Programme Support Assistant (Protection)

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 offices in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members worldwide. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, development, and protection of migrants' rights, and works closely with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to address migration challenges globally.

Job Overview:
The Programme Support Assistant (Protection) will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of IOM Hungary's protection programmes. This position involves providing administrative, coordination, and technical support under the supervision of the Senior Project Associate (Protection) and guidance from the National Project Officer (Head of Programmes). The incumbent will be responsible for data management, case tracking, stakeholder coordination, and donor reporting inputs, ensuring compliance with IOM policies and donor requirements. The role requires a proactive approach to assist in monitoring project activities, compiling and analyzing data, and maintaining effective communication with various stakeholders, including local authorities and partner organizations. The Programme Support Assistant will also be involved in drafting reports and correspondence related to project issues, organizing meetings and training sessions, and providing guidance to new or junior staff members.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Support Assistant (Protection) 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, 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 to identify shortfalls in delivery and suggesting remedial actions; preparing and updating reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, and presentations; responding to complex information requests and inquiries; setting up and maintaining files/records; organizing meetings, workshops, and training sessions; participating in meetings and conferences; assisting in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, UN agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors, and other stakeholders; monitoring the work of implementing partners and reporting non-compliances to the supervisor; providing guidance and training to new or junior staff; and performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Programme Support Assistant (Protection) position include a school diploma with four 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 two years of relevant professional experience. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates must demonstrate strong organizational and administrative skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage confidential and sensitive information appropriately. Strong communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement are also essential, along with proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess either a school diploma with four 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 qualifications must be from universities recognized in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that candidates have a solid academic foundation to support their professional responsibilities.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have experience in protection, social work, case management, or humanitarian assistance. Familiarity with migrant rights, counter-trafficking, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, and child protection is essential. Previous experience with data collection, reporting, and database management is also necessary. Candidates should have experience in liaising with government entities, NGOs, and international organizations, and knowledge of IOM and UN protection mandates and policies is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Hungarian is required for this position, both oral and written. IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages may be evaluated during the selection process, which could include written and/or oral assessments. Candidates must demonstrate their language skills effectively to ensure clear communication within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Hungary will be eligible for consideration. Any offer made to the candidate is contingent upon funding confirmation. The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned government, where applicable. IOM maintains 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, 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 any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.