Project Assistant (Focal Point Diaspora Engagement and Migration Mainstreaming)

Context:

The Migration and Development (M&D) Unit of the Coordination Office for the Mediterranean of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) carries out several initiatives to strengthen and facilitate the direct involvement of diasporas associations in transnational development processes, namely through the A.MI.CO. Programme.

The aim is to enhance associations’ role in the social, economic and cultural growth of the countries they connect, in line with the 2030 Agenda and the Italian law on development cooperation (law 125/2014) where migrants associations are explicitly mentioned as actors of international cooperation.

Moreover, since 2018 a specific initiative targeting Mediterranean municipalities is carried out with the aim to promote transnational collaboration for the enhancement of migration as a development tool and for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project aims at i) improving municipalities’ capacity to design and manage policies taking into consideration the migration component; and ii) integrating migration into municipalities’ policy planning processes and/or development plans.

In this framework, under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Support and Liaison and direct supervision of the Programme Assistant, the successful candidate will support the implementation of project activities related to the Italian Voluntary Contribution in the area of Migration and Development (M&D). In particular, he/she will act as a focal point for the projects related to diaspora engagement and mainstreaming migration.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Organize outreach activities, trainings and workshops targeting diaspora associations in Italy;
2. Launch and disseminate call for projects proposals targeting diasporas associations;
3. Perform monitoring and provide technical assistance addressing diasporas associations funded in the framework of the A.MI.CO. programme;
4. Review financial and narrative reports submitted by diasporas associations funded in the framework of the A.MI.CO. programme;
5. Provide assistance in coordinating the organizational development work of consultants;
6. Provide support in the day-today implementation of the Local Authorities initiative for mainstreaming migration into local development plans;
7. Support the elaboration and dissemination of visibility materials and publications;
8. Provide support in the elaboration of interim and final reports including the precise and timely collection of data and information;
9. Liaise with the MEARL and Innovation Project Focal Point for the implementation of all Monitoring tools and procedures;
10. Provide general assistance for the fulfilment of administrative procedures in line with IOM rules, regulations and standards;
11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned;
12. Travel on duty as may be required.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• University degree from an accredited academic institution in Political Sciences, Development Sciences, Social Sciences, International Cooperation or any other related disciplines, with two years of experience.

Experience

• At least 2 years of experience at national or international level in the field of migration, with a focus on M&D, development cooperation, organizational development or capacity building;
• At least 1 year of experience in working on development cooperation projects;
• Experience in developing capacity building plans and in delivering capacity building activities to civil society organizations;
• Experience in organizing and facilitating trainings, events or workshops;
• Experience in project proposals review and evaluation;
• Experience in the field of diaspora engagement, and/or with diasporas associations, in Italy;
• Experience in coordinating networks, liaising with governmental authorities as well as international institutions and NGOs;
• Experience in working with Italian municipalities on M&D initiatives;
• Experience in writing reports in English;
• Working experience in the MENA region will be considered an advantage;
• Previous experience with IOM will be considered an advantage.

Skills

• Good knowledge of UN, IOM and NGOs mandates and programmes related to Migration and Development;
• Deep knowledge of the Project Cycle Management (PCM) approach;
• Knowledge of IOM financial rules and regulations will be considered an advantage;
• Digital skill in organizing virtual meetings and trainings by using of online platforms;
• Intercultural skills

Languages

• Fluency in Italian, English and French;
• Working knowledge of Arabic and/or Portuguese/Spanish would be considered as an asset.

Required Competencies

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• 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

• 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 action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates will be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19.

This post is subject to local recruitment. Only persons holding a valid residence and work permit for Italy will be eligible for consideration.