Senior Project Associate – IBG

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, 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.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read 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.

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Officer (IBG), and the direct supervision of the National Programme Officer (IBG), the Senior Project Officer (IBG) will support the strategic, technical and operational coordination of Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) projects in Ethiopia, with a primary focus on the Ethiopia component of the regional counter smuggling programme and with support, as required, to complementary and synergistic initiatives under the wider IBG portfolio. The incumbent will serve as a coordination focal point across complex project components involving legal and policy frameworks, standard operating procedures, technical working groups, inter-agency coordination, capacity-building and institutional engagement with national counterparts. The role will contribute to operational coherence, implementation quality, and alignment with national priorities, donor requirements and IOM standards. IOM Ethiopia collaborates with the GoE through various projects and activities implemented under its IBM Capacity Building Programme Framework, which consists of four main areas of action (or pillars): 1) Governance Framework Pillar (development of laws, policies, regulations, and standard operating procedures); 2) Human Resource Development Pillar (design of training strategies and delivery of priority training sessions); 3) Operational Improvement Pillar (development and installation of new systems and technologies); and 4) Cross-Border, Regional and Cross-Regional Coordination Pillar (activities to promote stronger cooperation in immigration and border management) The incumbent will provide technical and operational coordination support under the guidance of the Programme Officer, in alignment with approved project documents, donor requirements and IOM standards.

• Support the strategic and operational implementation of IBG projects in Ethiopia, with a primary focus on the Ethiopia component of the regional counter-smuggling programme. 
•  Serve as a coordination focal point for project components related to legal and policy frameworks, inter-agency coordination, SOP development, technical working groups and institutional strengthening.
•  Support engagement with senior government counterparts, including relevant authorities from Immigration, Police, Justice, Trade, and other institutions involved in border governance and counter-smuggling efforts.
•  Support coordination of consultative processes related to the development, validation and operationalization of SOPs, coordination mechanisms, referral frameworks and technical tools.
•  Monitor implementation across multiple workstreams and support identification and resolution of operational bottlenecks in coordination with the Programme Officer. 
•  Support the planning and quality assurance of capacity-building initiatives, including national trainings, workshops, study visits, technical exchanges and other institutional support activities. 
•  Contribute to the design, review and follow-up of assessments, studies, concept notes, briefing papers and technical documents related to project implementation.
•  Support alignment and integration of project activities with the wider IBG portfolio in Ethiopia, including activities related to MIDAS, border infrastructure, document verification, legal Identity, cross border Trade, API/PNR and other institutional capacity development.
•  Contribute to donor reporting, briefing materials, presentations and operational updates related to project progress, challenges and achievements. 
•  Serve as the focal point within the programme team for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL), including supporting the design and tracking of indicators, coordination of data collection and reporting processes, and ensuring integration of MEAL principles into project implementation. 
•  Support integration of cross-cutting priorities, including gender equality, diversity and inclusion (DI), protection mainstreaming and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), into project activities, capacity-building efforts and coordination mechanisms.
•  Support coordination with regional and country office colleagues to ensure coherence between national implementation and the broader regional programme framework. 
•  Undertake duty travel to airports, border locations, partner institutions and other implementation sites, as required. 
•  Provide guidance and coordination support to project support staff, as requested by the supervisor. 
•  Contribute to internal planning, knowledge management and strategic reflection within the IBG unit. 
•  Perform such other duties as may be assigned

• University degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Law, Migration Studies, Public Administration, Security Studies, Criminology, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least five years of relevant professional experience; or
•  School diploma with at least seven years of relevant experience
• Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

• Experience in project implementation, coordination and oversight in migration management, border governance, counter-smuggling, law enforcement cooperation or related fields.
•  Experience engaging with senior government counterparts and inter-agency coordination structures. 
•  Experience supporting development of SOPs, policy or legal framework-related processes, technical working groups or institutional coordination mechanisms.
•  Experience in capacity-building, training coordination and institutional strengthening.
•  Experience drafting reports, briefing notes, concept papers and other strategic programme documents.
•  Knowledge and experience in the areas of MEAL, Gender, DI, PSEA, and other cross cutting areas.
•  Experience working in complex multi-stakeholder operational environments is an advantage.
•  Experience in border management technologies, IBG capacity development trainings, document verification or identity management is an advantage. 
• Knowledge of Ethiopian geographical border areas.

•  Strong coordination, drafting and reporting skills. 
• Ability to engage effectively with senior counterparts and multiple stakeholders. 
•  Ability to manage sensitive processes with discretion and sound judgement. 
•  Good analytical and organizational skills.
•  Ability to work independently and contribute to strategic implementation planning.

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

REQUIRED For this position, fluency in English and Amharic 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