Project Assistant G5 121 views1 application

Context: 

Funded by the European Union through the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA) is IOM’s flagship initiative supporting vulnerable and stranded migrants. Operating in 16 countries across the Atlantic/Western and Central Mediterranean corridors, it mobilizes protection, reintegration, knowledge exchange, and partnership networks to make return safer, more dignified, and sustainable. The programme is structured around two key components

The provision of a comprehensive gender-responsive, rights-based and disability-inclusive protection and other essential support for migrants stranded in relevant Sub-Saharan transit countries in the Atlantic/Western and Central Mediterranean routes. The support provided includes search and rescue operations, protection services, and the facilitation of assisted voluntary return to safer areas in their countries of origin, where they can access basic services. Additional support includes pre-departure services such as hospitality, medical and psychological assistance, and help with travel documentation. Upon arrival, migrants also receive short-term 

post-arrival assistance to aid their initial reintegration.

The provision of an individual reintegration assistance in countries of origin in Sub-Saharan Africa, with the aim to support psychosocial, social and economic sustainable reintegration whilst ensuring a gender- and age-sensitive approach. This component also covers reintegration support for Sub-Saharan returnees from North African countries.

In The Gambia, IOM is delivering the programme’s component on post-arrival assistance and sustainable individual-level reintegration, in coordination with various stakeholders. 

Under the overall supervision of the MPRR-SSA Project Manager and direct supervision of the Reintegration officer, the successful candidate will contribute to the implementation of the Project, with a specific focus on strengthening the capacity and partnership of, including with Government, civil society, and other national and local partners, as well as providing technical and administrative support to implementation of project activities- to support the protection of vulnerable migrants and reintegration of returnees.

Core Functions / Responsibilities: 

Provide overall support to capacity-building activities for improving reintegration of returning migrants and strengthening national structures and capabilities for managing reintegration in a dignified and sustainable manner, in close coordination with other colleagues.

Support the mapping exercise of socio-economic profile of areas of return in up to six key areas of origin in The Gambia and analyse the findings to assess the needs of communities and identify gaps in the provision of basic services for returnees and potential migrants.

 Assist in the identification of relevant Government and non-governmental actors in migration governance, particularly in direct assistance and reintegration, and contribute to building and strengthening IOM’s relationship with them through regular communication.

Support the strengthening of a national coordination structure to strengthen migration governance through a whole-of-government approach.

Contribute to the strengthening of a national referral mechanism among main stakeholders in The Gambia for the return, rehabilitation and reintegration work of Gambian returnees, with a focus on vulnerable migrants, such as unaccompanied migrant children and victims of trafficking.

Support the task to draft capacity development plans jointly with relevant Government and non-governmental counterparts.

Organize capacity building activities, including workshops, training, technical assistance, and study tours, for relevant Government and non-governmental partners to reinforce the inter-ministerial structure for migration governance.

Contribute to the design and preparation of training materials and case study exercises and support the preparation of reports on project activities according to IOM and donor formats as required, contribute to and/or prepare weekly progress updates on project activities.

Assist in liaison activities with relevant governmental and non-governmental entities, international organizations as well as other relevant stakeholders for effective implementation of project activities and represent IOM, where required, at coordination meetings on return and reintegration with governments, NGOs and other stakeholders.

Support the facilitation of meetings with relevant regional and national stakeholders on return and reintegration and ensure that reintegration actors are involved in the implementation of the government-driven Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Support the preparation of M&E reports, carefully considering disaggregated gender data of the beneficiaries.

Contribute to monitoring, tracking, and reporting of capacity building activities and preparation of monthly financial, narrative and monitoring reports.

Provide general support to the assessment of the qualitative and quantitative impact of capacity building activities.

Perform any other duties as may be assigned

Required Qualifications and Experience

University degree from an accredited institution 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.High school diploma with six years of relevant experience

Five years of experience (or three years for candidates holding University Degree) in in the field of migration issues including operational and field experience or related field; Demonstrated experience in project development, implementation, management, reporting, Monitoring, and evaluation, especially in the field of migration and return and reintegration, community-based development, social cohesion, and climate and disaster-related displacement and migration. 

Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant Government counterparts, international organizations, civil society organizations/

NGOs, and private sector entities

Experience in assessment, review, and development of guidelines, polices, SOPs, and capacity-building activities;

Experience in partnership development, or stakeholder engagement,  organizing consultations, workshops, seminars with stakeholders, and conducting training for various audiences

Proven understanding of internal and international migration issues in the country and in-depth knowledge of the broad range of migration-related subjects

Experience in working and liaising with various stakeholders, including  government authorities, as well as communities, community-based organizations, UN agencies, and donors and NGOs, and building effective partnerships;

Previous working experience at the community level is advantageous. 

Proven ability to prioritize tasks under pressure, meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.

Willing to conduct constant travel within the Area of Responsibility. 

Demonstrated knowledge of information technology and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, and SharePoint;

Experience in supporting all aspects of project management and familiarity with international standards and EU regulations is advantageous, preferably within the United Nations or within the international humanitarian field. 

Accredited Universities are those listed in the HYPERLINK “https://whed.net/home.php”UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Languages

Fluency in English and two of the local languages is required; Fluency in French language is 

an advantage.

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

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 HYPERLINK “https://www.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl486/files/about-iom/Competency_Framework-EN.pdf”this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three 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.

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.

National Professional Officers should be nationals of the country of their employment. NPOs 

perform work at the professional level and the same standards of recruitment qualifications and performance, required for International Professional staff.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

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.

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 online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: HYPERLINK “https://www.iom.int/careers”IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Other

Women with the above qualifications are encouraged to apply.

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via our website: HYPERLINK “https://www.iom.int/careers“IOM Careers and Job Vacancies by Tuesday 14 July 2026

All applications should include a functional email address, mobile numbers and detailed curriculum vitae (CV). 

Posting period:

From: 01-07-2026 to 14-07-2026

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Click Here to Apply

Deadline: 16 July, 2026