Programme Associate – Livelihoods

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.

Following the rapid political shift in Damascus on 8 December 2024, Syria is undergoing a critical period of transformation. These developments have further intensified displacement across the country and complicated the dynamics of return, placing increased pressure on already vulnerable communities.

In response to the evolving situation, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has re-established its presence in Damascus and is rapidly scaling up emergency operations across the country, while maintaining cross-border assistance in northwest Syria. To meet urgent humanitarian needs, this response aims to assist 1.1 million people with life -saving support, including shelter, winterisation, health care, protection services, camp coordination and management, and early recovery assistance.

Under the overall supervision of the Program Officer (Durable Solutions and direct supervision of the National Officer (Livelihoods), the Programme Associate – Livelihoods will be responsible for the implementation of livelihoods project activities supporting the Country Office (CO) and field operations.

1. Assist in the planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of livelihoods project activities.

2. Compile, summarise, analyse, and present information/data on specific project topics, highlighting noteworthy issues for the consideration of the relevant parties.

3. Monitor budget implementation and propose adjustments as necessary.

4. Act as focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, involving extensive liaison with diverse organisational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, follow-up on administrative actions, etc.

5. Draft status reports; identify shortfalls, bring them to the attention of the supervisor and suggest corrective measures to address delivery gaps.

6. Draft correspondence on project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, and other forms of documentation.

7. Organise meetings, workshops and training sessions; prepare training materials and participate in the delivering of capacity building workshops.

8. Respond to complex information requests and inquiries. Set up and maintain files/records.

9. Participate in meetings and conferences. Maintain effective liaison and coordination with local authorities, partners, United Nation (UN) agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project.

10. Provide inputs for the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and concept papers and provide general support for the development of new projects.

11. Monitor and analyse programme achievements in accordance with work plans, targets, and indicators, identify variances and bottlenecks, and prepare a consolidated report progress with recommendation for the Livelihoods Team to enable time corrective action and improve delivery of livelihoods assistance.

12. Coordinate with field staff and the Information Management (IM) unit to validate, reconcile and update beneficiary data in IOM systems and to resolve discrepancies, safeguarding the accuracy, integrity and reliability of the data used for programme decisions and reporting .

13. Contribute to the implementation field team activities including those related to community engagement and engineering components, by coordinating with partners and technical colleagues, resolving operational issues and guiding team members on applicable procedures to advance coherent and timely delivery of livelihoods interventions.

14. Perform such other relevant duties as maybe assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Economics, Business Management, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience; or,

• High school diploma with six years’ relevant professional experience.

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

• Experience in designing and implementing livelihoods interventions targeting vulnerable populations, including youth, women, displaced persons, and host communities.; and,

• Experience in monitoring and evaluating livelihoods outcomes, including development and use of beneficiary tracking tools, business performance assessments, and satisfaction surveys.

• Strong technical knowledge of livelihoods programming, including microbusiness support, vocational training, employment promotion, and market systems development in crisis -affected settings;

• Familiarity with the Syrian labour market, informal economy, and barriers to employment and entrepreneurship faced by marginalised groups;

• Proven ability to support the development of business support services, such as coaching, grant schemes, employment for public work schemes, business development training, and access to finance;

• Knowledge of donor regulations and livelihoods frameworks, including experience contributing to concept notes and donor reporting;

• Ability to coordinate with technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, private sector actors, and local economic development stakeholders; 

• Solid understanding of conflict sensitivity, protection, and gender mainstreaming in economic recovery programming;

• Familiarity with value chain development, green skills, and digital livelihoods as emerging trends in resilience-focused programming;

• Willing to conduct constant travel within the Area of Responsibility;

• Strong administrative and reporting skills;

• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds, ability to handle confidential matters;

• Good writing skills with the ability to analyse complex problems and identify and convey clear,

• Good communication and negotiation skills;

• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization; and, Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

• rapid solutions;

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 Arabic and English is required (oral and written).

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

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