SVN-2026-019 Senior Project Associate – ( Legal Identity - IBG) G7

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

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Program  in Costa Rica and the direct supervision of the the Head of Immigration and Border Governance Unit, relevant Regional Office and Headquarters technical units, the Senior Project Associate - Legal Identity will support the planning, coordination and implementation of legal identity activities under IOM Costa Rica’s programme supporting migrants received by the Government of Costa Rica who do not opt for Assisted Voluntary Return.

The position will contribute to activities aimed at enabling migrants who remain in Costa Rica to establish, verify and document their legal identity as a prerequisite for accessing regular migration status, protection-relevant pathways, basic services and socioeconomic integration opportunities. This will include supporting case screening, collection and review of personal and biometric information, coordination of document-supported and declaration-based identity verification processes, and follow-up on documentation gaps in line with IOM data protection principles and applicable legal identity standards.

The Senior Project Associate will also support capacity-building efforts for DGME personnel, consular staff and other relevant actors on legal identity verification and document issuance procedures, as well as contribute to the development and operationalization of tools, standard operating procedures, referral workflows and case management mechanisms required for secure and efficient identity management.

The role requires close coordination with protection, case management, information management and regularization teams to ensure that legal identity interventions are integrated into individualized assistance plans and support migrants’ access to the regularization pathways established by the Government of Costa Rica.

Responsibilities

1. Independently lead and coordinate the implementation of the project activites relative to legal identity . 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. 

2. 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.
3. Monitor budget expenditures by verifying availability of funds and maintaining a proper record of approved project budgets and their revisions.
4. Coordinate and monitor the financial, administrative and technical aspects of the project in line with IOM policies and donor requirements.
5. Plan, coordinate and conduct capacity building workshops relative to legal identity for relevant internal and external parties.  
6. 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. 
7. Coordinate the preparation of correspondence, briefing notes, presentations, narrative and financial reports. Ensure status reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner. 
8. Identify and document good practices and lessons learned and contribute to the development of Standard Operations Procedures (SOP), policies and concept papers to support the development of new projects.
9. Supervise and provide guidance and training to reporting staff. 
10. 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.

Experience

• 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, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and,

• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organisations, non-government or government institutions/organisation in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of legal identity, civil documentation, migration management and regularization pathways, including identity verification processes.

• Ability to coordinate with government counterparts, consular authorities and service providers to support documentation, verification and access to regular migration status.
• Ability to manage sensitive personal and biometric information in line with data protection principles and protection-sensitive approaches.
• Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills to support case follow-up, reporting, capacity-building and operational coordination.

Languages

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

REQUIRED

For this position, fluency in English and Spanish is required (oral and written).

DESIRABLE

English

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 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. 

¿Como Aplicar?

El candidato debe enviar su aplicación por medio de esta plataforma.

La aplicación debe incluir: 

• CV.
• Una carta de interés (máx.1 página).
• Títulos.

 Salario bruto: Special Short Term / G7 / CRC 1.857.384

Notes:

1. Solo se contactará con los candidatos preseleccionados. 
2. Cualquier oferta que se haga al candidato en relación con esta convocatoria de vacante está sujeta a la confirmación de la financiación.
3. Este puesto está sujeto a contratación local. Solo podrán ser considerados aquellos que posean un permiso de residencia y de trabajo válido para el país en el que se encuentra el puesto.
4. El nombramiento estará sujeto a la certificación de que el candidato es médicamente apto para el puesto, a la verificación de la residencia, al visado y a las autorizaciones del Gobierno correspondiente, cuando proceda.
5. La OIM aplica una política de tolerancia cero ante conductas incompatibles con los fines y objetivos de las Naciones Unidas y de la OIM, incluyendo la explotación y el abuso sexuales, el acoso sexual, el abuso de autoridad y la discriminación por motivos de género, nacionalidad, edad, raza, orientación sexual, origen religioso o étnico o discapacidad.
6. La OIM no cobra ninguna tasa en ninguna fase de su proceso de selección (solicitud, entrevista, tramitación, formación u otras tasas). La OIM no solicita ninguna información relacionada con cuentas bancarias.
7. La OIM solo acepta solicitudes debidamente cumplimentadas presentadas a través del sistema de selección en línea de la OIM. La herramienta en línea también permite a los candidatos realizar un seguimiento del estado de su solicitud.

La Organización Internacional para las Migraciones (OIM) no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad, edad, identidad y expresión de género, orientación sexual, nacionalidad, identidad racial, creencias religiosas, entre otras. La OIM está comprometida con un entorno diverso e inclusivo y por ello su personal proviene de una amplia gama de entornos socioeconómicos y perspectivas del mundo. Se alienta especialmente las candidaturas de mujeres, personas afrodescendientes y personas LGBTIQA+ que se encuentren cualificadas y cumplan los requisitos de cada vacante

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, nationality, racial identity, religious beliefs, among others. IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment and therefore its staff come from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds and world perspectives. Candidates from women, people of African descent and LGBTIQA+ people who are qualified and meet the requirements of each vacancy are especially encouraged. 

Required Skills

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