SVN 2026-020 Senior Project Associate – (Regularization) 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

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.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Head Of Program  in Costa Rica and the direct supervision of the  Head of the Immigration and Border Governance Unit, and in close coordination with relevant IOM technical units, the Senior Project Associate – Regularization will support the implementation, coordination and monitoring of project activities aimed at facilitating access to documentation and a long-term regular migration status for migrants received by the Government of Costa Rica from the United States who do not opt for Assisted Voluntary Return. The incumbent will provide technical, administrative and operational support to activities implemented with the Directorate General for Migration (DGME), including beneficiary intake, documentation screening, support to regularization procedures, biometric and data collection processes, capacity-building, and the operationalization of regularization mechanisms in line with IOM standards, donor requirements and national legal frameworks.

Responsibilities

1. Independently lead and coordinate the implementation of the project. Monitor implementation of the activities relative to regularizations 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 reglularization process 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 relative to digitalization and regularization process.
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 Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, Public Administration, Project Management, Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Migration Studies, 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 supporting project implementation related to migration governance, migration regularization processes, civil documentation, protection or assistance to vulnerable migrants.
• Experience liaising with government authorities, particularly migration authorities, consular actors, national institutions, United Nations agencies, civil society organizations and service providers at the operational or technical support level.
• Experience in beneficiary intake, case management support, data collection, documentation review, capacity-building logistics, reporting or coordination of assistance for migrants, refugees, victims of trafficking or other vulnerable groups is an advantage.

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

Skills

• Knowledge of migration regularization processes, civil documentation requirements, registration procedures and protection-sensitive referral pathways.
• Ability to coordinate working-level follow-up with government counterparts and translate operational requirements into clear checklists, tools, schedules and draft workplans.
• Strong drafting, reporting, organizational and follow-up skills, including the ability to track indicators, document challenges, support budget follow-up and escalate issues for supervisory guidance.
• Knowledge of data protection, informed consent and secure management of sensitive beneficiary information.
• Ability to review supporting documentation, maintain organized records and follow up on administrative, procurement and expenditure tracking requirements in coordination with relevant colleagues.

• Ability to apply IOM administrative, procurement and financial procedures in support of project implementation and donor compliance.

• Knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

Languages

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

REQUIRED

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

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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