Back Project Assistant (MECR)

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 Chief of Mission (COM) and the direct supervision of the National Programme Officer (MECR), the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for providing programme and administrative coordination for the project tasks assigned in the scope of migration, environment, climate change, and risk reduction.

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
   • Bachelor’s degree in Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction, Environmental studies, Migration Studies or related fields from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or
   • High School diploma with four years of relevant 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 and other vulnerable groups; and,
     • 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 this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
         • Working Knowledge of Sinhala and Tamil highly desirable.  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.
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.