Project Associate

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 Chief of Mission (CoM) in Ireland and of the Head of the Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) Unit, under direct supervision of the Senior Project Associate, and in collaboration with relevant units at Headquarters and the Administrative Centres, the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for providing assistance with the implementation of the cultural mediation activities under the IBG Unit. The project aims to assist International Protection Applicants (IPAs) in Ireland with their application through IOM Cultural Mediators (CMs) and thus support the International Protection Office (IPO) in the management of the International Protection applications daily flow.​ 

1. ​Assist in the implementation and monitoring of the Cultural Mediation Project activities, in close coordination with the Senior Project Associate, including liaising with the donor, local authorities, and other stakeholders relevant to the project.  
2. Assist in the recruitment and monitoring of the cultural mediators deployed at IPO/Citywest.  
3. Retrieve, compile, summarise, analyse, and present information/data on specific project topics. Identify and document good practices and lessons learned.
4. Monitor the budget, verify the availability of funds; obtain necessary approval, and update budget-related information.  
5. 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. 
6. Draft status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, bring them to the attention of the supervisor, and suggest remedial actions. 
7. Draft correspondence on project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentations, and other forms of documentation.  
8. Respond to complex information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files and records; organize meetings, workshops and training sessions.  
9. Participate in meetings and conferences; assist in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, United Nations agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, donors, and other stakeholders relevant to the project.  
10. Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff. 
11. ​Perform other duties as assigned.  Education
    • ​​High School diploma with at least 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 in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations 
      • ​Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and, 
      • ​Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.​  Skills
        • ​​Ability to work with migrants and asylum seekers 
        • Knowledge of the procedures related to the asylum application in Ireland 
        • Strong interpersonal, intercultural and communication skills 
        • Proven competencies in liaising with a variety of stakeholders, including government authorities, international and national institutions, and non-governmental partners 
        • In depth knowledge of project implementation, monitoring or development 
        • In depth knowledge of the migration context in Europe and Ireland and of the legal and normative framework for International Migration  
        • Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
        • Excellent organizational and administrative skills, with strong attention to detail 
        • Ability to meet tight deadlines and to work under pressure 
        • Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and work with statistics 
        • Excellent experience with Microsoft Office.​  Languages
          • For this position, fluency in ​English​ is required (oral and written).  
          • Knowledge of other languages relevant to the current migratory trends in Ireland, is considered an advantage (French, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, Somali, Georgian, and others).  IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. 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.   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.
12. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1)
13. Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.