Senior Project Associate – Shelter (Gaza Response)

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.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Operations and the direct supervision of the Technical Advisor Shelter/NFI, the Senior Project Associate – Shelter will be responsible and accountable for supporting the administrative, technical and operational functions with the shelter team and participate in coordination efforts to facilitate the smooth shelter activities, and liaising with the different units within the Gaza occupied Palestinian territory OPT as well as related units within the Country Office (CO) and the region.

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

2. Assist in planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of shelter activities per IOM guidelines

3. Supervise and provide functional guidance to the national shelter team and field staff, planning workloads and operational support, and coaching team members to sustain a motivated, well-coordinated team delivering shelter activities on time.

4. Prepare technical drawings and Bill of Quantities (BOQs) for shelter activities in line with technical standards and project requirements, to provide accurate cost estimates and a sound basis for procurement and implementation.

5. Monitor Implementing Partners (IP) and contractors against technical specifications, identifying deviations and recommending remedial action, to safeguard construction quality and compliance with agreed standards.

6. Track project budget implementation, analyse expenditure rates and variances, and propose corrective measures to improve budget utilisation and prevent delays or funding shortfalls.

7. Analyse field data, compile and draft regular status reports, briefing notes, and statistical tables that highlight trends and issues, to inform management decisions and donor reporting.

8. Maintain comprehensive project files and tracking matrices and address information requests from internal and external stakeholders, to provide accurate, up-to-date records and timely information for project management and audit purposes.

9. Coordinate with partner NGOs, local authorities, and participate in the UN Shelter Cluster mechanism to resolve issues and follow up on agreed actions and strengthen partner relationships.

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

11. Provide technical and operational inputs for the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and concept notes for the development of new projects.

12. Process, review, and track Purchase Requests (PRs), procurement actions, and related documentation, coordinating closely with supply chain and finance units to support timely project implementation.

13. Perform such other relevant duties as maybe assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Project Management, Development Studies, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience; or

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

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

• A minimum of four (4) years’ of progressive operational experience in humanitarian shelter implementation, infrastructure rehabilitation, or emergency NFI distributions;
• Experience navigating complex UN/INGO administrative systems, encompassing procurement workflows, and partner contract management;
• Demonstrated field experience managing, supervising, and training national staff or field engineering teams;
• Direct experience liaising with external stakeholders, local authorities, and participating in the UN Shelter Cluster mechanism;
• Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups;
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organisations, non-government or government institutions/organisation in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage; and,
  Experience in construction works.

• Proficiency in engineering/design software (e.g., AutoCAD) and data visualisation tools is highly desirable;
• Proficiency in MS Office (MS Excel and MS PowerPoint, in particular);
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritise work;
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; and,
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to multi-task.

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 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