Senior Project Associate

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

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

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been operating in Papua New Guinea (PNG) since 2001, working across complex emergencies, providing humanitarian relief, and strengthening the capacity of the Government. IOM supports displaced populations in remote communities, assists stranded migrants, and safeguards the rights of vulnerable groups. Through its Head Office in Port Moresby and multiple satellite offices across the provinces, IOM delivers programmes in disaster management, emergency preparedness and response, peacebuilding, counter‑trafficking in persons, assisted voluntary return, migration and border management, and integration.

IOM is currently responding to Tropical Cyclone Maila, providing life‑saving assistance, coordinating with national and provincial authorities, and supporting affected communities through emergency shelter, food, non-food items, WASH, and protection interventions. This response is a key operational priority for the mission.

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Port Moresby and working closely with the Emergency Response Officer, and direct supervision of the National Emergency Support Officer, the successful candidate will provide day‑to‑day programmatic support to the Emergencies & Disaster Management (EDM) programme, with a particular focus on the ongoing Tropical Cyclone Maila response. The role will ensure high‑quality, accurate, and consistent delivery of activities that directly contribute to IOM’s emergency operations and the broader humanitarian response.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the National Emergency Support Officer, the candidate will provide day-to-day support for staff in EDM Unit including Port Moresby and in the relevant Field Office, to implement project activities with high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. 

The Senior Project Associate will;

• Support the preparation of situation updates and summaries based on information collected at the field level.
• Assist in responding to operational, administrative, and logistical requests, and coordinate with senior staff when action is required.
• Support routing of documents (procurement, travel authorizations, operational cash advances), ensuring proper filing and record keeping for TC Maila activities.
• Assist staff attending external meetings by taking notes and preparing short meeting reports, especially for meetings related to the cyclone response.
• Assist with planning and undertaking travel to affected field locations to support assessments, monitoring, and coordination for the Tropical Cyclone Maila response.
• Help prepare logistics for field missions, including packing relief items, preparing documentation, and ensuring materials are ready for deployment to cyclone‑affected areas.
• Support the delivery of emergency relief supplies to targeted communities, helping maintain accurate distribution lists, beneficiary records, and basic reporting.
• Support the organization of meetings by preparing attendance sheets, agendas, and taking meeting notes.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in International Relations, Humanitarian Studies, Disaster Management, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field with 4 years of experience. 
• OR High school diploma with 6 years of relevant experience

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

Experience

• Relevant professional experience in project support, emergency operations, humanitarian assistance, logistics, or programme administration. 
• Experience in supporting field-based operations, particularly in emergency or disaster response contexts, is highly desirable. 
• Prior experience working with international organizations, NGOs, or development/humanitarian programmes is an advantage. 
• Demonstrated experience in supporting reporting, documentation, and coordination of operational activities.

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, TO COPY-PASTE FROM POSTING DESCRIPTION

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 (applicable only 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

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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