Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 18038
Position Title: Project Manager (DTM)
Duty Station City: Berlin
Duty Station Country: Germany
Grade: UG
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (9 Months with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Call for Applications
Initial duration: 9 Months with possibility of extension
Closing date: 26 December 2025

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

This is an expedited recruitment process open only to:

a) internal candidates and

b) former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment process.

This process is not open to external applicants; their applications will not be considered at this time.

Context

In a complex and uncertain world, the useful application of data for evidence-based policy and action is needed now more than ever. Whether it be helping displaced people find durable solutions in the face of climate change, to analysis that allows better forecasting of migration trends and preparedness—managing human mobility to contribute to sustainable development requires a data-driven approach.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has an abundance of information about human mobility: With offices in almost every country, IOM is trusted by its Member States for deep domain knowledge and field expertise. IOM has strategic partnerships with other United Nations (UN) agencies and stakeholders in the UN Migration Network. It works directly with a wide range of beneficiaries and enjoys a place at the forefront of data protection efforts within the UN system.

Mixed movements of refugees and migrants, along dangerous land and sea routes, pose multifaceted challenges for governments, humanitarian actors and host communities across countries of origin, transit, asylum and destination. These journeys involve diverse populations—refugees, asylum-seekers, migrants, and victims of trafficking—each with distinct profiles and protection needs.

A route-based approach to data collection and analysis refers to research in which the ‘route’ is the unit of reference. This means that route-based analysis often takes on a multi-country perspective, looking at conditions and migrant experiences at multiple geographic points (each reflecting a different stage of the journey) and studying various populations (such as aspiring migrants, migrants in transit, returnees, diaspora members etc.). It examines the interdependencies between locations and how factors and conditions at origin, during the different phases of the journey and at destination facilitate migration along specific routes and shape the experiences of migrants travelling along them. This approach also involves a sound contextual analysis of the multiple drivers of human mobility and their impact on individuals and societies in areas of origin to IOM and partners better understand and address the diverse needs of people on the move. Route-based analysis also strives to better understand the nature of the journeys along certain routes, the conditions of travel, migrants’ needs and the risks they may face. A better understanding of the complexities of migration decisions and experiences can help IOM and partners to advance more effective migration policies, strengthen access to protections, address the factors that drive both initial and secondary migration and thereby ensure more effective, integrated and customized humanitarian and development programming interventions that are data-driven, context-specific and can be brought to scale. To achieve this DTM envisages a process of ensuring data harmonization between various IOM datasets, and partner datasets (such as UNHCR) is critical.

Under the overall supervision of the Director of the Department of Humanitarian Response and Recovery (DHRR) and the direct supervision of the Global Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Coordinator, and in close coordination with the Migrant Protection Unit (within Department of Mobility Pathways and Inclusion) and Regional Data Hubs, the Project Manager (DTM) will be responsible to manage the implementation of a joint initiative by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and IOM to harmonize data collection methodologies, terminologies used and related processes along key mixed movement routes. The aim is to improve protection-sensitive analysis and inform coordinated responses to the evolving dynamics of refugee and migrant movements. The initiative builds on existing collaborations and leverages data from multiple sources to address fragmentation, enhance interoperability, and support evidence-based policy and programming. Through the development of joint tools, field pilots, and reporting platforms, the project seeks to establish a scalable framework for route-based data collection and analysis. In particular, the Project Manager (DTM) will:

Lead the management and coordination of the joint initiative to establish joint operational and technical processes between UNHCR and IOM in the methodologies for the management, analysis and production of data on mixed movements.
Coordinate the establishment of a Technical Working Group (TWG) between agencies including migrant protection and data experts to compile a comprehensive mapping of existing data systems, tools, and coordination mechanisms.
Facilitate drafting of and agreement upon technical tools to support joint data collection and analysis, including an analytical framework, templates, metadata standards, and ethical protocols as part of a guidance package expected as a project deliverable
In close liaison with the Regional Data Hubs and DTM operations, coordinate the operationalization of the joint framework in selected pilot countries.
Coordinate and contribute to the process of producing route-based fact sheets, thematic reports, presentations, and infographics that analyze migration trends and inform evidence-based decision-making, policy development, and programming as per joint initiative.
Facilitate coordination with internal and external stakeholders on data aspects of IOMs route-based approach as relevant to the DTM portfolio, including UN agencies, national governments, and Non Government Organizations (NGOs), to ensure alignment and maximize impact.
Coordinate training and capacity-building activities to address global and regional needs and support governments in strengthening their migration data systems as needed.
Build and sustain productive relationships with internal IOM units, external partners, UN agencies, national counterparts, and NGOs to enhance the effectiveness of migration data initiatives.
Collaborate closely with the Missing Migrant Project (MMP), Migrant Protection's MiMOSA case management team, and other migration data initiatives relevant to inform route-based narratives.
Undertake other responsibilities as required to support the successful implementation of migration data initiatives and contribute to achieving the project’s broader objectives.
Track and report on project progress, ensuring timely delivery of outputs and completion of activities as per the project schedule/workplan.
Track the project budget and other relevant project management steps.
Draft the project narrative reports and ensure that the internal review processes are completed within the reporting timeframes.
Perform such other duties that may be assigned.

Education

Master’s Degree in International Relations, Data Science, Social Sciences, Migration Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with with five years of relevant professional experience; or
University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

Significant experience in applied analytics, information management, statistics, migration data analysis, stakeholder management or related area is required;
Experience in using migration data to advance decisions, strategies and execution is required;
Experience with self-service analytics and data visualization applications (MS PowerBI, Qlik, Tableau or similar) is required;
Experience with databases or statistical analysis languages (SQL, Python, R, Stata) is considered as asset;
Extensive experience in project development, management and reporting;
Experience in managing large-scale data collection operations;
Experience in managing teams;
Experience in research, and analytical report writing on migration;
Professional or academic experience in combining qualitative and quantitative research methods;
Practical experience in multi-tasking, prioritizing and working independently; and,
Experience working in the UN or other international development organizations is considered an asset.

Skills

Strong and demonstrable interest in migration and/or humanitarian issues, including strong understanding of the migratory context in the Americas;
Knowledge of data protection and ethical data gathering and use principles;
Excellent communication skills and excellent attention to detail and quality including;
Excellent research, writing, analytical skills and creative thinking; ability to prepare clear and concise reports;
Ability to explain and make complex information on data accessible and understandable to a wide variety of stakeholders;
Ability to manage a wide and complex variety of tasks and coordinate with a diverse array of internal and external actors to assess their data needs and assist them in closing data gaps;
Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a multicultural environment with colleagues from various professional backgrounds; and,
Personal commitment, efficiency, flexibility.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French, Spanish and/or another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, and Russian) is an advantage.

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

Required Competencies

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

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these values:

Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators

Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way

Notes

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

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.

This vacancy is only open to current and former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment process.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station's country cannot be considered eligible.

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

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

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.

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.