Project Associate

Organizational Context and Scope

The Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM) aims to increase state presence and community resilience in remote areas of Benin, Ghana and Togo that are at risk of encroachment by violent extremist organizations. CSSM is currently funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO) and aligns with GFFO’s Concept on Foreign and Security Policy Strategy for an Integrated Peace, as well as regional and national efforts to prevent violence. CSSM is implemented by IOM in close coordination with GFFO as well as with communities in priority zones and all levels of the host Governments.

Under the administrative supervision of the Field Coordinator – Head of Sub-Office and the direct supervision of the Program Officer for the Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM) in Dapaong, Togo, the Project Associate will support the implementation of a multi-donor stabilization initiative operating in northern Togo. CSSM is designed to reinforce locally accepted state presence by strengthening civilian security provision, improving government delivery of basic services, and supporting community-led efforts to reduce localized instability.

The incumbent will work closely with CSSM’s programmatic, grants, and monitoring teams, as well as with national and local government counterparts, civil society organizations, and community stakeholders. The role requires to support a high degree of coordination across IOM sub-offices and satellite locations, and will contribute to the planning, implementation, and monitoring of small-grants activities and stabilization interventions in line with CSSM’s adaptive and context-responsive approach.

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of project activities under the Coastal States Stability Mechanism (CSSM), to maintain alignment with program objectives and timelines.
• Support the preparation and review of project documentation, including activity proposals, budgets, procurement requests, and reports, in accordance with IOM and donor requirements.
• Liaise with local authorities, community stakeholders, implementing partners, and other relevant actors to facilitate smooth implementation of field-level activities.
• Monitor the progress of field activities, including through regular communication with field teams and site visits, and flag implementation challenges or delays to the supervisor.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of project activities, expenditures, and correspondence, and ensure timely data entry into relevant tracking systems such as the Grant Management System (GMS).
• Draft routine and ad hoc reports, meeting minutes, and correspondence related to project implementation, and contribute to the preparation of donor reports and visibility materials.
• Organize and provide logistical support for project-related events, including community consultations, coordination meetings, trainings, and workshops.
• Assist in the coordination of monitoring and evaluation activities, including data collection, beneficiary feedback, and documentation of lessons learned.
• Contribute to the identification of risks and mitigation measures related to project implementation, including those related to security, reputational exposure, and community dynamics.
• Provide guidance and support to junior staff and interns, as required.

  Perform other related duties as assigned.

  Education
  • School diploma with five years of relevant experience; or,
  • 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 three years of relevant professional experience. Experience
    • Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations
    • Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and,
    • Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.  Skills
      • Understanding of migration, governance, and community resilience dynamics 
      • Knowledge of project management cycle 
      • Solid writing and synthesis skills, and experience in report writing 
      • Demonstrated ability to deliver quality assignments under tight timeframes  
      • Ability to work independently, to follow leads and to be innovative in obtaining and triangulating information from a variety of sources 
      • Solid computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office package (Office, Excel, Power Point, Outlook), internet and Email Languages
        • Required: French (written and spoken - fluent)
        • Desirable: English (highly preferred) IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.     Required Competencies   The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and 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 three 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
• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.