Job Description

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

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Mission in Sri Lanka and the direct supervision of the National Programme Officer of the Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion (LMI) Unit, the Project Assistant is responsible for supporting the implementation of projects under the LMI Unit.

1. Assist in the implementation and monitoring of project activities.
2. Retrieve, compile, summarise, and present information/data on specific project topics.
3. Monitor budget by verifying availability of funds, obtaining necessary approval and updating budget-related information.
4. Support administrative coordination of project implementation, involving liaison with diverse organisational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, etc.
5. Draft status reports, identify shortfalls in delivery and bringing them to the attention of supervisor.
6. Draft correspondence, reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentations and other forms of documentation.
7. Organise meetings, workshops and training sessions.
8. Respond to general information requests and inquiries. Set up and maintain files/records.
9. Perform such other relevant duties as maybe assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in political or social sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• High School diploma with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience working on projects related to labour migration, skills development, ethical recruitment practices and social development;
• Experience in project implementation and organizing and facilitating meetings, workshops, trainings and events;
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organisations;
• Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and,
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organisations, non-government or government institutions/organisation in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

Skills

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Good administrative and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain records, and meet deadlines.
• Strong coordination skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues and stakeholders at different levels.
• Ability to prepare and format official correspondence, meeting minutes, reports, presentations, and other project-related documents.
• Strong familiarity with project management methodologies and best practices in the development/migration sector

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

REQUIRED

For this position, fluency in English and Sinhala / Tamil is required.

DESIRABLE

Fluency in all three languages is advantageous.

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