VN 014 GN10-2026-Senior Project Associate G6

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

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 and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Working under the direct supervision of the Project Manager based in Conakry, and under the overall supervision of the Head of Programmes, he will play a key role in supporting the implementation of the project in Guinea: “Empowering Livelihoods and Economic Vitality in Fragile and Conflict Zones (ELEVATE) Africa”, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

Building on the achievements and lessons learnt from previous initiatives in the fields of youth employment promotion, local economic development and the management of migration dynamics in West Africa, notably the projects ‘Bridging the Gap between Youth, the Diaspora and Local Authorities’ (YDLA) and ‘Supporting Local Economic Development’ (SLED), funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the new phase of the initiative forms part of a strategic approach centred on the territorialisation of the links between migration and development. This approach aims to strengthen the impact of initiatives by prioritising rural and border areas, which often face multidimensional challenges linked to economic fragility, migratory pressure and the risk of conflict.

In this context, and as part of efforts to strengthen border governance, promote social cohesion and stimulate economic development and livelihoods in vulnerable communities, the governments of Guinea, Kenya and Somalia, through their relevant ministries, developed in 2024, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the project “Empowering Livelihoods and Economic Vitality in Fragile and Conflict Zones (ELEVATE) Africa”, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for a period of 36 months.

This project builds on and complements existing initiatives, with the aim of sustainably strengthening community resilience and maximizing local economic opportunities, whilst integrating human mobility as a lever for development. It specifically aims to improve livelihoods and the resilience of populations by offering short-term employment opportunities and sustainable livelihood solutions to displaced persons and other vulnerable groups. At the same time, it contributes to improving local economic infrastructure and strengthening income-generating capacities, using a conflict-sensitive approach.

In Guinea, the project is being implemented in the prefectures of Guéckédou, Koundara and Lola, focusing on three main areas of intervention: (i) strengthening local economies through improved infrastructure and the creation of economic opportunities, (ii) increasing community resilience through tailored and inclusive economic solutions, and (iii) empowering marginalized groups through their socio-economic inclusion as part of a conflict prevention approach.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• 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 four years of relevant professional experience.

• School diploma with six (06) years of relevant experience; or,

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

Experience

• Experience and/or knowledge of project management, labour laws, labour migration, diaspora engagement policies;

• Experience with International Organizations is a considerable advantage; migration governance is a distinct advantage;

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations;

• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

• Knowledge of migration, labour and trade institutions and processes is a distinct advantage.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

• Excellent organizational and time management skills;

• Capacity building and training facilitation skills;

• Computer literate including use of Microsoft Office, Sharepoints;

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For all applicants, fluency in French, and English is required (oral and written) and National language is an advantage).

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.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies

– behavioural indicators Level 2

• 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.

Managerial Competencies

– behavioural indicators Level 2, if with direct reports

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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 e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.