Project Assistant (MECR)

Colombo

Organization: IOM - International Organization for Migration
Location: Colombo
Grade: Administrative support - GS-5, General Service - No need for Higher Education - Locally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Administrative support
- Project and Programme Management
Closing Date:

Job Description

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

IOM Sri Lanka works in close partnership with national and local government institutions, non-governmental agencies, community organizations and the donor community to assist national entities to address pressing and complex challenges in migration management, to respond to the needs created by humanitarian emergencies in the country, and to ensure improved living conditions for vulnerable communities.

Working under the overall directives of the Programme Manager (MECR) and the direct supervision of the National Programme Officer (MECR), the incumbent will be responsible and accountable for providing programme and administrative support for the project tasks assigned in the scope of migration, environment, climate change, and risk reduction.

Responsibilities

Assist in implementation, and monitoring of programme activities and initiatives.
Retrieve, compile, analyse, and present information/data on specific project topics as well as on national, regional, and international developments, reports, legislation, and other relevant documentation, highlighting key issues for consideration by the supervisor.
Monitor budget; verify availability of funds; obtain necessary approval and update budget related information, prepare reports as necessary.
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, and prepare documentation as needed.
Draft status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, bring them to the attention of the supervisor and suggest remedial actions.
Draft correspondence on project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentation and other forms of documentation.
Respond to complex information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records; organize meetings, workshops and training sessions.
Participate in meetings and conferences; assist in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project.
Assist in monitoring work of implementing partners by following up on administrative requirements, tracking submission of documentation, and reporting issues of non-compliance to the supervisor.
Provide administrative and logistical support to activities related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in relation to MECR, including data collection, consolidating inputs, and organizing information for reporting purposes.
Support the preparation of project documents, such as proposals, concept notes, and related materials, by compiling background information, formatting content, and coordinating their finalization.
Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff.
Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in in Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction, Environmental studies, Migration Studies or related fields from an accredited academic institution with three years of professional experience in the related field; or
High school diploma with five years of professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

Experience providing administrative and operational support in the implementation of project activities.
Previous experience providing support to projects related to climate change or disaster risk reduction, and assisting in activities involving migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups.
Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

Skills

Basic knowledge and understanding of climate change, risk reduction and migration.
Ability to use project management tools for administrative and reporting purposes.
Coordination and report-preparation skills, including drafting and formatting of documents.
Familiarity with UN and bilateral donor programming and processes.

Languages

For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working Knowledge of Sinhala and Tamil highly 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.
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.
Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Initial Contract Duration: 12 months
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type: General Service
Grade: G-5

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

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