Project Associate

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office (HoO) in Portugal and the direct supervision of the Senior Project Associate (G7), the Project Associate (G5) will support the implementation, coordination and monitoring of the PONTES project, a capacity-building initiative aimed at strengthening the preparedness of Portuguese institutions for the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum. The incumbent will contribute to the coordination, planning and delivery of project activities, liaise with project partners and stakeholders, support monitoring and reporting processes, and ensure the timely implementation of activities in line with IOM procedures, donor requirements and project objectives. The position will play a key role in fostering institutional cooperation and supporting capacity-building efforts related to asylum, reception, integration and fundamental rights safeguards.

1. Assist in the implementation and monitoring of project activities.
2. Retrieve, compile, summarise, analyse, 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. 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, process and follow-up on administrative actions, etc.
5. Draft status reports, identify shortfalls, bring them to the attention of the supervisor and suggest remedial actions to address delivery gaps.
6. Draft correspondence on project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentation and other forms of documentation.
7. Respond to complex information requests and inquiries, set up and maintain files/records, and organise meetings, workshops and training sessions.
8. Participate in meetings and conferences to assist in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, United Nation (UN) agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project.
9. Assist in monitoring work of Implementing Partners (IP) and report non-compliances to the supervisor.
10. Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff.
11. Perform such other relevant duties as may be assigned.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Human Rights Studies, Public Administation or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience; or,

• High School diploma with five years of relevant professional experience.

EXPERIENCE

• 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

• Knowledge of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum and the Common European Asylum System (CEAS).

• Knowledge of international protection, refugee protection, and fundamental rights safeguards.

• Ability to analyse legal, policy, and operational documents and translate complex information into practical guidance, training content, and user-friendly materials.

• Experience in developing training materials, presentations, toolkits, manuals, and learning resources for diverse audiences.

• Experience in supporting the design and development of e-learning courses and digital learning content, including coordination with service providers and online learning platforms.

• Experience in coordinating capacity-building activities, workshops, and inter-institutional learning initiatives.

• Experience in project implementation, capacity-building, and stakeholder coordination.

• Strong analytical, drafting, monitoring, and reporting skills. 

• Ability to liaise effectively with public authorities, civil society organizations, and international partners. 

• Excellent communication and organizational skills. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

SECTION 5

Languages[1]
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

REQUIRED

For this position, fluency in Portuguese is required (oral and written).

DESIRABLE

NA

SECTION 6

Competencies[2]

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

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 – Choose a level.

 

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 – Choose a level.

 

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.