Senior Project Associate (SME Development and Community Engagement)

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.

Under the supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator in Ankara, the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for supporting the implementation of the “Provision of Jobs and Socio-Economic Inclusion to Support Transition to Formal Employment in Türkiye” project.

Türkiye hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world, with over 4 million foreign nationals living in the country, including approximately 2.8 million Syrians under Temporary Protection (SuTPs) and around 225.000 Persons under International Protection (PuIPs). Given the considerable size and diversity of the migrant and refugee population, providing means for their social and economic integration is a very challenging process for both national and local authorities. In response to the challenges, the “Provision of Jobs and Socio-Economic Inclusion to Support Transition to Formal Employment in Türkiye” project aims to drive economic growth, promote formal employment of SuTPs, PuIPs and host community members and improve livelihoods in Türkiye.  The project will be implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS), the Social Security Institution (SSI) and other relevant government institutions. 

The project proposes a comprehensive strategy to enable informal workers’ transition to formal employment, focusing on financial incentives, training, awareness campaigns, and inter-institutional coordination. The project will also promote respect for all groups, without distinction of race, gender, religion, colour, national origin, marital status, age, and physical disability, and pay special attention to the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

1. Coordinate the implementation of the project; monitor implementation of the activities to ensure work is proceeding according to established plans; analyze implementation difficulties and make recommendations for adjusting implementation modalities and work plans to best reflect the changing environment on the field.
2. Regularly research, follow-up, compile, analyze and present information/data on national, regional and international developments, reports, legislation and other relevant documentation, highlighting noteworthy issues for the consideration of appropriate parties.
3. Monitor budget expenditures; verify availability of funds and maintain a proper record of approved project budgets and their revisions.
4. Coordinate and monitor the financial, administrative and technical aspects of the project in line with IOM policies and donor requirements.
5. Plan, coordinate and conduct capacity building workshops for relevant internal and external parties.
6. 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.
7. Coordinate the preparation of correspondence, briefing notes, presentations, narrative and financial reports; ensure status reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner.
8. Identify and document good practices and lessons learned; contribute to the development of Standard Operations Procedures (SOP), policies and concept papers and support the development of new projects.
9. Supervise and provide guidance and training to reporting staff.
10. Perform other related duties as assigned. Education
    • High School diploma with seven 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 five 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 in the field of migration management and; 
      • 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/organizations in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage. 
      • In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration management related subject areas (specifically labour migration and livelihood) dealt with by the Organization; and, 
      • Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming. 
      • Knowledge of project/program management. Skills
        • Proven analytical, interpersonal and organizational skills.
        • Excellent report drafting skills.
        • Good level of computer literacy.

          Languages

          • Fluency in English and Turkish is required (oral and written).
          • Working knowledge of Arabic is advantageous. 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.
11. Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated. Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 2)
12. Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.