Senior Project Assistant

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the UN Migration Agency. With 174 member states it is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. Established in 1951 and now active in over 400 field locations worldwide, IOM works with partners, government and civil society to:

1. Assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration and mobility.
2. Advance understanding of migration issues.
3. Encourage social and economic development through migration; and
4. Uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants and mobile populations.

IOM’s Regional Office for the East and Horn of Africa supports and monitors the following countries: Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda. Through a team of specialists, the Regional Office supports the development, implementation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation of projects and initiatives undertaken by country offices and regional programmes.

IOM’s current health programming is aligned with the Africa Union migration framework and Agenda 2030, relevant global and regional health plans of concerned stakeholders and agencies including the Regional Economic Commission (EAC and IGAD). Furthermore, the regional programmes are contributing to the achievement of the regional migration strategy for East and Horn of Africa addressing the health component and the MHD regional strategic roadmap both align with the IOM Institutional Strategic Framework and relevant SDG.

Among other programme MHD is focusing on enhancing preparedness and response to outbreaks and epidemics at cross-borders in East and Horn of Africa. MHD is currently supporting The East Africa Community (EAC) to operationalize the 5-year roadmap on priorities at the Point of Entry under a regional project funded by IOM by the IDF.

Context:

Under the general supervision of the Regional Director, in coordination with the Regional Health Assessment Programme Coordinator (RHAPC) for Sub-Saharan Africa and the MHD National Officer; under the direct supervision of the Regional Migration Health Specialist for East and Horn of Africa, the incumbent will support implementation of the IDF-funded regional project “Support to EAC for the implementation of the 5-year roadmap on cross-border health and outbreak responses in the East African region”.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

In particular he/she will:

1. Assist the implementation of the project; monitor implementation of the activities to monitor that work is proceeding according to established plans; analyse implementation difficulties and make recommendations for adjusting.
2. Liaise, monitor the implementation and coordination with the East Africa Community EAC and other MHD programme.
3. Assist in coordination and monitoring the financial, administrative, and technical aspects of the project in line with IOM policies and donor requirements.
4. Assist in planning, coordination and facilitation of workshop and regional meetings for relevant internal and external parties as pertinent to the project and MHD activities.
5. Participate in meetings and conferences; maintain effective liaison and coordination with local authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, donors, and other stakeholders relevant to the project.
6. Attend consistently and actively the WHO-led regional Technical Working Group (TWG) on Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) and the Point of Entry sub-TWG sharing and coordinating project implementation building synergies with partners.
7. Draft correspondence, briefing notes, presentations, narrative, and financial reports; monitor status reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner.
8. Coordinate and follow-up all administrative procedures to hire the consultants and close coordination with the NO and RTS, follow up on their work and final documents.
9. Assist in identify and document good practices and lessons learned; contribute to the development of Standard Operations Procedures (SOP), guideline, policies and concept papers and support the development of new projects.
10. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Completed University Degree from an accredited academic institution preferably in health or environmental related studies with at least four (4) years of relevant professional experience; Or,
• Completed High School/Secondary school education with at least six (6) years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Knowledge and previous work with Regional Economic Commission, particularly Inter-Governmental Agency for Development (IGAD), and East Africa Community (EAC) is a mandatory requirement.
• Consolidated experience in liaising with, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations.
• Prior work experience with UN agencies or international humanitarian organizations is a strong advantage.
• Proven experience in organizing regional meetings, conferences, and events; and
• Knowledge and previous work on health cross-border initiatives.

Skills

• In depth knowledge of the broad range of cross-border health, migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization.
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming; and,
• Knowledge of UN financial rules and regulations.

Languages

Required: For all applicants, fluency in English and Kiswahili is required (oral and written).

Desirable: Working knowledge of French; and/or any other UN Official language is advantageous.