Job Identification (Reference Number): 15943
Position Title: Associate Project Officer (P)
Duty Station City: Freetown
Duty Station Country: Sierra Leone
Grade: P-1
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 9 months
Closing date: 05 August 2025

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. 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, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates

2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:
   Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

Context

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office, direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator, and in close collaboration with other project teams in the IOM Sierra Leone Country Office, the Associate Project Officer will be expected to perform the tasks outlined below.

Responsibilities

1. Under the guidance of the Programme Coordinator, monitor the implementation of specific phases of a cross-border project funded by the United Nation’s Peace Building Fund (PBF). Describe progress of projects, investigate designated project activities and discuss findings with the supervisor to help minimize gaps and maximize effective utilization of project resources.

2. Track and monitor project expenditures and burn rates, follow up on administrative and logistical arrangements, and provide updates to the Programme Coordinator.

3. Participate in data collection exercises, draft specific inputs for analytical reports and compile background information for project adjustments.

4. Draft portions of annual work plans and budgets, and compile general background information to support the development of new projects and proposals for resource mobilization efforts in specific Programmatic areas in the Country Office.

5. Arrange training, capacity building and awareness raising activities and organize meetings, including assisting with the preparation of PowerPoint presentations and agendas, and taking meeting notes as required.

6. Maintain accurate, updated and pertinent records of all correspondence, reporting files, visibility materials and other related information to support knowledge management and timely communication and information sharing with donors and national stakeholders.

7. Under close supervision, undertake project implementation visits.

8. Coordinate the collection and verification of documents and data used for the preparation of project reports to donors and draft specific components or segments of reports in close coordination with the Programme Coordinator. Track endorsement processes and promptly notify the supervisor of delays or issues.

9. Assist in editing social media content or press notes in collaboration with of the Mission’s communication unit.

10. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in International Law, Political or Social Sciences, International Cooperation/Relations, Humanitarian Affairs, Development Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution; or,

• University degree in the above fields with two years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Working experience (at least 2 years for university degree holder) in the UN or Diplomatic missions is desirable;

• Field experience at national and/or international levels in border management including operational experience in project development, management or coordination is desirable; and,

• Experience in liaising and coordinating with institutional actors (Government authorities, the United Nations (UN), local level etc.) is desirable.

Skills

• Knowledge of the functions of intergovernmental organizations and familiarity with IOM and the UN system;

• Knowledge of project management cycle and result-based reporting matrix;

• Familiarity with IOM project monitoring and reporting platforms (e.g., PRIMA);

• Ability to write clearly and effectively, and ability to facilitate discussion in seminars and working groups;

• Excellent facilitation skills, especially of small groups of diverse backgrounds;

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills; and,

• Familiarity with the issues of migration and PBF systems.

Languages

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) is an advantage.

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

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 five 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.

• 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 actions and delegated work.

• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.

• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.

• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.

• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

Notes

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station's country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitmentsystem (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications HERE by 05 August 2025 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.