SVN 2025 019 | Project Assistant (Emergency Preparedness and Response)

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 continues to strengthen its disaster preparedness and response mechanisms to quickly respond to emergencies. Through the project Strengthening Local Resilience through Improved Disaster Preparedness in Typhoon-Prone, Vulnerable Communities in the Philippines, IOM works closely with key government agencies to augment their relief efforts in prepositioning relief items nationwide, coordinating with response actors and building capacities of emergency teams to deliver timely and efficient shelter response services in times of crises. It helps secure immediate access to safer and more dignified shelter during disasters amongst the most affected communities, mitigating the adverse impact from crises, and promote early recovery. 

Through improved disaster preparedness, the project seeks to increase community capacity to withstand disaster impacts and bounce back from climate-induced crises. It maximizes participation both from government stakeholders and communities and integrate training and collective learning on disaster preparedness, management and response, which facilitate effective and strong transfer of skills and knowledge, underpinning local ownership and sustainability. 

Working with the Emergency Preparedness and Response Unit (EPRU) and in collaboration with relevant units, the successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the implementation of Emergency Response and Preparedness Projects of the Legazpi Sub-Office. This position is under the direct supervision of the Head of Sub-Office and is based in Legazpi City.   

1. Assist in the implementation and monitoring of project activities. 
2. Retrieve, compile, summarize, and present information/data on specific project topics.
3. Monitor budget; verify availability of funds; obtain necessary approval and update budget related information.   
4. Support administrative coordination of project implementation, involving liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, etc.
5. Draft status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery and bringing them to the attention of the supervisor. 
6. Draft correspondence, reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentations and other forms of documentation. 
7. Organize meetings, workshops and training sessions. 
8. Respond to general information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records.
9. Perform other related duties as assigned. Education
   • School diploma with four 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 two years of relevant professional experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.   Experience
     • Experience in working on emergency preparedness or emergency response activities in the field; 
     • Experience working in the Bicol region an advantage;
     • Prior work experience with UN Agencies, international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.  Skills
       • Above average written and oral communication skills;
       • Proficiency in MS Office applications (MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook);
       • Knowledge of IOM financial rules and regulations and cloud-based systems an advantage.  Languages
         • Fluency in English and English (oral and written) is required.
         • Working knowledge of any variant of the Bikolano language is desirable.   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 five 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.