Project Associate (Durable Solutions)

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

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the UN Migration Agency. With 175 member states it is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. Established in 1951 and now active in over 400 field locations worldwide, IOM works with partners, government and civil society to: 1. Assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration and human mobility; 2. Advance understanding of migration issues; 3. Encourage social and economic development through migration; and 4. Uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants and mobile populations.  

Burundi continues to experience complex displacement dynamics driven by returns of refugees, internal displacement, climate-related shocks, land pressures and limited absorption capacity at community level. In this context, IOM supports government-led and community-based efforts to advance durable solutions for returnees, internally displaced persons and host communities, with a strong focus on social cohesion, access to basic services, livelihoods and local governance. IOM’s Durable Solutions portfolio in Burundi contributes to the humanitarian–development–peace nexus by strengthening local systems, supporting communal planning processes and promoting inclusive recovery in displacement-affected areas.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, the supervision of the Programme Officer (Durable Solutions) and the direct supervision of the Senior Project Associate (Durable Solutions), the incumbent will support the implementation, coordination and monitoring of durable solutions interventions under IOM Burundi’s programme portfolio.

The incumbent will contribute to the effective delivery of Durable Solutions activities in line with IOM’s strategic priorities in Burundi, with a focus on community-based approaches supporting return, local integration and resilience of displacement-affected communities. The position provides programme support across planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting processes, including coordination with government counterparts, implementing partners and local communities.

NOTE: This position is open to national candidates only

1. Assist in the implementation and monitoring of project activities of the durable solutions programme in Burundi following IOM standards and donor requirements. 

2. Retrieve, compile, summarize, analyse, and present information/data on durable solutions project topics.
3. Monitoring the budget and verifying availability of funds; obtain necessary approval and update budget related information. 
4. Act as focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, involving extensive 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, bring them to the attention of the supervisor and suggest remedial actions.
6. Draft correspondence on project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentation and other forms of documentation. 
7. Respond to complex information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records; organize meetings, workshops and training sessions related to durable solutions programming; 
8. Participate in meetings and conferences related to durable solutions; assist in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project. 
9. Assist in monitoring work of implementing partners and report non-compliances to the supervisor.
10. Provide guidance/training to new/junior staff. 
11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• High school diploma with five years of relevant professional experience; or,

• 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 three 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. 

Skills

• Demonstrated skills in supporting livelihoods development and/or financial inclusion initiatives in displacement‑affected and fragile settings, including community-based livelihoods, income‑generating activities, vocational support and linkages to local markets and financial services.

• Proven ability to contribute to the design and implementation of social cohesion, dialogue and community engagement activities.

• Strong skills in community-level coordination and engagement with government counterparts, local authorities, community structures, civil society actors and implementing partners to support inclusive and locally owned solutions.

• Ability to support knowledge transfer and capacity strengthening of local actors and community representatives through on-the-job support, coaching, facilitation of learning sessions and documentation of good practices.

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• Solid skills in programme implementation support, including activity planning, field follow-up, coordination of partners, monitoring of activities and consolidation of inputs for reporting.

• Strong analytical and organizational skills, with the ability to collect, synthesize and share field-level information to inform programme adjustments and decision-making.

• Ability to work independently under supervision, manage multiple priorities, and maintain constructive working relationships in a team-oriented and field-driven environment.

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 French and Kirundi as well as working knowledge of 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.

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