CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Position Title: Project Assistant
Duty Station: Sofia, Bulgaria
Reference number: CFA BG10-2024-03
Classification: Special Short-Term Ungraded Contract
Type of Appointment: 9 months with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: Subject to funding availability
Closing Date: 23 August 2024
Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management, advance understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.
In Bulgaria, IOM is focusing on responding to the current migration situation in the country, in support of the Bulgarian Government and in cooperation with all other agencies involved.
Context:
Under the overall supervision of the Head of Office (HoO) and direct supervision of Project coordinator - AVRR, the Project Assistant will be responsible and accountable for assisting with implementation of all AVRR project activities with focus on capacity building, communication and raising awareness activities, with the following duties and responsibilities:
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
- Assist in the planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of project activities, especially of envisaged capacity building events (workshops, study visits, opening and closing events).
- Prepare and/or contribute to various visibility materials in form of presentations, photos, articles, video films, web banners, social media posts or others as required.
- Liaise with representatives of other national/regional institutions and organizations, relevant governmental, non-governmental entities and other international organizations in the field of Migration and return in Bulgaria.
- Work within a multidisciplinary team that includes other IOM staff (psychologists, legal counsellors, interpreters, cultural mediators, assisted voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR) referral counsellors, etc.).
- Act as a focal point for the capacity building activities and actively participate in the AVRR team communication working group.
- Contribute to desk research/pre-research, review policies, legislation and trends within the topics relevant for the AVRR to and from Bulgaria. Contribute to analyses, reports and share knowledge of gathered outcomes.
- Assist with the implementation of networking activities e.g. organization and logistics of meetings, workshops, conferences, public events (opening and closing events)
- Keep all project files updated and secured, in accordance with IOM Data Protection Principles and protocols in place.
- Assist in evaluation and reviewing of the project progress, including financial and narrative reporting.
- Participate in multidisciplinary meetings with Migration Directorate, Border Police, SAR social experts and representatives from other organizations/institutions, as needed.
- Strictly adhere to IOM’s Standards of Conduct and Policy for Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
- Undertake duty travel as required.
- Coach and guide junior colleagues and interns.
- Perform any other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- University degree – bachelor’s or higher in Social/Political/Security Sciences, International Relations or a related field from an accredited academic institution with four (4) years of relevant professional experience; or
- High school graduate with six (6) years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- Previous experience in conducting capacity building workshops, communication activities or education activities.
- Experience in writing, editing and producing newsletters, press releases, articles, publications, social media content, short videos; reports and briefing memos.
- Previous experience in working with governments, CSO, EC is an advantage.
- Awareness of migrant and refugee issues – preferably in Bulgarian context.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, personal commitment, efficiency, and flexibility.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and difficult conditions.
- Demonstrated drafting, planning and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as in a team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and comfort with learning new software.
Languages
Fluency in Bulgarian and English is required.
Knowledge of any other UN language is an advantage.
Other
Driving license Category B is an advantage
Required Competencies
Values
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
- Integrity and transparency: maintain 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.
Core Competencies
- 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 action and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Other
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this special vacancy notice is subject to availability of funding.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications (Cover Letter and CV in European Format/Europass) in English, to iomsofia@iom.int, quoting the reference number CFA BG10-2024-03 by the 23rd of August 2024 at the latest, referring to this advertisement. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Posting period:
From the 5 July 2024 to the 23 August 2024