Project Associate

Introduction

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.

Organizational Context and Scope

Founded in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It provides services and advice to governments and migrants, including humanitarian assistance to displaced populations and host communities.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to face one of the world’s most complex and protracted humanitarian crises. Armed conflicts in the eastern provinces (North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, Tanganyika), recurring epidemics (monkeypox, cholera, measles, Ebola), climate shocks, and chronic structural vulnerabilities have led to the forced displacement of more than six million people internally displaced persons, in addition to significant cross-border movements of refugees and returnees. These cumulative shocks have considerably exacerbated mental health, neurological, and substance use disorders, as well as psychosocial distress, while access to specialized mental health services remains very limited, particularly in conflict-affected areas and remote regions. In this context, IOM in the DRC provides a multi-sectoral humanitarian and recovery response, including a growing portfolio of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services in line with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) guidelines on MHPSS in emergencies, the IOM Community-Based MHPSS Handbook, the Minimum Package of Services (MPS) for MHPSS, and the WHO guidelines on mental health risk management (mhGAP-HIG). Working closely with the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention – particularly the National Mental Health Program (PNSM) – the Provincial Health Directorates (DPS) of Tanganyika, UN agencies, and national and international NGOs, IOM contributes to strengthening mental health systems at the national and subnational levels, with a particular focus on the needs of migrants, internally displaced persons, returnees, and host communities.

Under the general supervision of the MHPSS Programme Coordinator (PC) based in Kinshasa, and the direct supervision of the MHPSS Project Officer (PO) based in Kalemie, the Project Associate will assist in the implementation of the five-year initiative (2025-2029) “Improving the living conditions of population groups in critical security contexts in the DRC. Mental health and psychosocial support for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo”, financed by the German Development Bank, KfW, under the mandate of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), by providing administrative, operational and project support.
 

1. Financial Tasks: Receive all payment requests and assist the team in preparing the required documents (PRs, POSs, ISTs); create and maintain a record of all PRs; maintain a file with all PRFs; develop and maintain a record of all supporting documents and keep copies/scans; conduct weekly follow-ups on the payment status with the Finance Team; prepare supporting documents as needed; create and maintain a record of all operational advances and follow up with the team on their timely settlement.
2. Logistics Tasks: Support MHPSS Teams traveling and carrying out field visits to project’sommunities; in collaboration with Logistics Unit; assist in the purchase and distribution of equipment for beneficiaries, the rehabilitation of community infrastructure, and support for health centers, hospitals, and the PNSM office.
3. Assist in the implementation of project activities by following up on the activities carried out by the Finance, Logistics, Communication, Security Units.
4. In collaboration with the Finance, Logistics, Human Resources, and Security departments, participate in the preparation of guidance documents and support tools for the MHPSS Teams (standard operating procedures, checklists, presentations, etc.).
5. Assist MHPSS Teams in the implementation of project-related activities, including community consultations, the reintegration of ex-combatants, the rehabilitation of community infrastructure, training and capacity building, awareness-raising, dissemination of texts and documentation, the establishment of monitoring and support systems for stakeholders, the procurement and rehabilitation of equipment, and the establishment of local committees.
6. Assist in the implementation of project monitoring and evaluation activities, including data collection, regular monitoring, regular, mid-term, and final evaluations, and impact assessments.
7. Assist in maintaining regular and effective communication with the various project partners at the provincial and local levels, including the governor's office, provincial ministries, judicial and security institutions, civil society, and any other stakeholders involved in project implementation.
8. Assist the Project Officer and MHPSS Teams in the preparation of regular reports, respecting deadlines.
9. Perform any other related tasks as requested by management.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• High school diploma with five years of relevant experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in Management, Political or Social Sciences, Law, International Relations, Humanities and/or Development Studies from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant experience.

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

Experience

• Experience assisting in the implementation of projects, preferably in health, mental health, stabilization, democratic dialogue or community mobilization.

• Experience assisting in the implementation of community reintegration projects, particularly in mental health and psychosocial support, stabilization, democratic dialogue, and peacebuilding.

• Familiarity with ex-combatant reintegration programmes is an asset.

• Familiarity with the intervention areas and local context is an asset.

   

Skills

• Ability to apply specialized technical knowledge in assisting in the implementation of project activities.

• Ability to effectively coordinate activities in collaboration with other implementing partners.

• Ability to work effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the wider community.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

• Knowledge of project implementation, monitoring and reporting.

   

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, Good command of French (spoken and written) is required and knowledge of English and Swahili is an advantage.

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.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2, if with direct reports

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings. 

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