Project Officer (UG) Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Job Identification (Reference Number): 15314
Position Title: Project Officer (P)
Duty Station City: Abidjan
Duty Station Country: Cote d’Ivoire
Grade: UG
Contract Type: Special Short term ungraded (Up to 9 months)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Call for Applications
Initial duration: 9 months
Closing date: 22 June 2025

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), 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.

Context

Irregular migration along the Mediterranean routes continues to pose significant dangers for migrants. The Central Mediterranean route remains the deadliest, with recent data indicating that 1 death is recorded for every 35 arrivals. According to IOM estimates, 2,300 deaths occurred at sea in 2024 while 70% of migrants interviewed by upon their arrival in Italy reported being victims of trafficking or other exploitative practices during their journey.

The Western Mediterranean route, primarily from Morocco to Spain, has also seen a significant number of crossings. In the first two months of 2025, there was a notable increase in arrivals, with many migrants facing similar risks of exploitation and dangerous sea conditions. The high number of deaths and the prevalence of trafficking and exploitative practices underscore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.

To meet these challenges, the European Union (EU) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have developed the “Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in Africa” (EU-IOM Joint Initiative), for which implementation started in Mali in May 2017 and ended at the beginning of 2023. As a follow up programme, IOM and the EU developed the “Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Assistance Programme” (hereinafter “MPRR”).

To strengthen the national migration framework, enhance the national referral and reintegration mechanism on a structural level, as well as to achieve national ownership of the reintegration process and providing socio-economic opportunities for returning migrants and host communities, the MPRR was supplemented in 2024 by the “Migration, Governance, Return, Reintegration and Counter-Trafficking” (hereinafter “MIGRET”) project, funded by the EU and implemented in consortium between Expertise France (EF), Enabel and the IOM.

The project aims specifically, alongside separate and complementary funding from other member states focusing on Counter-Trafficking (CT) and Protection (PX), develop and operationalize the institutional framework and capacities in Côte d’Ivoire for the entire spectre of return and reintegration of Ivorian migrants, facilitating support for returning migrants and eligible reintegration assistance, including for victims of trafficking (VoT), while raising awareness about employment opportunities, the private sector, regular migration pathways, and the risks of irregular migration.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM) and direct supervision of the Project Manager for Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration, and in coordination with programmatic and thematic specialist at the Regional Office for West and Central Africa of the IOM in Dakar, the Project Officer will be responsible and accountable for supporting and coordinating the coordination, development, implementation, monitoring and reporting activities of the MIGRET, PX and CT portfolio in Côte d’Ivoire Country Office.

Responsibilities

1. Coordinate and support the overall implementation of the MIGRET, CT and PX project portfolio, including the oversight of the financial, administrative and technical aspects, in line with IOM’s policies and procedures, as well as donor requirements.

2. Provide operational guidance and technical supervision to the project staff, assisting on programmatic strategy and implementation of the governance and strengthening of the national migration framework, notably through the operationalisation of the national referral, return and reintegration strategy and mechanism with the aim to achieve national ownership. Oversee the project progress specifically aimed at increasing effectiveness, ensuring synergies along MPRR-SSA, MIGRET and complementary programming, and recommending appropriate action.

3. Oversee and lead the monitoring of progress against strategic objectives, benchmarks, and provide advice with respect to improvements and corrections; coordinate the establishment of a common Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and Information Management (IM) Framework that incorporate regular reporting requirements, impact evaluation strategies, and the preparation of a variety of reports or information materials, in close coordination with MIGRET consortium partners, in synergy with MPRR-SSA, Implementing Partners, Service Providers and other Stakeholders.

4. Identify priority areas for project development, notably but not limited to employability, private sector and public-private partnerships as well as the development and strengthening public migration policy and contribute to the development and implementation of new project activities by selecting and summarizing background information, assessing the local context and segments, as well as by identifying new opportunities.

5. Supervise staff and Consultants/Implementing Partners (IPs) recruited to support and/or undertake specific activities. Plan, develop, organize and deliver capacity building activities for staff, partners, government officials, private sector, and other actors emphasizing the operationalisation of the national referral, return and reintegration strategy and mechanism in synergy with certain activities of MPRR-SSA and following a protection-sensitive and human rights-based approach.

6. Coordinate with other units in the Country Office for a smooth implementation and reporting of all project activities; Support monitoring and compliance with project partners, project staff and implementing entities. Liaise with Government entities, IPs, United Nations (UN) agencies and other stakeholders in the project, specifically MIGRET consortium project partners Expertise France (EF) and Enabel.

7. Coordinate the adequate information management, monitoring, and evaluation on project progress, impact and related activities including visibility by providing regular updates, summaries, press releases and other relevant materials such dedicated studies and regular monitoring, in coordination with the donor, relevant Units at HQ and MIGRET consortium project partners.

8. Draft quality progress Financial, Narrative, and other reports related to the project activities. Coordinate the elaboration and dissemination of reports for donors, government and other relevant stakeholders by ensuring timely submission and compliance with donor and IOM requirements.

9. Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, steering committees, and technical working groups or committees, as well as other forums; contribution to, coordination and presentation of IOM activities; Undertake duty travel as required to support coordination and monitoring activities for project implementation.

10. Support the implementation of the Protection (PX) and Counter-Trafficking (CT) portfolio and ensure its mainstreaming into activities ensuring the provision of adequate assistance for vulnerable categories of migrants, such as victims of trafficking, unaccompanied children and migrants with psychosocial and/or physical health concerns, as well as the definition, integration and respect of minimum standards throughout the operationalisation of the national referral, return and reintegration strategy and mechanism.

11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Economic Development, Business or Public Administration, International Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• Experience in project implementation, supervision of staff and reporting with focus on Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) and Protection (PX), previous experience in Counter-Trafficking (CT) considered as advantage;
• Experience in project conceptualisation, monitoring, reporting and evaluation including knowledge management and the production of concise and high quality internal and external reports, briefings and background materials in conformity with IOM and donor standards, experience with results-based monitoring, project management cycle and the coordination of comprehensive and harmonised project monitoring and reporting frameworks is considered as advantage;
• Experience in advocacy, liaison, and resource mobilisation alongside familiarity in working with governmental and diplomatic authorities as well as with national and international institutions including CSOs, governmental agencies, and I/NGOs;
• Experience in organizing and delivering capacity building activities, consultations, workshops and seminars with stakeholders;
• Previous experience in implementing Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships, Global Public-Private Partnership (GPPP), or Public-Private-Partnerships (PPP) considered a distinct advantage; and,
• Demonstrated experience in transition and change management of legacy programmes in collaboration with multiple stakeholders and project partners considered a distinct advantage.

Skills

• Familiarity with financial management and compliance of EU and its member states projects, familiarity with non-EU, UN and bilateral donor programming considered as advantage;
• Proven understanding of internal, intra-/interregional and international migration issues, including a thorough understanding of Côte d’Ivoire and migratory trends along the Central and Western Mediterranean Routes in host and transit countries;
• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with relevant Government counterparts, international organizations and private sector entities;
• Good coordination, and information management skills, paired with strong communication, organizational and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds;
• Good knowledge of the UN System, NGOs and other international organizations/institutions, knowledge of private sector considered as advantage;
• Knowledge of public policy making and institutional functioning of migration-sensitive or related topics, preferably in the context of Côte d’Ivoire and/or the EU, with the demonstrated ability to negotiate with government authorities and other stakeholders with a high degree of rational behaviour and decision making at all times;
• Proven agent of change or willingness to foster a culture of learning and knowledge management paired with good conceptualization, analytical and writing skills with the capacity of creative, innovative and strategic thinking in line with programmatic and organisational objectives;
• Good knowledge of human and financial resources management with the ability to work independently on administrative and organisational matters;
• Strong project development and report writing skills, including demonstrated knowledge in IOM’s policies, practices and norms relevant to project implementation;
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure with minimum supervision; and,
• Ability to maintain partnerships with development partners, government counterparts, UN agencies, local authorities, private sector, and other relevant stakeholders.

Languages

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

Working knowledge of either a local language and/or Spanish is an advantage.

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

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 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

• 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

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

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.

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

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications HERE by 22 June 2025 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.