Project Associate (DRR/CCA Support)

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

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the UN Migration Agency. With 175 member states, it is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. Established in 1951 and now active in over 400 field locations worldwide, IOM works with partners, government and civil society to: 1. Assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration and human mobility; 2. Advance understanding of migration issues; 3. Encourage social and economic development through migration; and 4. Uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants and mobile populations. 

IOM has been working on migration, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction (MECR) for over 30 years. IOM’s Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction activities bolster local and national initiatives to prevent and prepare for disasters and related population movements, provide emergency assistance and protection where displacement cannot be avoided and foster post-disaster recovery solutions and resilience-building.

In line with the IOM Institutional Strategy on Migration, Environment and Climate Change 2021-2030, the Organization pursues three broad objectives in managing environmental migration, intervening at each stage of the migration cycle: 

1. “Solutions for people to move” - Managing migration in the context of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters due to natural hazards. 

2. “Solutions for people on the move” - Assisting and protecting migrants and displaced persons in the context of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters due to natural hazards.

3. “Solutions for people to stay” - Making migration a choice by building resilience and addressing the adverse climatic and environmental drivers that compel people to move.

The Regional Responses to Climate Displacements in Sub-Saharan Africa (RE2CLID) project aims to enhance the resilience and self-reliance of Displacement-Affected Communities (DACs) in Sub-Saharan Africa who face the risks of disasters, the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation. This initiative targets the highly vulnerable region of the Lake Tanganyika Basin, spanning Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania (i.e. Cluster 1).

The project employs an area-based approach focusing on averting displacement, minimizing displacement impacts, and resolving existing displacement situations. It emphasizes gender-responsive disaster forecasts and management systems, sustainable natural resources governance, and enhancing the resilience and self-reliance of DACs to reach durable solutions. Key activities include strengthening early warning systems, promoting sustainable land use and natural resource management, and integrating DACs into national and local disaster response frameworks.

By addressing the root causes of climate-induced displacement and fostering inclusive, climate-resilient solutions, RE2CLID aims to reduce vulnerability and enhance long-term sustainability in affected communities. This initiative is aligned with regional and international frameworks, including the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Global Compact for Migration and Refugees.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, and the direct supervision of the Senior Project Associate, the incumbent will provide administrative and logistical support the implementation activities of the RE2CLID project (Specific Objectives 1 and 3) in Burundi in liaison with other IOM programming.

1. Assist in the implementation and monitoring of project activities, including routine support on disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate adaptation (CCA), following IOM standards and donor requirements. 
2. Retrieve, compile, summarize, analyse, and present information/data on specific project topics, including those related to DRR, CCA and resilience, as instructed.
3. Assist in monitoring budget; verify availability of funds; obtain necessary approvals and update budget-related information, providing support on DRR-CCA expenditures when required.
4. Act as a 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, including those connected with preparedness and resilience activities, as instructed.
5. Draft status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, including in areas such as early warning, contingency planning and inclusive preparedness, 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, presentations and other forms of documentation, incorporating information on DRR-CCA progress and lessons learned as provided by the team.
7. Respond to complex information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records; organize meetings, workshops and training sessions, including those related to DRR/CCA activities when required.
8. Participate in meetings and conferences; assist in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, United Nations agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project, particularly those involved in DRR/CCA as directed.
9. Assist in monitoring the work of implementing partners and report non-compliances to the supervisor, including those related to DRR/CCA activities.
10. Provide support for integrating gender and inclusion considerations into DRR/CCA activities, following guidance from the supervisor.
11. Provide administrative and logistical support for visibility and communication activities related to DRR/CCA, in coordination with the Communication Unit and under the supervisor’s instructions.
12. Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff. 
13. Perform other related duties as assigned. Education
    • High school diploma with five years of relevant experience; or,
    • Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Environment, Migration, International Relations 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 providing support in disaster risk reduction and response, or emergency environments. 
      • Good operational, organizational and communication skills and the ability to work harmoniously with other colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
      • Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups.
      • Experience in drafting reports and other information and communication products, under guidance.
      • Experience supporting activity implementation and reporting.
      • Experience liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations.
      • Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organizations in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.  Skills
        • Familiarity with key issues and stakeholders related to environmental and climate-related human mobility, disaster risk reduction, and community resilience in Burundi, sufficient to assist in project activities under guidance.
        • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
        • Good organizational abilities, flexibility, and the capacity to perform routine tasks well under pressure.
        • Awareness of gender considerations and inclusive approaches in project support, including disaster preparedness and climate adaptation activities. 
        • Proficient in computer applications, including SharePoint, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email/internet tools. Languages
          • Required

            Fluency in both written and spoken English and French

            • Desired

              Fluency in Kirundi (oral and written)

              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.
    • Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1)
    • Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
14. Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.