Project Associate - Reintegration

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 to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM's mission includes saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration. The organization is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. IOM operates in numerous countries around the world, focusing on various aspects of migration and displacement, and aims to harness the full potential of migration to strengthen its support to people on the move.

Job Overview:
The Project Associate position within IOM Ethiopia focuses on supporting the reintegration team under the Return and Reintegration sub-unit. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the implementation of Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) activities, which facilitate the safe and dignified return of migrants to their home communities. This role involves providing comprehensive reintegration assistance, including economic, social, and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support to returnees. The Project Associate will work closely with government counterparts, service providers, and partners to strengthen national capacities for reintegration and ensure protection-sensitive programming for vulnerable groups. The position requires a proactive approach to support coordination with other programmatic units within the Protection Unit (PXU) and to contribute to addressing the drivers of irregular migration and re-migration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Associate include conducting beneficiary assessments and developing individual reintegration plans, delivering and following up on individual reintegration assistance, maintaining beneficiary case files, and ensuring timely updates of databases and tracking tools. The candidate will conduct regular monitoring visits to assess progress and document outcomes, support the implementation of Community-Based Reintegration (CBR) activities, and participate in community planning processes. Additional responsibilities include supporting livelihoods and economic inclusion activities, assisting in the implementation of Enterprise Development Fund (EDF) activities, undertaking field missions, and engaging in community awareness-raising initiatives. The Project Associate will also collect and compile monitoring data, prepare routine reports, and perform other 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 institution with three years of relevant professional experience. Experience working closely with migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups is essential, along with proven ability to establish strong working relationships with various stakeholders. Familiarity with return and reintegration processes, as well as experience with UN and International Agencies, is preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational and planning abilities, and the capacity to work independently under pressure are 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 from an accredited academic institution. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that candidates have received their education from recognized institutions that meet international standards.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant experience in working with migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons, particularly in providing counseling and referral pathways. Experience in return and reintegration processes, especially within the framework of AVRR schemes, is highly valued. Candidates should also have a background in livelihood or protection programming, with previous experience in UN or International Agencies being preferred. The ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with government counterparts and local partners is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Amharic is required for this position, both oral and written. All IOM staff members are expected to be fluent in one of the organization's official languages, and proficiency in additional Ethiopian languages, particularly Afaan Oromo and/or Tigrigna, is desirable. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the necessary communication standards.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to funding confirmation and may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar positions for a period of 24 months. Appointment is contingent upon certification of medical fitness, accreditation, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. 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, harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.