Project Assistant (MECC)

Context:

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), as the leading intergovernmental migration agency, has been at the forefront of operational, research, policy and advocacy efforts, seeking to bring environmental migration to the heart of international, regional and national concerns, in collaboration with its Member States, observers and partners. In 2021, IOM launched its 10-year Institutional Strategy on Migration, Environment and Climate Change (MECC) 2021-2030.

The Organization pursues three broad objectives in managing environmental migration, intervening at each stage of the migration cycle:

• “We develop solutions for people to move” – Managing migration in the context of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters due to natural hazards.
• “We develop solutions for people on the move” – Assisting and protecting migrants and displaced persons in the context of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters due to natural hazards.
• “We develop solutions for people to stay” – Making migration a choice by building resilience and addressing the adverse climatic and environmental drivers that compel people to move.

Over the past year, the IOM Coordination Office for the Mediterranean has engaged in the set-up of a MECC pillar by kicking off specific initiatives targeting both Italy and the wider Mediterranean region. In such a framework, migrants are considered cross cutting development actors in the context of the 2030 Agenda and of the MECC area.

Under the overall supervision of Chief of Mission of the Coordination Office of the Mediterranean and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Support and Liaison, in coordination with the Project Development Officer, the incumbent will perform the core functions and responsibilities listed below.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Support implementation of MECC-related projects;
2. Engage and liaise with a wide range of stakeholders at the regional and national level, in the framework of project activities supported;
3. Monitor projects’ progress, and draft projects reports in line with IOM standards and donor requirements and in coordination with the M&E Focal Point;
4. Provide general support to project and partnership development in the MECC area;
5. Liaise and exchange information with the MECC RTS in Vienna and other IOM offices active on MECC thematic area as relevant to project activities supported;
6. Work closely with the Communications Unit and contribute to the development and dissemination of communications and visibility materials that raise the profile of the MECC thematic area;
7. Participate in unit meetings, external partner meetings, conferences and workshops;
8. Support the production of documents and reports on migration, environment, and climate change as related to project activities supported;
9. Travel on duty as may be required;
10. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, International Relations, Law, Migration Studies, Political Science, Sociology or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Professional experience in implementing projects related to migration and human mobility and/or diaspora engagement.
• Professional experience in environment and climate change nexus and/or disaster risk reduction;
• Professional experience in supporting project and budget management;
• Professional experience in project development;
• Experience in organizing trainings and events;
• Professional experience working with Italian local authorities will be an advantage;
• Experience in the field, and in particular in countries of the Mediterranean region, will be an advantage.
• Previous experience working for IOM will be an advantage.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills, especially in a multilingual setting;
• Excellent multicultural skills;
• Analytical and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage simultaneous critical tasks;
• Capacity to work independently under pressure with tight deadlines;
• IT proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams as well as experience with virtual coworking tools;
• In-depth knowledge of the 2030 Agenda and other relevant global processes;
• In-depth knowledge of migration, environment and climate change (MECC) nexus and/or disaster risk reduction issues, trends, and policies at both national and regional level;

Languages

• English and Italian.
• Knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese would be considered as an advantage.

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.

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.