Senior Project Associate (LMI), G-7

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Grade: G-7

Deadline: November 04, 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.

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.

Organizational Context and Scope

IOM Ethiopia’s Migration Management and Government (MMG) Unit works closely with the Government of Ethiopia, and various stakeholders to contribute to addressing the migration governnance needs, as well as to promote and uphold the rights of individuals and their communities. The Unit has three main areas of intervention: Coordination and Capacity Development support (CCD), Immigration and border governance (IBG), and Labor Mobility and Social Inclusion (LMI).

IOM’ Ethiopia Labour Mobility and Social Inclusion programme provides policy, regulatory and operational guidance in matters related to labour and human mobility facilitation, integration and social cohesion, and diaspora engagement as an enabler of sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Officer – Migration Management and Governance, and the direct supervision of the National Programme Officer (LMI), the Senior Project Officer (LMI) will support the strategic, technical and operational coordination of the Labor Mobility and Social Inclusion projects in Ethiopia, with a primary focus on economic enpowerement for population targets and diaspora related initiatives aimed at contributing to sustainable development and poverty reduction, and with support as required to complementarity and synergistic initiatives under the wider LMI portfolio. In order to deliver his/her responsibilities, the incumbent will be expected to work in close collaboration with counterparts in the Government, public and private stakeholders and civil society organizations in Ethiopia and beyond.

The incumbent will serve as a senior coordination and oversight focal point across complex project components involving legal and policy frameworks, standard operating procedures, technical working groups, inter-agency coordination, capacity-building and institutional engagement with national counterparts. The role will contribute to developing the diaspora portfolio, ensuring strategic coherence, implementation quality, and alignment with national priorities, donor requirements and IOM standards.

The incumbent will provide technical and operational coordination support under the guidance of the Programme Officer, in alignment with approved project documents, donor requirements and IOM standards.

Responsibilities

Independently coordinate the implementation of the project pertaining to diaspora engagement. Monitor implementation of the activities to ensure work is proceeding according to established plans; analyse implementation difficulties and make recommendations for adjusting implementation modalities and work plans to best reflect changing environment on the field.
Regularly research, follow-up, compile, analyse and present information/data on national, regional and international developments, reports, legislation and other relevant documentation, highlighting noteworthy issues for the consideration of appropriate parties.
Monitor budget expenditures by verifying availability of funds and maintaining a proper record of approved project budgets and their revisions.
Coordinate and monitor the financial, administrative and technical aspects of the project in line with IOM policies and donor requirements.
Plan, coordinate and conduct capacity building workshops for relevant internal and external parties.
Participate in meetings and conferences. Maintain effective liaison and coordination with local authorities, partners, United Nation (UN) agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project.
Coordinate the preparation of correspondence, briefing notes, presentations, narrative and financial reports. Ensure status reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner.
Identify and document good practices and lessons learned and contribute to the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies and concept papers to support the development of new projects.
Perform such other relevant duties as maybe assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
High School diploma with seven years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

Proven work experience in strategic policy and legal development in migration matters is required;
Experience in institutional capacity development activities is required;
Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organisations;
Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, diaspora; and, Prior work experience with international humanitarian organisations, non-government or government institutions/organisation in a multi-cultural setting is required.

Skills

In-depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subjects areas dealt with by the organization in specific labour mobility, ethical recruitment and diaspora engagement
Knowledge of labour migration, migration-development programming
Knowledge in research, data compilation, analysis and presentation skills
Ability to analyse migration policies, legislation and regulatory-frameworks
Knowledge of financial rules and regulations
Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming

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 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

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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