Vacancy Notice

 

Position Title: Senior Project Assistant (Safe Zone Supervisor) – 2 positions

Duty Station: Sofia, Bulgaria

Classification: General Service, G7

Type of Appointment: One Year Fixed Terms, with a possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 2nd of May 2024

 

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 a divers and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates. 

 

Context

Under the direct supervision of IOM Bulgaria’s Protection Officer and overall supervision of IOM Bulgaria’s Head of the Protection Program, the successful candidate will be accountable and responsible for the daily coordination and supervision of a Safe Zone for unaccompanied minors (UAMs) located in the State Agency for Refugees’ (SAR) Registration and Reception Centers (RRCs) in Sofia – Voenna Rampa/ Ovcha Koupel. The incumbent will oversee the provision of care and support to UAMs accommodated therein, ensure coordination with relevant stakeholders, as well as support monitoring, evaluation, and reporting to donors.

 

Core Functions / Responsibilities

1. Assist the Head of the Protection Program and the Protection Officer in the development of the Protection Program portfolio related to the protection of the rights of UAMs in Bulgaria. 

2. Oversee the day-to-day management of the Safe Zones for UAMs in RRC Sofia – Voenna Rampa/ Ovcha Koupel, in close coordination with the Protection Officer. 

3. Supervise a team of social workers deployed in the Safe Zone, including the provision of technical support, organization of team meetings, preparation of a monthly work schedule and other tasks, as required.

4. Prepare or oversee the preparation of project administrative and financial documentation, as well as ensure the submission of relevant documentation through IOM’s e-filing systems.  

5. Ensure regular monitoring of project activities to ensure the project is running on schedule and the planned indicators are met and address any delays in a timely manner, in coordination with the Protection Officer.  

6. Coordinate daily the work in the Safe Zone with the SAR RRC management, as well as with SAR HQ staff, and other Bulgarian institutions and organizations responsible for ensuring the protection of the rights of UAMs in Bulgaria.

7. Oversee the provision of safety and security in the Safe Zone through daily communication and coordination with relevant stakeholders, including security companies on-site. 

8. Support the organization of and participate as a trainer/lecturer in trainings, seminars, and work meetings, as well as prepare PowerPoint presentations, briefs and other project information materials on activities, results, challenges, and best practices to be used in such events. .

9. Participate in the development of new project proposals and, in coordination with other IOM Bulgaria programs and units, ensure compliance with donor requirements and IOM rules and procedures, as well as their timely submission. 

10. Ensure close coordination with information management and communication staff regarding the management of project data and publication of information on project activities and results on social media and IOM’s website. 

11. Support the drafting of interim and final donor reports, as well as the evaluation of project activities and results upon completion. 

12. Perform any other duties, as may be assigned.

 

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Completed High School Degree or equivalent with a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience on projects working with migrants and/or refugees, with experience in project implementation considered an advantage.

• University Degree in social science, social work, or another related field, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience working with migrants and/or refugees.

 

Experience

• Previous work experience in an international environment, with intergovernmental organizations or NGOs is considered an advantage.

• Previous work experience with unaccompanied minors is considered an advantage.

• Previous work experience supervising teams is considered an advantage.  

 

Skills

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office applications especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint. 

• Excellent knowledge of EU policies, financial instruments, institutions, and decision-making mechanisms.

 

Languages

Fluency in Bulgarian and English is required (oral and written). 

 

Required Competencies

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 wherever possible.

• 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 action 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.

 

Important

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

 

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 Europass Format) in English to iomsofia@iom.int by the 2nd of May 2024 at the latest, quoting the vacancy notice. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

 

Posting period

From the 17th of April until the 2nd of May 2024