Project Associate - Return, Readmission and Reintegration

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including return, readmission, and reintegration, and aims to provide support to migrants and communities affected by migration. IOM's mission is to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified, and it works closely with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to achieve this goal.

Job Overview:
The Project Associate will play a crucial role in supporting IOM Finland's initiatives related to Return, Readmission, and Reintegration, with a specific emphasis on repatriation. This position involves working under the supervision of the Head of Office and the Programme Coordinator, collaborating with various units within IOM and external partners. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing and monitoring project activities, ensuring that they align with IOM's standards and objectives. The role requires a proactive approach to data management, budget monitoring, and administrative coordination, as well as effective communication with stakeholders to facilitate project implementation. The Project Associate will also be involved in drafting reports, managing information requests, and organizing meetings and training sessions, thereby contributing to the overall success of IOM's projects in Finland.

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

• Assisting in the implementation and monitoring of project activities related to return, readmission, and reintegration.
• Retrieving, compiling, summarizing, analyzing, and presenting information and data on specific project topics.
• Monitoring project budgets, verifying the availability of funds, obtaining necessary approvals, and updating budget-related information.
• Acting as the focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, liaising with various organizational units and external parties to initiate requests and process administrative actions.
• Drafting status reports to identify shortfalls in delivery, bringing them to the attention of the supervisor, and suggesting remedial actions.
• Preparing and updating reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, and other documentation related to project issues.
• Responding to complex information requests and inquiries, maintaining organized files and records, and coordinating 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.
• Monitoring the work of implementing partners and reporting any non-compliances to the supervisor. 1
• Providing guidance and training to new or junior staff members. 1
• Performing other related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

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 working with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, UN agencies, or NGOs.
• Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups.
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations or in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
• Familiarity with project-based approaches, including planning, implementing, and monitoring activities using structured tools and methodologies such as results-based management (RBM).

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, Law, or related fields from an accredited institution. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that candidates have received a quality education that meets international standards.

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 if they possess a school diploma. Experience should include working with governmental authorities, national or international institutions, UN agencies, or NGOs, particularly in contexts involving migrants, refugees, and vulnerable populations. Familiarity with project management and structured methodologies is also beneficial, as is experience in a multi-cultural environment.

Languages:
For this position, a working knowledge of English is mandatory, both oral and written. Proficiency in Swedish is considered advantageous, and any additional languages spoken by the main migrant populations in Nordic countries are desirable. IOM's official languages are English, French, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages may be evaluated during the selection process, which could include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning that only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Finland will be considered. The appointment will also be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, and necessary government authorizations. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Candidates should be aware that IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system. The selection process may also be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar roles for a period of 24 months.