Project Assistant

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Grade: G-3

Deadline: November 11, 2026, 10:59 PM

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

Organizational Context and Scope

IOM’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028 recognizes that migration patterns are increasingly complex with climate change, environmental degradation and uneven development driving increasing numbers of displacement and irregular migration. The Organization works to address challenges as well as create opportunities through migration and under the following institutional objectives:

1. Saving lives and protecting people on the move

2. Driving solutions to displacement

3. Facilitating pathways for regular migration

More specifically, the IOM’s Climate Action Division is guided by three strategic objectives, which are; to develop solutions for people to move; for those on the move and; for people to stay in the context of climate and environmental drivers.

IOM’s Special Liaison Office (SLO) to the African Union (AU) was established in 1998 in Addis Ababa and entered a Cooperation Agreement with the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in the same year. A new three-year Cooperation Agreement was signed between AU and IOM for the period 2022-2024 and renewed for 2025-2027.

IOM SLO works to increase awareness on the link between migration and climate and works on joint advocacy and research to support and inform policy making that integrates migration in to continental migration and climate policies in Africa. IOM SLO through funding support from the IOM Development Fund (IOM DF) is undertaking a project supporting African climate negotiators to address human mobility in Africa. The project aims to provide capacity development and technical support to the negotiators and relevant stakeholders- Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the African Union Commission (AUC) supporting to address human mobility in Africa.

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Climate Action Specialist in IOM SLO and the direct supervision of the National Policy and Liaison Officer, the Project Assistant will be responsible for providing general administrative and clerical support to the implementation of IOM SLO’s Climate Action activities and projects, including support with information management, project visibility and the organization of meetings, workshops, and other project activities.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required.

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.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Provide general/clerical assistance in the implementation of project activities including those related to enhancing the visibility and outreach of the Climate Action Unit.
Retrieve, compile, summarise, and present information/data on the Unit’s activities/projects, including information and materials for dissemination through relevant digital platforms.
Support administrative coordination for project implementation, involving liaison with diverse organisational units or external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process, and follow-up on administrative actions.
Draft status reports, correspondence, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentations, and other forms of documentation, including supporting the preparation of visibility materials for websites, social media platforms, and other communication channels, in coordination with relevant technical staff and as directed by the supervisor.
Support the organization of meetings, workshops and training sessions, including logistical arrangements and the formatting and preparation of related project and visibility materials.
Respond to general information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Communications or a related field from an accredited academic institution with one year of relevant professional experience; or,
High School diploma with three years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organisations;
Prior work experience with international humanitarian organisations, non-government or government institutions/organisation in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage;
Experience in supporting project administration, information management and/or project communications activities; and,
Experience working with digital collaboration or information-sharing platforms is an advantage.

Skills

Good computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications;
Good organizational and administrative skills, including records maintenance;
Ability to compile, organize and present project information;
Ability to support administrative and logistical arrangements for project activities; and
Good communication and interpersonal skills

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).

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

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 1

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

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. 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.

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