Senior Project Associate

Applications are welcome from internal 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 direct supervision of the National Project Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting and coordinating the achievement of the objectives and results of the projects as well as successful day to day implementation of the activities under British Embassy funded project “Supporting Turkish Government’s Capacity for Establishment of specialized Migration Courts in Türkiye”.

Türkiye plays a crucial role as both a transit and destination country for migration, facing challenges related to large-scale movements, irregular migration, and displacement. The increasing number of migration-related court cases has placed a significant burden on Türkiye’s judicial and administrative systems, highlighting the need for specialized migration courts to ensure timely and consistent adjudication. The project, implemented in close coordination with the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) under the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), the Council of Judges and Prosecutors (CJP), and other relevant institutions, aims to strengthen Türkiye’s capacity to manage migration cases effectively.

Within this framework, the staff recruited under the project will play a key role in supporting activities related to legal and institutional framework development, capacity building, and inter-agency coordination. The recruited personnel will work under the Policy and Liaison Unit, ensuring alignment with project objectives and effective implementation of activities in collaboration with national and international stakeholders.

The responsibilities of the recruited personnel will include coordinating stakeholder engagements, supporting project activities, and assisting in the organization of training sessions and study visits. The staff will also contribute to reporting on project progress, ensuring that implementation aligns with international standards and Türkiye’s national migration governance priorities.

By enhancing technical and human capacity within the relevant institutions, the project will contribute to reducing case backlogs, improving access to justice for migrants, and ensuring effective migration case management in line with Türkiye’s strategic legal and policy commitments.

1. Assist in the planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of project activities. 
2. Compile, summarize, analyse, and present information/data on specific project topics, highlighting noteworthy issues for the consideration of appropriate parties.
3. Monitor budget implementation and propose adjustments as necessary.   
4. 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, follow-up on administrative actions, etc.
5. Draft status reports; identify shortfalls in delivery, bring them to the attention of the supervisor and suggest corrective measures. 
6. Draft correspondence on project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, and other forms of documentation.
7. Organize meetings, workshops and training sessions; prepare training materials and participate in the delivering of capacity building workshops.
8. Respond to complex information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records.
9. Participate in meetings and conferences; maintain effective liaison and coordination with local authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project. 
10. Monitor work of implementing partners and report any non-compliance to the supervisor.
11. Provide inputs for the development of Standard Operations Procedures (SOP) and concept papers and provide general support for the development of new projects.
12. Provides guidance/training and assist in coordinating and monitoring work of other staff in the unit; may supervise other staff as assigned. 
13. Perform other related duties as assigned. Education
    • School diploma with six 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 four 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, other vulnerable groups, judicial procedures, administrative law and legal research
      • Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
      • Experience in capacity-building initiatives, including organizing and delivering training programs, workshops, or study visits
      • Familiarity with international migration frameworks and best practices in migration case management
      • Knowledge of financial rules and regulations.
      • Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.   Languages
        • Fluency in English and Turkish (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.
14. Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.