Back Project Associate

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.
  Organizational Context and Scope

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Mission in Kyrgyzstan works to ensure safe, humane, and orderly migration through coordination with the Government of Kyrgyzstan and local partners. The official IOM Mission in the Kyrgyz Republic was opened in 1997, followed by the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic and the Mission of the International Organization for Migration in 1998.  Across Kyrgyzstan, IOM provides a comprehensive response to the humanitarian needs of migrants and covers the following areas:  Migration Protection, Policy Coordination and Migration Data, Labour Mobility, Peacebuilding and Humanitarian Assistance, Climate and migration. The thematic areas are entirely aligned with the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM, 2018), particularly as reflected in the Kyrgyz National Action Plan for Concept of Migration Policy 2021-2030.

In a context where the promise to leave no one behind and the Sustainable Development Goals are in danger of not being realized, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) prioritizes whole-of-government, whole-of-society approaches to unleash the potential of migration by assisting States to establish, expand and enhance regular migration pathways, while reducing irregular migration. This is rooted in the IOM Strategic Plan which has three Strategic Objectives: (1) Saving Lives and Protecting People on the Move; (2) Driving Solutions for Displacement; and (3) Facilitating Pathways for Regular Migration. We will support governments in realizing their development priorities through migration - from eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities to shaping sustainable cities and societies. 

Under the overall guidance of the IOM Kyrgyzstan Head of Office, and the direct supervision of the Head of Mobility Pathways Unit, the Project Associate will be accountable and responsible for providing assistance for the implementation of the IOM projects under the thematic area of regular migration pathways.
 

1.    Support coordination of the overall implementation of the projects under the thematic area of regular pathways, ensuring alignment with IOM’s policies and procedures, as well as donor requirements. 
2.    Assist in drafting project work plans and regularly track the project progress and performance indicators in line with the project documents. Communicate and draft reports on progress and outcomes in a timely manner.
3.    Facilitate the organization of capacity-building initiatives, workshops, technical working group meetings, etc.; prepare minutes, monitor follow-up activities; contribute to coordination and presentation of IOM activities; make arrangements for formal editing, translation, etc., of documents and publications. 
4.    Support the organization of other project-related events, including support in preparations and required logistics procedures for the envisaged study tour of the Kyrgyz Government to a selected country of destination in the EU, in accordance with IOM travel policies. 
5.    Draft quality progress reports related to the project activities. Assist in coordinating the elaboration and dissemination of reports for donors, government, and other relevant stakeholders to support the timely submission and compliance with donor and IOM requirements. 
6.    Support maintaining strategic partnerships with partners, including government and national institutions, donors, UN and non-UN system organizations.
7.    Draft Concept Notes for the events, Terms of Reference (ToRs) and other key documents associated with the organization of the events planned under the project. 
8.    Based on the lessons learned, assist in identifying priority areas for project development and assist in preparing drafts of new project proposals by selecting and summarizing background information, assessing the local context and segments for new project proposals, provide diverse support of regular pathways initiatives. 
9.    Contribute to the sharing of knowledge created through multiple means including maintaining the accurate, updated and pertinent records of all meeting summaries, correspondences, project information, reporting files, and checking that other related information is organized in relevant software applications.
10.    Perform a variety of administrative duties, e.g., contract extensions and requests for temporary staff, leave and attendance recording, budget preparation and follow-up; coordinate with other units to maintain smooth running and expedition of work within the unit.
11.    Research, compile, and organize background information and reference materials from various sources for reports, briefs and speeches; generate a variety of statistical and other reports from various databases.
12.    Monitor and process administrative actions (human resources, contracts, procurement, accounting, finance, logistics) in IOM's computerized systems.
13.    Perform other duties as required.
 

Education

• High school diploma with five years of relevant experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field from an accredited institution, with three years of relevant professional experience.Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Experience
  • Experience in project support/coordination and capacity-building activities.
  • Excellent writing and editing skills; experience in drafting project progress reports through data collection and analysis.
  • Documented experience in organizing consultations, workshops, and seminars with a variety of stakeholders.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and email.
  • Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations or non-governmental/government institutions in a multicultural setting is an advantage.Skills
    • Good communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
    • Ability and willingness to work as a member of a team, with people of different cultural and religious backgrounds to achieve shared goals.
    • Gender awareness and sensitivity, with the ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities.
    • Attention to detail and ability to organize paperwork in a methodical way.
    • Discreet, detail- and client-oriented, patient, and willing to learn new things.Languages
      • Fluency in English and Russian. Knowledge of Kyrgyz language is 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.