CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Position Title: Project Assistant - LMI
Duty Station: Sofia, Bulgaria
Reference Number: CFA BG10-2024-02
Classification: Special short term Ungraded Contract
Type of Appointment: 9 months with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: Subject to funding availability
Closing Date: 19th of July 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:
Through the promotion of international dialogue and the development of partnerships with institutions, authorities and the private sector, the Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion (LMI) Unit implements projects related to the integration of migration into national and local development policies, the employability of migrants, the strengthening of human capital through labor migration initiatives, the engagement of the diaspora of the host country and the migration environment. The Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion Unit is responsible for providing policy, regulatory and operational guidance in matters related to labour and human mobility facilitation, integration and social cohesion, and migration as an enabler of sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda for
Sustainable Development. It is also the custodian of the IOM Institutional Strategy on Migration and Sustainable Development. It also supports the implementation of programmes to help creating an environment in which migrants can support their societies and develop their individual and collective potential in order to contribute to sustainable development and poverty reduction for the benefit of migrants, their families and communities, and of the countries of origin and destination.
In addition, the LMI Unit has produced data and research focused on policies related to the migration context in Bulgaria. The upcoming start of several new projects in the field of integration and labour inclusion of migrants and refugees marks a new phase for IOM Bulgaria.
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the LMI Senior Project Assistant the selected candidate will be responsible of the following activities:
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
- Provide specialized support to the LMI Senior Project Assistant in the overall implementation of the projects and the other initiatives related to remittances and diaspora engagement in a timely manner, in carrying out its technical, financial, and administrative aspects, in compliance with IOM’s policies and donor requirements.
- Liaise with government institutions and other UN agencies and technical partners on issues pertaining to labour mobility and human development and maintain positive collaborative and working relations. Effectively communicate and follow up with appropriate partners as required.
- Coordinate and actively participate in the implementation of the projects’ integration activities with migrants and refugees.
- Assist in preparing periodic narrative progress, field, interim and final reports for the LMI projects based on IOM and donor formats, in close coordination with the relevant colleagues
- Participate in the preparation and development of concept notes, project proposals, and corresponding budgets.
- Drafting talking points, speeches, press releases and position papers pertaining to LMI activities in Bulgaria
- Conduct field and desk research of local context on LMI issues and prepare background information to support the development of new project proposals.
- Maintain effective professional relationships with stakeholders (government, civil society, Employers’ Associations, trade union and private sector) and IOM.
- Contribute to the LMI Unit fundraising efforts, related to labour migration governance, to secure the sustainability of projects and initiatives under this area.
- Facilitate inter-agency coordination meetings on migration issues and participate in relevant conferences, workshops, steering committees, policy, and technical working groups, as well as other forums to ensure proper coordination and presentation of LMI activities
- Regularly communicate with the LMI Senior Project Assistant and internal units to ensure proper coordination and timely follow-up on all activities and requests.
- Undertake duty travel as requested.
- Coach and guide junior colleagues and interns
- Perform such other duties, as required
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- University degree from an accredited academic institution in Social/Political Sciences, International Relations, Business administration, Economics or a related field from an accredited academic institution with 4 years of relevant professional experience.
or - High school graduate with six (6) years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- Experience in liaison with UN and non-UN humanitarian actors
- Experience in working in a challenging environment, project management, logistics and administrative and financial management an advantage.
- Broad LMI Sector knowledge and/or field experience in the areas of humanitarian action is an asset.
- Excellent handling of sensitivities, socio-cultural, and political issues and a high sense of tact and diplomacy skills Experience working in international and/or non-governmental organizations, or government institutions in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
- 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 one of the languages Russian/Ukrainian 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 the 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 BG10-2024-02 by the 19th of July 2024 at the latest, referring to this advertisement. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Posting period:
From the 5th to the 19th of July 2024