Project Associate (EPR)

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 works closely with governmental, inter-governmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. With 175 member states and an additional 8 states holding observer status, IOM has offices in over 100 countries. The organization is dedicated to providing services and advice to governments and migrants, ensuring that migration is managed effectively and humanely. Brazil has been a member state of IOM since 2004, and the organization applies Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) and Area-Based Approaches (ABA) to enhance local preparedness, response, and resilience. EPR focuses on risk identification, preparedness, capacity-building, simulation exercises, and coordination, while ABA emphasizes a place-based perspective to understand local risks, capacities, and needs, supporting integrated interventions involving various stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Project Associate will work under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the National Project Officer. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of project activities specifically in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. This position requires a proactive approach to assist in the implementation and monitoring of project activities, ensuring that all tasks are completed efficiently and effectively. The Project Associate will be responsible for retrieving, compiling, summarizing, analyzing, and presenting information and data on specific project topics. This role also involves monitoring the project budget, verifying the availability of funds, obtaining necessary approvals, and updating budget-related information. The Project Associate will act as a focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, which includes extensive liaison with various organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, and process administrative actions. The candidate will draft status reports, identify shortfalls, and suggest remedial actions to address any delivery gaps. Additionally, the Project Associate will respond to complex information requests, maintain files and records, and organize meetings, workshops, and training sessions. Participation in meetings and conferences to coordinate implementation activities with local authorities, partners, UN agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors, and other stakeholders is also a key expectation of this role.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Associate include: assisting in the implementation and monitoring of project activities; retrieving, compiling, summarizing, analyzing, and presenting information/data on specific project topics; monitoring the project budget by verifying the availability of funds, obtaining necessary approvals, and updating budget-related information; acting as the focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, which involves extensive liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties; drafting status reports, identifying shortfalls, and suggesting remedial actions to address delivery gaps; drafting correspondence on project issues and preparing and updating reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentations, and other forms of documentation; responding to complex information requests and inquiries; setting up and maintaining files/records; organizing meetings, workshops, and training sessions; participating in meetings and conferences to assist in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, UN agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors, and other stakeholders relevant to the project; assisting in monitoring the work of Implementing Partners (IP) and reporting non-compliances to the supervisor; providing guidance and training to new or junior staff; and performing other relevant duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Project Associate position include a Master’s degree in Urban Planning, International Relations, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution, along with five years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the aforementioned fields, combined with five years of relevant professional experience, is also acceptable. Candidates should have experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national and international institutions, United Nations 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, non-governmental organizations, or government institutions in a multi-cultural setting is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Urban Planning, International Relations, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Alternatively, a University degree in the same fields, accompanied by five years of relevant professional experience, is acceptable. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the project.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least five years of relevant professional experience. This experience should include working in roles that involve liaising with governmental authorities, national and international institutions, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Additionally, candidates should have experience working with vulnerable populations, including migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons. Prior experience with international humanitarian organizations or in a multi-cultural setting is highly valued and considered an advantage.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is typically required for positions within international organizations like IOM. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to the populations served by the organization, would be considered beneficial and could enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
The job posting does not specify the contract duration, seniority level, or whether the position is full-time or part-time. However, given the nature of the role and the organization, it is likely to be a full-time position. The IOM is known for recruiting both nationally and internationally, and candidates should be aware that compensation and benefits will be aligned with the organization's policies and standards.