Project Support Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration, established to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM collaborates closely with governmental and non-governmental partners to provide services and advice to governments and migrants, ensuring that the needs and rights of migrants are respected. Since 2016, IOM Cameroon has been actively involved in supporting the Government of Cameroon in mobilizing and engaging the Cameroonian diaspora in the development of their countries of origin. The organization recognizes the significant contributions of the diaspora to national development, as highlighted in the National Development Strategy-Cameroon 2030 (NDS30), which identifies the diaspora as a crucial lever for financing development initiatives. However, there is currently no national strategy for engaging the diaspora, which the IOM aims to address through its funded project.

Job Overview:
The Project Support Officer will play a vital role in supporting the project titled 'Strategy for engaging the Cameroonian diaspora in the socio-economic development of Cameroon.' This position involves working under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Senior Policy Assistant. The successful candidate will assist in implementing and monitoring project activities, ensuring that the project aligns with its objectives and delivers expected outcomes. The role requires a proactive approach to managing project budgets, coordinating administrative tasks, and maintaining effective communication with various stakeholders. The Project Support Officer will also be responsible for drafting reports, correspondence, and other documentation, as well as responding to inquiries and maintaining organized records. The position demands a commitment to quality research, effective collaboration, and adaptability to changing circumstances, all while contributing to the development of strategies for diaspora mobilization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Support Officer include:

• Assisting in the implementation and monitoring of project activities to ensure alignment with project goals.
• Monitoring the project budget, checking the availability of funds, obtaining necessary approvals, and updating budget information as required.
• Supporting the administrative coordination of project implementation by liaising with various organizational units and external parties to initiate requests and process administrative actions.
• Drafting correspondence, reports, briefing notes, graphs, statistical tables, presentations, and other documentation as needed.
• Responding to general inquiries and requests for information, establishing and maintaining files and registers.
• Identifying operational challenges in the field, reporting them to line management, and proposing sustainable solutions.
• Evaluating performance indicators related to research quality, report writing, deadline management, collaboration, adaptability, strategy contribution, communication skills, and overall commitment to the project.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Project Support Officer position should possess the following qualifications:

• A diploma in political or social sciences, international relations, development studies, migration studies, human rights, law, or related fields from an accredited university.
• A minimum of four years of relevant experience in political or social science, international relations, development studies, migration studies, human rights, law, or related fields.
• At least three years of operational experience on migration-related issues.
• Proven experience in liaising with government authorities, national or international institutions, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
• Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups, as well as with the diaspora and international organizations or NGOs in the field of migration.
• Familiarity with diaspora mapping and data analysis, along with previous professional experience in international humanitarian organizations or governmental institutions in a multicultural setting.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a diploma in political or social sciences, international relations, development studies, migration studies, human rights, law, or related fields from an accredited university. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and understanding of the complex issues surrounding migration and diaspora engagement.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience in fields such as political or social science, international relations, development studies, migration studies, human rights, or law. Additionally, candidates should have at least three years of operational experience specifically related to migration issues. Experience in liaising with government authorities and working with vulnerable populations, including migrants and refugees, is crucial for this role. Familiarity with diaspora mapping and data analysis is also highly valued, as is previous experience in international humanitarian organizations or NGOs.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is mandatory for this position, with proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking required. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and for the successful implementation of the project. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment that does not consider international terms and conditions. The contract duration and specific compensation details are not mentioned in the job description. IOM emphasizes its commitment to ethical recruitment practices, stating that it does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Candidates must adhere to IOM's data protection principles and maintain confidentiality throughout the recruitment process. Additionally, recruitment will be subject to certification of medical fitness and verification of residence status, visa, and authorizations by the relevant government authorities. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy towards any behavior that contradicts the organization's aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment.