Senior Project Associate- IBG
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Deadline: May 25, 2025, 11:59 PM
Job Description
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 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 and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.
Organizational Context and Scope
Under the overall supervision of the Programme Officer (IBG), and the direct supervision of the National Programme Officer (IBG), the Senior Project Associate (IBG) will support the technical, operational and administrative implementation of projects within the Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) portfolio in Ethiopia, with a particular focus on activities related to border solutions, capacity-building, and institutional strengthening.
The incumbent will support the implementation and coordination of a range of IBG activities, including those related to border management technologies and solutions such as document verification systems, border technologies, and related identity and border management tools, as well as activities related to curriculum development, training systems strengthening, and institutional capacity-building. The role will contribute primarily to implementation of the Ethiopia component of the regional counter-smuggling project, while also supporting synergistic activities under other IBG projects as required.
Responsibilities
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Support the technical, operational and administrative implementation of IBG projects in Ethiopia, with a particular focus on the Ethiopia component of the regional counter-smuggling project and other synergistic IBG interventions.
- Support the planning, coordination and follow-up of activities related to border solutions, including document verification systems, identity and border management tools, MIDAS-related activities, and other operational support initiatives within the IBG portfolio.
- Contribute to the implementation of activities related to curriculum development, training systems strengthening, development of training materials, and institutional capacity-building for relevant government counterparts and training institutions with IBG portfolio.
- Participate in assessments, field missions and site visits related to border management, document verification, training systems, institutional strengthening and related IBG interventions.
- Support the organization and follow-up of trainings, workshops, technical meetings, consultations and coordination activities with relevant stakeholders.
- Assist in the preparation, revision and tracking of project workplans, implementation schedules and technical deliverables related to assigned activities.
- Support coordination with relevant government counterparts, including immigration, police, training institutions and other technical departments, under the guidance of the Programme Officer.
- Contribute to the preparation of briefing notes, reports, presentations, visibility materials and other project documents related to IBG activities.
- Maintain organized records of technical, operational and activity-related documentation and follow up on agreed action points arising from meetings, missions and consultations.
- Support implementation of activities related to standard operating procedures, tools, guidelines and operational frameworks developed under IBG projects.
- Contribute to internal coordination and knowledge management within the IBG unit, including through support to cross-project synergies and information-sharing.
- Undertake duty travel to airports, Border Crossing Points, training institutions and other implementation sites as required.
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned
Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- University degree or equivalent in Political or Social Sciences, Migration Studies, International Relations, Law, Public Administration, Education, Information Management, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least – four years of relevant professional experience; or
- School diploma with six years of relevant experience.
- Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
- Experience in project implementation in migration management, border governance, identity management, training and capacity-building, or related fields.
- Experience supporting operational activities related to border management solutions, document verification systems, Legal identity, MIDAS, Document examination and forensic or similar technical and institutional interventions is an advantage.
- Experience supporting curriculum development, training systems strengthening, or institutional capacity-building is an advantage.
- Experience supporting field missions, assessments, workshops and coordination with government counterparts.
- Knowledge of project implementation and administrative processes.
- Experience drafting reports, briefing notes and technical or operational documentation.
- Experience working with border operating agencies like immigration, police, custom, trade, transport sectors.
Skills
- Good drafting and reporting skills.
- Strong coordination and organizational skills.
- Strong coordination skills with communication and other cross cutting activities.
- Ability to support implementation across technical and operational workstreams.
- Ability to work effectively with government counterparts and diverse stakeholders.
Languages
All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM’s official languages (English, French, Spanish).
For this position, fluency in English and Amharic is required (oral and written). and Knowledge of other national languages are an advantage.
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, if with direct reports
- 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
Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.
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.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
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.
How to Apply
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the: >> IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
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.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.


