National Project Officer - (MPRR-SSA)

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read 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 as well as external women candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Funded by the European Union through the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA) is IOM’s flagship initiative supporting vulnerable and stranded migrants. Operating in 16 countries across the Atlantic/Western and Central Mediterranean corridors, it mobilizes protection, reintegration, knowledge exchange, and partnership networks to make return safer, more dignified, and sustainable. The programme is structured around two key components:

1. The provision of a comprehensive gender-responsive, rights-based and disability-inclusive protection and other essential support for migrants stranded in relevant Sub-Saharan transit countries in the Atlantic/Western and Central Mediterranean routes. The support provided includes search and rescue operations, protection services, and the facilitation of assisted voluntary return to safer areas in their countries of origin, where they can access basic services. Additional support includes pre-departure services such as hospitality, medical and psychological assistance, and help with travel documentation. Upon arrival, migrants also receive short-term post-arrival assistance to aid their initial reintegration.
2. The provision of an individual reintegration assistance in countries of origin in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the aim to support psychosocial, social and economic sustainable reintegration whilst ensuring a gender- and age-sensitive approach. This component also covers reintegration support for Sub-Saharan returnees from North African countries.

In The Gambia, IOM is delivering the programme’s component on post-arrival assistance and sustainable individual-level reintegration, in coordination with various stakeholders. 

Under the overall supervision of the MPRR-SSA Project Manager, the successful candidate will contribute to the implementation of the Project, with a specific focus on leading national liaison, including with Government, civil society, and other national and local partners, as well as providing technical and administrative support to implementation of project activities.

1. Prepare work plans, interim reports, project visibility, communication plans and M&E Framework, in collaboration with the Project Manager.
2. Support the Project Manager in liaising and working closely with various Government ministries such as the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE), and others.
3. Support the Project Manager in the strategic expansion of partnerships and maintaining strong contacts with relevant national stakeholders, private sector counterparts and project partners related to IOM’s operations to maintain productive and collaborative working relationships.
4. Plan and coordinate the organization of workshops, trainings and other events to support development and operationalization of related policy frameworks, including those relating to return and reintegration as well as a National Coordination Mechanism on Migration; engaging relevant project stakeholders and partners, overseeing preparation and issuance of invitations and associated documentation, securing of suitable venues, coordinating bookings, and taking care of other administrative issues. 
5. Organize regular meetings of the project coordination bodies, including the Project Steering Committee, Technical Working Group and Sub-Working Groups focusing on specific thematic areas. 
6. Monitor project implementation according to work plan and available resources and inform the Project Manager of any identified shortfalls in delivery and budget overruns, in timely manner and suggest appropriate actions.
7. Compile, summarize, analyze and present detailed information/data on the project and related topics or issues.
8. Supervise relevant national staff working under the project. 
9. Actively participate in the development and review of training and awareness raising materials and provide technical inputs. 
10. Draft periodic reporting, briefing notes, visibility products and project factsheets in line with donor visibility requirement and internal guidelines, in close coordination with Gambia’s Communications Unit.
11. Coordinate and monitor the maintenance of project files and upload of relevant project documents into SharePoint.
12. Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Law, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Human Rights, Business Administration or a related field from an accredited academic institution; or,

• University degree in Law, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Human Rights, Business Administration or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with 2 years of relevant professional experience, preferably in administrative and project management support or similar roles..

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

Experience and Skills

• Experience in working with the government or with an international organization or a non-governmental organization, or a humanitarian or development agency is an advantage;

• Experience and/or knowledge of labour laws, labour migration, diaspora engagement policies or migration governance is a distinct advantage;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

• Excellent organizational and time management skills;

• Experience with International Organizations a considerable advantage;

• Sound knowledge of programme implementation and evaluation and familiarity with financial and business administration;

• Computer literate including use of Microsoft Office; and,

• Knowledge of migration, labour and trade institutions and processes is a distinct 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 and one of the local languages is required, Knowledge of French is 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 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