Project Associate

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Senior Operations Assistant (AVRR), the incumbent supports the implementation of Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) activities in the Netherlands. The position contributes to the provision of AVRR services to migrants considering voluntary return, with particular focus on migrants in an irregular situation, residents of asylum reception centres, and other vulnerable migrant populations.

The incumbent operates within a network of internal and external stakeholders, including AVRR units, local government counterparts, asylum reception centres, civil society organizations, and community-based partners, supporting the delivery of accessible, migrant-centred services in the region of South Holland. The role contributes to counselling, outreach to migrant communities, information dissemination, and operational support activities aimed at facilitating informed decision-making and ensuring that voluntary return assistance is delivered in a safe, dignified, and rights-based manner.

1. Assist in the implementation and monitoring of project activities. 

2. Retrieve, compile, summarize, analyse, and present information/data on specific project topics.
3. Monitor budget; verify availability of funds; obtain necessary approval and update budget related information. 
4. Act as focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, etc.
5. Draft status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, bring them to the attention of the supervisor and suggest remedial actions.
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; organize meetings, workshops and training sessions; 
8. Participate in meetings and conferences; assist in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project. 
9. Assist in monitoring work of implementing partners and report non-compliances to the supervisor.
10. Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff. 
11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION

• School diploma with five years of relevant experience; or,

• Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience.

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

EXPERIENCE

• Experience conducting outreach and engagement activities with migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, or other vulnerable populations.

• Experience providing client-facing support, counselling, case management, or information services.

• Experience working with (local) government authorities, reception centres, civil society organizations, or community-based partners.

• Experience working with migrants in vulnerable situations, including migrants in an irregular situation and hard-to-reach groups.

• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage. 

   

SKILLS

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively and professionally with migrants, partners and colleagues.

• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and in line with data protection principles.

• Organizational and time‑management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple cases simultaneously.

• Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry, documentation and record‑keeping.

• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and adapt to diverse operational contexts.

• Problem‑solving skills and the ability to identify issues and propose practical solutions.

• Ability to work independently with limited supervision, as well as collaboratively within a team.

• Basic analytical skills to compile information, identify trends and prepare routine reports.

• Flexibility and willingness to conduct field work, including visits to external facilities when required.

• Proficiency in standard office software and tools (e.g., MS Office applications and data systems).

• Willingness to work irregular and flexible hours.

SECTION 5
Languages1 IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

REQUIRED
For this position, fluency in English and Dutch is required (oral and written).

DESIRABLE
Working language of Spanish, Arabic or other relevant language. Driving license B is an asset.

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.

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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. The initial contract issued may be for a duration shorter than one year, in order to align with the work permit expiry date’.

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