Senior Programme Associate (Livelihoods)

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Internal and external candidates will be considered for this vacancy. For the purposes of this vacancy, internal candidates are defined as staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded or ungraded contract, including Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), staff on Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP), UN Volunteers with at least twelve (12) months of continuous service in IOM, and staff members on secondment/loan released by the Organization, unless otherwise specified in their contract. Staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded contract will not retain their contract type if appointed to an ungraded position.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Programme Officer (TRD) and the direct supervision of the Livelihoods Officer, the Senior Programme Associate (Livelihoods) will support the implementation of livelihoods interventions in the field. The role includes leading the design and delivery of livelihood activities, coordinating community outreach, ensuring accountability to affected populations, and working closely with local communities and authorities to enhance livelihood opportunities and promote sustainable practices.

Responsibilities

1. Assist and take the lead in the planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of livelihoods project activities in the field, including Cash-for-Work (CfW) schemes, market-driven skills development (vocational training, apprenticeship), employment forums and job matching, SME and microenterprise support, agricultural input distribution, trade fairs, financial literacy training, and other livelihoods interventions as required.

2. Collect, compile, summarize, analyze, and present information/data from field assessments, including Labor Market Assessments (LMA), Multi-Sector Needs Assessments (MSNA), and beneficiary profiling, as well as on project activities, for consideration by senior management and donors..

3. Monitor project activity budgets, verify availability of funds, and propose adjustments as necessary to ensure financial and beneficiary targets are met.

4. Act as focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, liaising with internal units (e.g. Protection, Shelter, DTM) and external stakeholders (e.g., local authorities, implementing partners, service providers) to obtain clearances, process requests, and follow up on actions.

5. Draft status reports on livelihoods programming, identify gaps or challenges in implementation, and bring them to the supervisor’s attention with recommendations for corrective measures.

6. Prepare correspondence, field reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, and other documentation to communicate progress, challenges, and lessons learned effectively.

7. Organize and support meetings, workshops, and training sessions for beneficiaries, partners, and staff, including the preparation of training materials and facilitation of capacity-building activities.

8. Respond to information requests regarding project activities and maintain organized project files and records.

9. Participate in relevant meetings, conferences, and coordination platforms; maintain liaison with local authorities, UN agencies, I/NGOs, donors, and other stakeholders to ensure effective collaboration and alignment with project objectives.

10. Monitor the work of implementing partners and service providers in the field, ensuring compliance with agreed standards and contractual obligations, and report any issues to the supervisor.

11. Provide inputs for the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), concept notes, and proposals for new livelihoods projects, ensuring alignment with IOM strategic priorities and donor requirements.

12. Provide guidance, training, and coordination support to other staff in the unit, including supervising junior staff and consultants involved in livelihoods activities.

13. Perform other related duties as assigned, including supporting the development of new livelihoods initiatives and contributing to the refinement of strategies aimed at job creation, entrepreneurship, and improved livelihood outcomes.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Agriculture, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or

• High school diploma with six years of relevant professional experience.

• Relevant professional training or certifications in livelihoods, community development, or project management will be an advantage.

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

Experience

• Experience in supporting project management, development, or livelihoods programming, with a focus on economic resilience, entrepreneurship, and workforce development;

• 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

• Experience in compiling, summarizing, and presenting information on livelihoods, including labor market trends, skills gaps, and employment opportunities, as well as contributing to program design, budget monitoring, proposal development, and financial management related to economic resilience programs.

Skills

• Knowledge of livelihoods development, income-generating activities, and economic resilience strategies;

• Experience in community engagement, working with vulnerable groups, and implementing livelihood and economic empowerment activities; and

• Proficiency in office software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint), KoboToolbox, basic data management, and familiarity with UN/donor programming and financial rules.

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 Khmer 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

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 – behavioural 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.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators 

• 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

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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.

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.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

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