Project Support Associate (Civil Engineering and Site Planning)

Introduction

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners.

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Officer (Immigration and Border Governance) and the direct supervision of the National Programme Officer (IBG), the successful candidate will provide engineering and technical support for the planning and development of a Model Border Control Post (BCP).

The incumbent will primarily support the implementation of infrastructure-related activities under a Netherlands-funded project Enhancing Border and Migration Management Governance in Ethiopia through Model Border Initiatives, Technology and Health System Strengthening, including technical support related to the development of a proposed Model Border Control Post at Dewele.

The position will support the translation of operational border management requirements into practical engineering and site planning considerations, ensuring that infrastructure development aligns with international good practices in integrated border management, protection-sensitive border governance, Health, Border and Mobility Management (HBMM), digitalization, and environmental sustainability.

1. Provide technical engineering support for the planning and development of a Model Border Control Post, including participation in site assessments, infrastructure reviews, and technical consultations with government counterparts.
2. Support the preparation and refinement of technical documentation related to border infrastructure projects, including concept notes, engineering briefs, technical specifications, Bills of Quantities inputs, and Terms of Reference for engineering consultancies.
3. Assist in the development and review of procurement documentation for consultancy services related to geotechnical investigations, topographic surveys, environmental assessments, and engineering design assignments.
4. Support the review and quality assurance of technical studies, engineering drawings, site layouts, and conceptual designs prepared by external consultants to ensure consistency with operational border management requirements and project objectives.
5. Participate in field missions and technical assessments to collect engineering, infrastructure, utility, and environmental information relevant to border infrastructure planning as may be necessary.
6. Support the incorporation of operational requirements into infrastructure planning, including considerations related to:
   1. Passenger and freight circulation;
   2. Traffic management and segregation;
   3. Protection-sensitive infrastructure;
   4. Health screening facilities;
   5. ICT and border management systems;
   6. Solar power and utility requirements;
   7. Water, sanitation, and waste management;
   8. Future scalability and phased expansion.
7. Liaise with relevant IOM units and government counterparts, including the Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS), Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Ethiopian Customs Commission, Ethiopian Federal Police, Ministry of Transport and Logistics, and local authorities, on engineering and infrastructure matters.
8. Support project teams in monitoring engineering-related activities and provide technical inputs to ensure implementation remains consistent with approved designs, donor requirements, and IOM standards.
9. Assist in the preparation of technical reports, assessment reports, presentations, maps, graphics, and other documentation related to infrastructure and border modernization initiatives.
10. Support coordination with consultants, contractors, service providers, and relevant stakeholders during planning and implementation phases.
11. Undertake duty travel, as required, to monitor project implementation, participate in technical assessments, and provide on-site engineering support.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Management, Building Engineering, Architecture, Infrastructure Planning, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least three years of relevant professional experience; or
• High School diploma with five years of progressively responsible relevant experience.

Experience

• Experience working in humanitarian and/or development settings;

• Experience supporting engineering or infrastructure projects.

• Experience in support to site planning, construction supervision, or engineering design support 

• Experience liaising with governmental authorities, other national and international institutions and NGOs, and building effective local partnerships including with the private sector.

Skills

• Good understanding of civil engineering and infrastructure planning principles.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, maps, layouts, and technical documentation.

• Familiarity with construction materials, utility planning, drainage considerations, and site development.

• Knowledge of sustainable infrastructure approaches, including renewable energy solutions, is desirable.

• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite.

• Familiarity with AutoCAD, GIS software, Google Earth, or similar engineering and mapping tools would be an advantage.

• Strong report writing and analytical skills.

• Strong organizational and coordination abilities.

• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and maintain attention to detail under tight deadlines.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

Required 

For this position, fluency in English and Amharic is required (oral and written).

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 – behavioral indicators

• 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.

Notes

IOM covers Affiliated Contractor against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Affiliated Contractor’s are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice 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, 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.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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.