Senior Project Associate (DRR-CCA Support)

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates.
  Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the UN Migration Agency. With 175 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 human 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 has been working on migration, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction (MECR) for over 30 years. IOM’s Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Risk Reduction activities bolster local and national initiatives to prevent and prepare for disasters and related population movements, provide emergency assistance and protection where displacement cannot be avoided and foster post-disaster recovery solutions and resilience-building.

In line with the IOM Institutional Strategy on Migration, Environment and Climate Change 2021-2030, the Organization pursues three broad objectives in managing environmental migration, intervening at each stage of the migration cycle:

1. “Solutions for people to move” - Managing migration in the context of climate change, environmental degradation, and disasters due to natural hazards.

2. “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.

3. “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.

The Regional Responses to Climate Displacements in Sub-Saharan Africa (RE2CLID) project aims to enhance the resilience and self-reliance of Displacement-Affected Communities (DACs) in Sub-Saharan Africa who face the risks of disasters, the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation. This initiative targets the highly vulnerable region of the Lake Tanganyika Basin, spanning Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania (i.e. Cluster 1).

The project employs an area-based approach focusing on averting displacement, minimizing displacement impacts, and resolving existing displacement situations. It emphasizes gender-responsive disaster forecasts and management systems, sustainable natural resources governance, and enhancing the resilience and self-reliance of DACs to reach durable solutions. Key activities include strengthening early warning systems, promoting sustainable land use and natural resource management, and integrating DACs into national and local disaster response frameworks.

By addressing the root causes of climate-induced displacement and fostering inclusive, climate-resilient solutions, RE2CLID aims to reduce vulnerability and enhance long-term sustainability in affected communities. This initiative is aligned with regional and international frameworks, including the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Global Compact for Migration and Refugees.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, and the direct supervision of the National Project Officer (DRR-CCA), the incumbent will support the implementation of the RE2CLID project activities (Specific Objectives 1 and 3) in Burundi in liaison with other IOM programming.

1. Assist in the planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of project activities, including tracking and reporting on risk-informed and climate-sensitive procedures and processes. 
2. Compile, summarize, analyse, and present information/data on specific project topics, highlighting noteworthy issues for supervisor review, with a focus on disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and community resilience.
3. Monitor budget implementation and propose adjustments as necessary to optimize resource use for DRR-CCA activities.   
4. Act as a focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, liaising with organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, and follow up on administrative steps linked to project activities.
5. Draft status reports based on collected information, summarizing progress, delivery gaps, and upcoming project activities, including aspects related to contingency planning, early warning dissemination, and inclusive preparedness measures, for supervisor review. 
6. Draft correspondence on project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, and other forms of documentation, reflecting project progress, achievements and lessons learned.
7. Organize meetings, workshops and training sessions; prepare training materials and support the delivery of capacity-building activities, providing programmatic and operational assistance related to DRR-CCA activities and workflows.
8. Respond to complex information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records, and support systematic documentation of risk, exposure, and vulnerability information associated with project activities.
9. Participate in meetings and conferences; maintain effective liaison and coordination with local authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to project operations and implementation. 
10. Monitor the work of implementing partners and report any non-compliance to the supervisor, focusing on quality DRR-CCA activities and community engagement.
11. Provide inputs for the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and concept papers, supporting the integration of DRR-CCA principles and anticipatory action mechanisms; and provide general support for the development of new projects.
12. Provide guidance/training and assist in coordinating and monitoring the work of other staff in the unit; may supervise other staff as assigned; support the application of DRR-CCA practices as appropriate.
13. Support the integration or gender-sensitive approaches across project coordination, planning and implementation, with attention to inclusive disaster preparedness and climate adaptation activities.
14. Perform other related duties as assigned. Education
    • High school diploma with six years of relevant experience; or,
    • Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Environment, Migration, International Relations or related fields from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.   Experience
      • Experience assisting in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, or emergency response activities. 
      • Experience supporting liaison with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations. 
      • Experience assisting with operational, administrative, and organizational tasks in a project or programme setting, collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
      • Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups.
      • Prior experience supporting international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
      • Experience compiling information, drafting reports, correspondence, and other documentation.
      • Experience supporting monitoring, evaluation and reporting of project activities.   Skills
        • Knowledge of disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, environmental migration, and community resilience in Burundi, with the ability to support programmatic activities.
        • Solid interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
        • Solid organizational skills, including flexibility and ability to perform well under supervision and pressure.
        • Proficient in computer applications, including SharePoint, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email/internet tools Languages
          • Required

            Fluency in both written and spoken English and French

            • Desired

              Fluency in Kirundi (oral and written)

              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   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 (Level 2)
    • Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
15. Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.