulnerable situations. The role involves providing operational and needs-based support to ensure safe, timely, and dignified return and sustainable reintegration. Additionally, the Project Associate will be involved in quality assurance measures to support central stakeholders of the system through training and exchange opportunities, as well as outreach and communication activities. The position requires close coordination with IOM offices in the countries of return and collaboration with relevant stakeholders in Austria.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Associate include assisting in the implementation, coordination, and monitoring of assisted voluntary return and reintegration activities. The candidate will retrieve, compile, summarize, analyze, and present information/data on specific project topics, particularly focusing on communication activities such as website content and information material. The Project Associate will monitor the budget, verify the availability of funds, obtain necessary approvals, and update budget-related information. Coordination of communication-related expenses with relevant colleagues and units in the Country Office (CO) Austria is also part of the role. The candidate will draft status reports, identify shortfalls in delivery, and suggest remedial actions to the supervisor. They will prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentations, and other forms of documentation. The Project Associate will respond to complex information requests and inquiries, maintain files/records, organize meetings, workshops, and training sessions, and participate in meetings and conferences. They will assist in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, UN agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors, and other stakeholders relevant to the project, with a special focus on communication activities. The role also involves monitoring the work of implementing partners, providing guidance/training to new or junior staff, and performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires 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. Candidates should have experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups is essential. Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations or government institutions in a multicultural setting is an advantage. Familiarity with website maintenance (Drupal), content management, and website analytics/tracking tools (e.g., Matomo) is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess 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, Law, or related fields from an accredited academic institution. The educational background should be from institutions recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that the candidate has received a quality education that aligns with the requirements of the position.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to 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 possess only a school diploma. Experience should include liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Candidates should also have 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 multicultural setting is considered an advantage. Additionally, experience with website maintenance and content management is beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English and German is required for this position, both oral and written. All IOM staff members are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish). The proficiency of the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments. Candidates should demonstrate their language skills effectively to meet the communication needs of the role.

Additional Notes:
The position classification is General Service Staff, Grade G5, and it is part-time, requiring 32 hours per week. The 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. Any offer made to the candidate is subject to funding confirmation, and the appointment will be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM has 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, abuse of authority, and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background, or disabilities. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process and only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.