Project Associate (Protection)

International Organization For Migration (IOM) invites qualified candidates to apply for the Project Associate (Protection) role in Jigjiga. The successful candidate will bring strong Project Management experience spanning at least 5 - 6 years. The closing date for this vacancy is Aug, 10.

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. Learn 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.

This position will be based in Dewele

Organizational Context and Scope

E

stablished in 1951, IOM is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting human and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM Ethiopia's vision is to place the rights and well-being of migrants at the centre of its interventions, adopting a preventive, protective, and responsive approach. Its

protection interventions in Ethiopia follow a six-pillar intervention that includes direct assistance to migrants, displaced persons and affected communities, thematic guidance, capacity development, advocacy, and research. The Protection Unit (PXU) works closely with the government of Ethiopia and various stakeholders in emergency, displacement, and migration settings to

reduce protection risks and address the needs of vulnerable individuals and communities. IOM is guided by rights-based approaches across our migration programming, demonstrating commitment to the safeguarding of vulnerable groups.

Within PXU, and under the Migrant Protection and Assistance sub-unit, non-emergenciies, programming areas include Counter-trafficking, Assistance to Vulnerable Migrants (AVM), and Community Outreach.

IOM, through its Migration Response Centres (MRCs), provides vulnerable migrants with protection and assistance delivering needs-based assistance and referrals, prioritizing victims of trafficking, children in situations of vulnerability, and those with health needs. IOM’s MRCs are strategically located on the key migratory routes in Ethiopia, with three on the Eastern Route, one on the Southern Route, and the final one on the Northern Route. These MRCs provide, often, lifesaving assistance and tailored protection support to migrants that have been returned, stranded, or otherwise find themselves in very difficult situations.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Sub Office (Jigjiga), and in coordination with the National Officer (Protection), the successful candidate will support in the implementation of the activities under the Dewelle Migration Response Centre. The selected candidate will also be required to provide additional support as necessary to other protection teams, including the Return and Reintegration teams, and support coordination with other programmatic units in the mission.

In particular, he/she will undertake the following responsibilities and accountabilities.

Responsibilities

• Job Identification 22281
• Posting Date 07/27/2026, 03:13 PM
• Apply Before 08/10/2026, 11:59 PM
• Contract Type Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
• Initial Contract Duration 6 months
• Org Type Country Office
• Vacancy Type Special Vacancy Notice
• Recruiting Type General Service
• Grade G-5
• Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response? No

1. Provide tailored direct assistance to migrants in vulnerable situations in the Migration Response Centre (MRC) following MRC minimum service standard and IOM protection principles.
2. Retrieve, compile, summarize, analyse, and present information/data on migrant profiles, vulnerability, needs, and services in the MRC.
3. Monitor budget; verify availability of funds; obtain necessary approval and update budget related information.
4. Act as focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, etc.
5. Draft status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, bring them to the attention of the supervisor and suggest remedial actions.
6. Draft correspondence on project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentation and other forms of documentation.
7. Respond to complex information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records; organize meetings, workshops and training sessions;
8. Participate in meetings and conferences; assist in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project.
9. Assist in monitoring work of implementing partners and report non-compliances to the supervisor.
10. Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff.
11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

About Jigjiga

Jigjiga is the capital of the Somali Regional State (Somali Galbeed) in eastern Ethiopia. The city serves as an important economic center for the ethnic Somali population in Ethiopia and hosts various government and non-governmental organizations working on development and humanitarian programs.

Ereyada Soomaaliga (Somali Keywords): Shaqo Buuxda • Shaqo Cusub

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

Accredited Universities are those listed in the

UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

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). Knowledge of other Ethiopian national languages is desirable.

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:

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

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations;
• Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and,
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

• In-depth knowledge of the broad range of migration-related subject areas dealt with by the Organization; and,
• Proven experience with case management
• Shelter management experience
• Knowledge of migrant protection and assistance
• Familiarity with project development, administration, and evaluation concepts and procedures.
• Computer literacy, with proficiency in MS Windows / MS Office application
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral

• 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.

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.

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.

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