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

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.

Organizational Context and Scope

IOM has been present in Nigeria since 2001 with a footprint in five sub-offices (Benin City, Lagos, Yola, Katsina and Maiduguri) and a main office in Abuja, leading its interventions in 30 States and the Federal Capital. IOM Nigeria works closely with migrants, displaced populations and affected communities, ministries, departments and agencies, and intergovernmental and non-governmental partners at the Federal and State levels. 

Besides forced displacement and deepening humanitarian needs that are predominant in Nigeria, States such as Anambra, Delta, Rivers, Cross River and Bayelsa, Adamawa, Gombe, Jigawa, parts of Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, and Benue also face extreme vulnerabilities as a result of hydro-meteorological hazards such as floods and drought, and the ever-increasing competition for resources. The impact of climate change is exacerbating local farmer-herder tensions as floods and droughts become increasingly regular and intense. 

Since 2009, the insurgency in the Northeast involving several armed groups has resulted in widespread violence, displacement of over two (2) million people, and humanitarian crises, with significant social, economic, and political impacts on the affected communities and the country. The region has also faced environmental degradation, resource competition, and land use competition, further exacerbating tensions. According to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), as of February 2023, Nigeria is currently hosting 3.57 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) due to armed conflicts and other drivers of displacement. The tensions between farmers and herders, exacerbated by the increasing issues of accessing water and land, are forcing the population in Southeast, North-central and Northwest into internal displacement. Malnutrition, and waterborne diseases, including cholera, continue to plaque mobile populations in fragile contexts. The nature and scale of forced displacement in the country present humanitarian and development challenges, that require innovative approaches and response mechanisms from IOM and other stakeholders.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) or the Head of Office in Maiduguri, Nigeria and direct supervision of Programme Officer (WASH), and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) at the Regional Office and relevant Divisions/ Departments/ Units at Headquarters (HQ), the Project Assistant – Community Engagement and Risk Communication (CERC) will be responsible and accountable for supporting and coordinating the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting activities of the WASH programming in Nigeria, both for emergency and transitional programs, including settlement planning, development and improvements.

1. Assist in the implementation and monitoring of Community Engagement and Risk Communication project activities. 

2. Retrieve, compile, summarize, and present information/data on specific project topics.
3. Monitor budget; verify availability of funds; obtain necessary approval and update budget related information.   
4. Support administrative coordination of Community Engagement and Risk Communication project implementation, involving liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, etc.
5. Draft status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery and bringing them to the attention of the supervisor. 
6. Draft correspondence, reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentations and other forms of documentation. 
7. Organize meetings, workshops and training sessions. 
8. Respond to general information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records.
9. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• School diploma with four years of relevant experience; or,

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Environmental Science, Education, International Relations, Development Studies, 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.

Experience

• 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. 

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Skills

• Knowledge of designing and implementing hygiene promotion and RCCE behaviour‑change activities using participatory WASH methodologies such as PHAST, CHAST, and CLTS.

• Ability to apply diverse communication approaches—including drama, community dialogue, radio, mass communication, and culturally adapted IEC tools—to effectively engage communities and promote key hygiene practices.

• Ability to use digital data collection tools such as Kobo, ODK, and SurveyCTO for assessments, monitoring, and reporting.

• Ability to conduct and contribute to WASH‑related assessments (KAP, PDM, field assessments) and use findings to improve hygiene promotion interventions. 

• Ability to supervise and guide Hygiene Promoters, Community Mobilizers, and Outreach Workers, ensuring quality delivery of key public health messages.

• Ability to organize capacity building and to coordinate with local authorities, community leaders, humanitarian actors, and partners to harmonize hygiene promotion and RCCE activities.

• Ability to train, coach, and provide ongoing technical guidance to community hygiene committees, volunteers, and outreach groups on hygiene promotion, community engagement, risk communication, and participatory monitoring.

• Ability to monitor committee performance, ensure adherence to agreed standards, support problem-solving, document achievements and gaps, and strengthen committees’ capacity to mobilize communities and respond to evolving WASH/health risks.

• Ability to support the development and use of culturally appropriate IEC materials and assist procurement/logistics units in acquiring relevant items.

• Ability to monitor hygiene promotion activities, track progress, and recommend improvements to enhance public health outcomes.

• Ability to integrate cross‑cutting themes (AAP, GBV, environment) into hygiene promotion and RCCE programming.

• Strong skills in communication, organization, and team leadership, with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines under pressure.

• Good level of computer literacy; personal commitment, efficiency, flexibility, drive for results. 

• Knowledge of SAP is an advantage;

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Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

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

Working Knowledge of the local languages.

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 five 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 Level 1

• 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

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