Project Associate (Protection / MHPSS) at 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: Project Associate (Protection / MHPSS)

Location: Katsina, Nigeria
Job Identification: 15818
Job Schedule: Full time
Grade: G-5

Context

• Working under the overall supervision of Chief of mission and the direct supervision of the Programme Manager (Peacebuilding & Reconciliation / Head of Sub Office in Katsina, and with technical guidance of the MHPSS Officer and the Head of Protection, and in close coordination with the MHPSS and Protection senior staff in Maiduguri, the incumbent will provide administrative and operational support to the day-to-day implementation of the MHPSS/Protection activities under the “Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response, and Resilience (CPCRR)” Programme led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with Mercy Corps Netherlands (MCN) and the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) in Katsina and Zamfara States of Northwest region Nigeria.

Responsibilities

• In close coordination with the Head of Protection, the MHPSS Officer, and the Head of Sub-office for the CPCRR project in Katsina and Zamfara states, assist in the logistical and operational support for MHPSS/Protection project activities such as assessments, community sensitizations, and development or reinforcement of referral mechanisms, including support to groups at risk through field-level arrangements for trainings and livelihood activities.
• Assist in the preparation and logistical support of capacity-building sessions for governmental and non-governmental actors on protection-related topics, including counter trafficking, gender, PSEAH and MHPSS, as guided by programme officers. 
• Support the organization of monitoring visits, mentorship sessions, and coordination meetings facilitated by the programme officers and/or consultants for PMT members, and assist in compiling basic documentation related to the integration of cross-cutting issues such as protection, gender, GBV, child safeguarding, Protection from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH), counter-trafficking, accountability to the affected population, diversity and inclusion). 
• In close coordination with the Head of Protection and the MHPSS Officer, provide administrative and logistical support for MHPSS/protection training for IOM staff, partners, and community members in Katsina and Zamfara. 
• Assist with administrative tasks in the field, including timely submission of timesheets for staff payments and other financial and logistics matters. 
• Assist with the maintenance and support of data collection of activities carried out by the PMTs, assist with organizing, storing, and sharing collected data, and help compile inputs for periodic and ad-hoc reports related to the MHPSS/Protection component. 
• Support the coordination with government actors, consortium members, and other stakeholders by supporting meeting logistics, taking meeting notes, and following up on routine coordination matters in Katsina, Zamfara and the ten relevant project LGAs. 
• Undertake duty travel to very difficult or remote areas when necessary. 
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned. 

Qualifications
Education:

• High School Diploma with five years of relevant experience; or, 
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, or related fields from an accredited institution with three years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:

• Experience supporting the implementation of community-based MHPSS and Protection activities.
• Experience assisting in capacity-building or awareness-raising activities on MHPSS and Protection at the community level. 
• Previous experience working with IOM, particularly with IOM’s Psychosocial Mobile Teams, is an advantage. 
• Experience providing administrative and operational support to MHPSS and Protection staff is an advantage. 
• Experience with data collection and contributing to report drafting in the field of protection, and MHPSS is an advantage. 
• Knowledge about the context in Katsina and Zamfara States and prior experience working in the region is a clear advantage.

Skills:

• Positive attitude and ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with team members, stakeholders, and target groups.  
• Genuine care and respect for the needs of vulnerable populations with a commitment to inclusion and empowerment.    
• High level integrity and willingness to conduct her/himself transparently and openness to feedback. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Capacity to work under pressure, with minimal supervision, and in culturally diverse teams. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to maintain effective working relations with IOM and partners. 
• Ability to independently carry out tasks, proactivity, ability to multi-task, stick to timelines, and prioritize. 
• Knowledge of social and development issues in Nigeria, particularly in Katsina and Zamfara States. 
• Basic report-writing skills and ability to support preparation of simple reports or documentation.

Languages:

• Fluency in English (oral and written) and Fulfulde (oral). Knowledge of other languages spoken in Katsina and Zamfara states.
• IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
• 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 three 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.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1) (applicable only if position is 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.

Application Closing Date
9th July, 2025; 00:30

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• 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.
• This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
• 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 online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.