Project Coordinator - Belo Horizonte/MG

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

Internal and external candidates will be considered for this vacancy. For the purposes of this vacancy, internal candidates are defined as staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded or ungraded contract, including Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), staff on Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP), UN Volunteers with at least twelve (12) months of continuous service in IOM, and staff members on secondment/loan released by the Organization, unless otherwise specified in their contract. Staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded contract will not retain their contract type if appointed to an ungraded position.

Organizational Context and Scope

The forced return of Brazilians represents a significant humanitarian, social, and economic challenge, requiring a coordinated response based on human rights and sustainable reintegration of forced returnees. Many arrive in Brazil in situations of extreme vulnerability, without financial resources, housing, immediate access to essential services, and with significant mental health consequences for directly affected individuals. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Brazil has been implementing a project to support the Brazilian government in ensuring that forcibly returned Brazilian citizens are received with dignity, that their human rights are respected, and that they receive support to overcome vulnerabilities and reintegrate into society. 

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the National Project Officer based in Brasilia, the Project Coordinator will be responsible for oversight and overall support in the state of Minas Gerais of the project related to forcibly returnees. 

1. In coordination with the National Project Officer based in Brasilia, direct and coordinate the implementation of the project in Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais; monitor implementation of the field activities to ensure work is proceeding according to established plans; analyze field implementation difficulties and make recommendations for adjusting implementation modalities and work plans to best reflect the changing environment on the field.

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

3. Liaise and engage with local projects’ partners, and relevant stakeholders in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais.

4. Participate in meetings and conferences indicated by the National Project Officer based in Brasilia; maintain effective liaison and coordination with local authorities, partners, United Nations agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors, and other stakeholders relevant to the projects.

5. Elaborate internal and external reports, project updates, official documents, press briefing notes, and other related publications; write interim/final narrative reports of the implemented projects for donors.

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

7. Perform other work-related tasks, as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• High school diploma with a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant professional experience.

  Advertisement

• University degree in social sciences, political sciences, psychology law, public policy, health or a related field from an accredited academic institution with a minimum of three (3) years of experience. 

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

Experience

• Working experience in migration context;

• Experience in project management, including managing projects with Government or UN agency, civil society, regional or international organization;

• Thorough knowledge of IOM mandate and activities carried out in the current migration context in Brazil;

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

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

• Experience with movement operations and migrant support is highly advantageous;

• Knowledge of IOM’s policies and procedures is highly advantageous.

   

Skills

• Organizational & Analytical Skills – Strong planning, prioritization, and problem-solving abilities; detail-oriented and effective under pressure;

• Interpersonal & Communication Skills – Works well with stakeholders, local authorities, and beneficiaries; clear and collaborative communicator;

• Responsibility & Adaptability – Accountable, receptive to feedback, and resilient in dynamic environments;

• Creativity & Initiative – Proactively identifies improvements and drives solutions;

• Continuous Learning – Dedicated to ongoing learning and capacity-building;

• Computer Literacy – Skilled in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

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, advanced proficiency in Portuguese and English is required. Advanced proficiency in Spanish is considered 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 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

• 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 (applicable only 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.

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