Senior Project Associate (Livelihoods)

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 leading inter-governmental 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 and does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 
IOM is a major actor in post-conflict recovery and reconstruction, and as such is heavily involved in livelihoods development and job creation programs. IOM’s strengths lie in its field presence around the country and operational capacity to rebuild community infrastructure, conduct vocational and other trainings, provide grant funding at local level to support business development, and support a variety of other areas key to recovery. 
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Livelihoods Technical Team and the direct supervision of the Program Coordinator – Livelihoods, the incumbent will support the implementation, monitoring and coordination of livelihoods activities, including Graduation Approach (GA) interventions, within the assigned area of responsibility. The post will be based in Kirkuk, Iraq, with travel to various regions/governorates within Iraq, as required, to support livelihoods activities

 

Main Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Under the supervision of the Program Coordinator – Livelihoods, and in coordination with relevant technical colleagues, support team leaders and livelihoods case managers in tracking the implementation of livelihoods activities, including Graduation Approach (GA) interventions, to help ensure timely delivery.

• In coordination with the Program Coordinator – Livelihoods, travel to project sites across Iraq, as required, to monitor supported beneficiaries and target groups, and follow up on the implementation of livelihoods activities in line with approved guidelines, tools, policies, and procedures; document observations and share routine feedback with relevant teams.

• In coordination with the Program Coordinator – Livelihoods, support routine quality checks and verification of livelihoods activities, including monitoring, community feedback processes, community engagement, and other relevant interventions, in line with established procedures.

•  In coordination with the Program Coordinator – Livelihoods, monitor, compile, and submit regular progress updates on livelihoods activities, including GA interventions, using established tracking tools and reporting templates.

•  Support the delivery of orientation and refresher sessions for operational teams on approved livelihoods tools, training materials, systems, and processes, including those related to GA activities.

• In coordination with the Program Coordinator – Livelihoods, monitor program indicators and work closely with operations teams to track progress of livelihoods activities, including GA interventions, against approved workplans.

•  Support routine coordination with external stakeholders, including government entities, local authorities, NGOs, private sector partners, and other relevant actors, to facilitate implementation of livelihoods activities in line with approved program objectives and local priorities.

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•  In coordination with the Program Coordinator – Livelihoods, draft routine reports, briefs, and activity overviews on trainings, sessions, and livelihoods interventions, including GA activities, for internal reporting and external information-sharing, as required.

• Conduct regular monitoring visits, spot checks, and pre-/post-assessments of training and livelihoods activities, including GA interventions, and document findings for follow-up by relevant teams.

• Review and check uploaded business plans, verification documents, and other relevant program documentation related to livelihoods activities, including GA interventions, for completeness and compliance with required formats and standards.

• Support the dissemination of updated SOPs, guidance notes, tools, and implementation instructions to field teams, and assist in tracking their application in day-to-day implementation.

• Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Psychology, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with four  years of relevant professional experience; or

• Completed high school diploma from an accredited academic institution with  six years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• ​​ Experience in supporting the implementation, coordination, and monitoring of livelihoods, recovery, resilience, or community stabilization activities.  

• ​Experience in field-level operational follow-up, implementation tracking, and coordination with field teams across multiple locations.  

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• ​Experience in conducting monitoring visits, reviewing activity documentation, and following up on implementation issues to support timely and quality delivery.  

• ​Experience in working with international organizations, UN agencies, NGOs, or donor-funded programs is an advantage.  

• ​Experience in coordinating with local authorities, service providers, community representatives, and other operational stakeholders is desirable.  

• ​Experience in data collection, consolidation, reporting, and use of implementation tracking tools is desirable.  

•  Experience working with vulnerable individuals and communities, and applying inclusive and protection-sensitive approaches in program implementation, is an advantage.

   

Skills

• Ability to work harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds. 
• ​Good understanding of field implementation, operational follow-up, and monitoring processes.  
• ​Ability to review activity documentation, track implementation progress, and support timely reporting.  
• ​Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities under tight deadlines.  
• ​Strong communication and coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.  
• ​Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.  

• ​Knowledge of data management, reporting tools, and information tracking systems is an advantage. 

   

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 

Arabic and Kurdish are advantage Languages

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 2

• 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