The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is seeking a dedicated and highly organized professional to join its team as a Project Assistant. This role presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the meaningful work of the world’s leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration.
Table of Contents
Organizational Context and Scope: The Bigger Picture
Under the overarching strategic guidance of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Madagascar and the direct supervision of the National Officer, the Project Assistant will be an integral part of the team at the Sub-Office in Toliara (Tulear). This role is established to provide comprehensive administrative, logistical, and implementation support to a key project, operating in close collaboration with relevant units in the central office in Antananarivo.
The successful candidate will be immersed in the complex and rewarding field of migration management, which may encompass initiatives related to migrant protection, counter-trafficking, disaster risk reduction, community stabilization, or migration and development. Madagascar, with its unique socio-economic and environmental challenges, requires a nuanced and responsive approach. The Project Assistant will therefore be instrumental in ensuring that IOM’s interventions are not only well-organized but also contextually appropriate and responsive to the needs of the beneficiaries.
JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL FOR UPDATES
Position Title: Project Assistant
Duty Station: Toliara, Madagascar
Application Deadline:
Core Functions / Responsibilities: A Detailed Overview
The Project Assistant will be entrusted with a diverse portfolio of tasks, requiring a blend of analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills. Key responsibilities include:
- Project Implementation and Monitoring Support: Actively assist the National Project Manager in the day-to-day execution of project activities. This involves understanding the project work plan, tracking progress against set indicators, and identifying potential bottlenecks. The assistant will be responsible for retrieving, compiling, summarizing, and presenting data in accessible formats (reports, tables, graphics) to facilitate informed decision-making by management.
- Financial and Administrative Coordination: Play a key role in the financial integrity of the project. This includes monitoring the project budget, verifying the availability of funds before committing expenditures, and obtaining necessary approvals. The assistant will act as a central administrative focal point, liaising with IOM’s internal units (such as Finance, Procurement, and Human Resources) and external partners to initiate requests, secure clearances, and follow up on administrative actions to ensure seamless project operations.
- Reporting and Documentation: Demonstrate strong writing skills by drafting regular project status reports, correspondence, briefing notes, and presentations. These documents are critical for communicating progress to donors, government counterparts, and IOM headquarters. The assistant will be expected to identify shortfalls in implementation, bring them to the supervisor’s attention with a constructive mindset, and propose viable remedial actions.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Serve as a liaison with a wide network of stakeholders, including local governmental authorities, UN agencies, international and national non-governmental organizations, community leaders, and donors. This will involve organizing and participating in meetings, workshops, and training sessions, requiring exceptional diplomatic and communication skills. The ability to respond to complex information requests with clarity and professionalism is paramount.
- Partnership and Capacity Building: Assist in monitoring the work of implementing partners to ensure alignment with project objectives and IOM’s stringent standards. Furthermore, the Project Assistant will have the opportunity to guide and train new or junior staff, fostering a collaborative and knowledge-sharing team environment.
- Additional Duties: Perform other related duties as assigned by the supervisor, demonstrating flexibility and a commitment to the overall objectives of the IOM mission in Madagascar.
Required Qualifications and Experience: The Ideal Candidate Profile
Education:
- A high school diploma with a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in project support, administration, or a related field; OR,
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or a related field with three years of relevant professional experience.
Experience:
- Proven experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
- Demonstrable professional experience working with vulnerable groups, such as migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, or victims of trafficking.
- Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations in a multi-cultural setting is a distinct advantage.
Skills and Knowledge:
- A solid understanding of migration-related issues and the international frameworks that govern them.
- Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor procedures, rules, and regulations.
- Familiarity with financial rules and regulations, and knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) is highly desirable.
- Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
- Proficiency in standard Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Also Read
- UNJSPF is Actively Seeking a Data Engineer Intern(x1). APPLY NOW
- UN is Actively Seeking a Dynamic Communications Intern(x1). APPLY NOW
- UNDP is currently seeking for a dynamic Administration Intern(x1). APPLY NOW
- UN is Hiring a Programme Management Intern (x1) – Drive Innovation & Inclusion. APPLY NOW
Languages:
- Fluency in French and Malagasy is required.
- A working knowledge of English is highly desired for this position, given IOM’s global nature.
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All language skills will be rigorously evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Competency Framework: Values and Behaviours
All IOM staff are expected to uphold and demonstrate the following values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity
- Integrity and transparency
- Professionalism
- Courage
- Empathy
The core competencies for this role include:
- Teamwork
- Delivering results
- Managing and sharing knowledge
- Accountability
- Communication
