Senior Project Associate (Durable Solutions and Reintegration)

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Under the Peace, Recovery and Solutions Division (PRSD), IOM Iraq implements an integrated Rehabilitation, Reconciliation, and Reintegration (RRR) – Durable Solutions (DS) approach to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees in achieving safe, dignified, and sustainable solutions. The Durable Solutions Unit’s work areas include policy and coordination, including oversight of IOM’s leadership role in Iraq Durable Solutions coordination mechanisms; data including research and the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM); and operational activities such as housing and infrastructure reconstruction, livelihoods, cash for work and community engagement, in addition to direct support in facilitating voluntary returns for IDPs who have faced protracted displacement.

Under the general guidance of the Chief of Mission for IOM in Iraq, the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator, and reporting directly to the Durable Solutions Programme Coordinator and in close collaboration with field officers in the governorates, the Senior Project Associate is responsible for supporting the implementation on the ground of activities related to durable solutions and reintegration, including monitoring progress, managing budgets, conducting analysis, reporting, stakeholder coordination, and capacity building, while documenting lessons learned and supporting staff supervision and project development.

1. Independently lead and coordinate the implementation of durable solutions and reintegration projects; monitor implementation of the activities to ensure work is proceeding according to established plans; analyse implementation difficulties and make recommendations for adjusting implementation modalities and work plans to best reflect changing environment on the field. 

2. Regularly research, follow-up, compile, analyse and present information/data on national, regional and international developments, reports, legislation and other relevant documentation, highlighting noteworthy issues for the consideration of appropriate parties.

3. Monitor budget expenditures; verify availability of funds and maintain a proper record of approved project budgets and their revisions.

4. Coordinate and monitor the financial, administrative and technical aspects of the project in line with IOM policies and donor requirements.

5. Plan, coordinate and conduct capacity building workshops for relevant internal and external parties.  

6. Participate in meetings and conferences; maintain effective liaison and coordination with local authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project. 

7. Coordinate the preparation of correspondence, briefing notes, presentations, narrative and financial reports; ensure status reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner. 

8. Identify and document good practices and lessons learned; contribute to the development of Standard Operations Procedures (SOP), Terms of Reference (ToR), policies and concept papers and support the development of new projects.

9. Supervise and provide guidance and training to reporting staff. 

10. Perform other related duties as assigned.

• 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 five years of relevant professional experience.

• Completed High School degree from accredited academic institution with seven years relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations; 

• Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and,

• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

• Proven experience in design and implementation of assessments, field-based research and analysis, protection and reintegration monitoring, programmatic impact monitoring, and/or other MEAL assessments.

• Proven experience in development of data collection tools, databases, dashboards, supervision of data collection exercises and capacity building for data collection.

• Experience in report drafting and design, including data visualization and presentation.

• Knowledge and experience of Durable Solutions and Reintegration programming is desirable. 

• Familiarity with and/or experience in Iraq or in other internal displacement contexts in the Middle East is an asset. 

• Familiarity with and/or experience in post-conflict environments is an asset.

• Substantial knowledge of non-profit work including data collection and data analysis in post-conflict settings. 

• Knowledge of Durable Solutions Principles, international standards and Frameworks, Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement. 

• Technical understanding of core protection concepts, prevention, and response strategies. 

• Proven experience of research and assessments on displacement and durable solutions and ability to summarize and explain complex information to other. 

• Excellent analytical, proficiency with computers, especially MS Office and analytics software, mastery of certain programming languages may be required writing and presentation skills. 

• Ability to recognize patterns and trends in large data sets and use numerical information to develop business strategies. 

• Excellent communication, writing, and presentation skills.

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

Fluency in English is required 

Arabic and Kurdish are advantage Languages

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on 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 a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies