Senior Project Assistant (PxD / AVMCT) at the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) - Established in 1951, 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. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Project Assistant (PxD / AVMCT)

SVN No. SVN2023.127
Location: Lagos
Organizational Unit: Protection Division
IOM Classification: G6
Type of Appointment: Special Short-Term (SST) 6 months with possibility of extension

Context

• IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity. Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female 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.
• migration along the Central Mediterranean Route (CMR) remains one of the most dangerous migration routes worldwide. A significant number of Nigerian citizens continue to travel within West Africa and Northern Africa, in search of better economic opportunities. IOM data shows that from 2017 to date, 30% of migrants in transit and destination countries in the CMR route experience exploitative practices during their migratory journey and protection services.
• Those willing to return to Nigeria need to have access to comprehensive and sustainable reintegration assistance through national and regional mechanisms which remain limited. To meet these challenges and needs, IOM has partnered with the Federal Government of Nigeria, state actors, national and international NGOs in Nigeria, with the support from the European Commission (EU), the governments of The Netherlands, Italy, and Switzerland. Through this partnership, a comprehensive protection programme aimed at promoting the security, dignity, and rights of migrants along this dangerous migration route and improve the reintegration of returnees.
• The Migration Governance programme focuses on broader programme areas which includes different types of interventions, such as protection and assistance to vulnerable migrants, counter-trafficking (CT) activities, assistance for voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR), mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), migration data and facilitating regular migration pathways.
• The Migration Governance programme is strategically aimed at fostering synergies through a whole of government and whole of society approach that leverages on partnerships with actors in the migration space, strengthening the technical and material capacities of the authorities and organizations for sustainable project outcomes.
• A major component of the migration governance programme is the protection assistance programme where over 18,000 received comprehensive reintegration assistance.
• Reintegration assistance can be considered sustainable when returnees have reached levels of economic self-sufficiency, social stability within their communities, and psychosocial well-being that allow them to cope with and resist to (re)migration drivers. Having achieved sustainable reintegration, returnees are able to make further migration decisions as a matter of choice rather than necessity.
• Working under the overall supervision of the Project Officer (AVM,CT,MM), and direct supervision of the National Officer (MM,CT) Lagos, and in close collaboration and consultation with other units within the Migration Governance Unit, the successful candidate will be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the AVMCT interventions, with a view to strengthen local actors’ capacities especially at state level to provide improved rehabilitation and reintegration support services.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

• Coordinate and monitor the implementation of the Counter-Trafficking and Victim Protection activities and deliverables, including timely delivery, quality control, administrative matters, follow-up and financial support.
• Promote systems strengthening, provide support and coordination for the development of the National Referral Mechanism and its implementation.
• Support implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Trafficking and other migration related policies and strategies.
• Organize work meetings, thematic workshops and training sessions for state authorities, local partner NGOs and public institutions engaged in providing protection and assistance to migrants vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and abuse.
• Contribute to project development, strategic planning, and reporting for IOM Nigeria Assistance to Vulnerable Migrant, counter Trafficking and broader Protection work.
• Regularly research, follow-up, compile, analyse and present information/data on national, regional and international developments, reports, legislation and other relevant documentation, highlighting noteworthy issues for the consideration of appropriate parties.
• Supervise and provide technical guidance to case workers for the provision of immediate rehabilitation, reintegration, and recovery support, including coordination of medical care, psychological counselling, emergency assistance, hospitalization, as well as shelter assistance for consulted persons, if needed. Adhere to IOM’s internal guidance, policies, and principles in the identification of target groups and assistance provision.
• Provide technical and administrative guidance to relevant state and non-state actors, including Technical Education and Vocational Training institutions, involved with providing rehabilitation and sustainable reintegration assistance.
• Support the development/ operationalization of curricular on protection of migrants vulnerable to violence, exploitation and abuse and institutionalization of protection and assistance to vulnerable migrants and counter trafficking tools.
• Support strengthening access to justice for trafficked persons and assist in the development and implementation of awareness raising activities for VoTs on their rights and available protection, as well as with private sector actors supporting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
• Compile inputs and prepare periodic donor reports and updates, including preparation of narrative and financial project reports. Conduct field visits, as and when necessary and facilitate partner and donor visits.
• Facilitate the sharing and learning on policy and programmatic work and strengthen the culture of knowledge management and sharing among the organization and the programme team (covering good practices and lessons learned from programmatic work).
• Assist in establishing, liaising, and maintaining working relations with government entities, local authorities, implementing partners, UN agencies, and other stakeholders, as relevant to the projects and activities of the thematic areas.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Completed University Degree from an accredited institution in International Relations, Social Science, Economics, Migration studies, Law, Humanitarian Affairs, Social Science, or related field with minimum of four years of progressive relevant experience in the field of migration issues including operational and field experience.

Experience:

• Experience in providing support to project management is required, preferably with a legal or human relations background.
• Experience in migration, protection, and assistance to migrants vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and abuse.
• Experience in working with migrants and source/transit communities; particularly the socio-economic reintegration of returnees or other groups.
• Familiarity with programmatic issues surrounding return, reintegration and migration management.
• Knowledge and experience in the project cycle, including proposal development, project implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Proven experience in liaising and building effective partnerships with either donors, government authorities, other national/international institutions, or local and international NGOs.

Languages:

• Fluency in English (oral and written) required, working knowledge of the local language.

Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality is mandatory.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Good knowledge of information technology and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and SharePoint.
• Good communication skills (Oral and Written).
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Good knowledge of information technology and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and SharePoint.
• Ability to independently carry out tasks.
• Ability to multi-task and to prioritize required.

Required Competencies:
Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintain 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:

• 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.

Other:

• Only candidates residing in the country of the duty station and within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, confirmation of all documents, and security clearances.
• Women with the above qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Application Closing Date
9th November, 2023.