Project Assistant (Cultural Mediation)

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 candidates are considered first-tier candidates.

Context

Under the overall supervision of the Director, Coordination Office for the Mediterranean, Chief of Mission in Italy and Malta, Representative to the Holy See and the direct supervision of the Project Manager and, in close coordination  with the staff of the Facilitated Migration and Vulnerable Groups Unit, the successful candidate will provide general cultural mediation services and clerical support to the S.T.A.R.T. – Safe Transfer And Reception Turnover project. This project organizes charter flights and ferries to support rapid and safe transfer of migrants, particularly those in vulnerable situations, from the island of Lampedusa or other localities indicated by the Department for Civil Liberties and Immigration (DCLI) at the Italian Ministry of Interior to reception facilities across mainland Italy. Tasks are specified below.

1. Provide general clerical and administrative assistance in the implementation of project activities in Lampedusa. 
2. Gather, compile, summarize, and present information or data on specific project topics.
3. Assist in identifying the vulnerabilities and specific needs of beneficiaries. 
4. Support the organization of beneficiaries’ transfers from Lampedusa or other localities identified by the DCLI, including clerical support for pre-departure and post-arrival procedures (e.g., information sessions, medical checks, etc). 
5. Provide operational escort support during beneficiaries’ transfer from Lampedusa or other  identified localities to their final destination.
6. Assist with administrative coordination for project implementation, liaising with internal units or external parties to process requests, obtain approvals, and follow-up on administrative actions. 
7. Draft basic correspondence, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentations, and documentation.
8. Compile weekly data reports and share via the online support system. 
9. Perform other clerical or support duties as assigned. Education  
   • High school diploma with three years of relevant professional 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 one year of relevant working experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.   Experience
     • Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations.
     • Experience in working in reception centers, camp-like settings, or working with vulnerable groups is desirable.
     • Prior work experience in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.  Skills
       • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and basic database management.
       • Basic understanding of intercultural communication and sensitivity.
       • Strong clerical, organizational, and reporting skills.
       • Ability to work in a team and provide support in a fast-paced environment. Languages
         • Fluency in fluency in Italian, English (oral and written), and native in at least one of the following languages is required (oral and written): Tigrinya, Amaric, Arabic, Bengali.
         • Working language of French is an advantage.   Required Competencies   IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.   Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three 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.
10. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1)
11. Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.