Project Assistant, Shelter - NFI Job at the International Organization for Migration (IOM)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) - Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and 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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Project Assistant, Shelter - NFI

Job Identification: 16225
Job Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Job Schedule: Full time
Grade: G-5
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)

Context

• Besides forced displacement and deepening humanitarian needs that are predominant in Nigeria, States such as Anambra, Delta, Rivers, Cross River and Bayelsa, Adamawa, Gombe, Jigawa, parts of Kaduna, Kogi, Niger, and Benue also face extreme vulnerabilities as a result of hydro-meteorological hazards such as floods and drought, and the ever-increasing competition for resources.
• The impact of climate change is exacerbating local farmer-herder tensions as floods and droughts become increasingly regular and intense. 
• Since 2009, the insurgency in the Northeast involving several armed groups has resulted in widespread violence, displacement of over two (2) million people, and humanitarian crises, with significant social, economic, and political impacts on the affected communities and the country.
• The region has also faced environmental degradation, resource competition, and land use competition, further exacerbating tensions. According to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), as of February 2023, Nigeria is currently hosting 3.57 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) due to armed conflicts and other drivers of displacement.
• The tensions between farmers and herders, exacerbated by the increasing issues of accessing water and land, are forcing the population in Southeast, North-central and Northwest into internal displacement. Malnutrition, and waterborne diseases, including cholera, continue to plaque mobile populations in fragile contexts.
• The nature and scale of forced displacement in the country present humanitarian and development challenges, that require innovative approaches and response mechanisms from IOM and other stakeholders.
• Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) or the Head of Office in Maiduguri, Nigeria and direct supervision of Programme Manager (Shelter and NFI), and in close coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) at the Regional Office and relevant Divisions/ Departments/ Units at Headquarters (HQ), the Project Assistant - Shelter and Non-Food Items will be responsible and accountable for supporting and coordinating the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting activities of the shelter and settlement programming in Yobe State of Nigeria, both for emergency and transitional programs, including settlement planning, development and improvements.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Liaise closely with the Shelter and Settlements Programme Manager throughout the planning, design and implementation stages of the Shelter and Settlements projects.
• Monitor and expedite programme implementation of the Shelter and Settlements through project progress trackers, project monitoring tools, discussions and correspondence with project and technical staff, as well as with government authorities and project partners, and through field and project visits. 
• In collaboration with technical shelter colleagues and other relevant program units, develop and follow up on implementation plans and monitor the execution of planned Shelter and Settlements activities, to be in line with project deliverables.
• Support in reporting of Shelter and Settlements activities for both internal and external audience, ensure timely preparation and submissions of all project/ programme reports according to IOM and donor formats as required.
• Undertake duty travel to conduct regular field visits to project locations to ensure the implementation of Shelter and Settlements activities efficiently, effectively and with flexibility, and to resolve issues identified.
• Monitor the use of resources and delivery of Shelter and Settlements project targets and bring to the attention of the project manager delays, bottlenecks, quality, budget or procedural issues, etc., and make recommendations for corrective actions.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Requirements
Educational Qualification:

• University Degree in Architectrural Science, Engineering, Building and Construction, Social Science, or an equivalent combination of education, training & experience, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with 1 year of relevant experience.
• Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:

• Experience with supervision roles for tasks of a similar nature to this assignment. 
• Proven experience in project management, budgeting and record keeping.
• Five years’ experience required, progressively responsible experience humanitarian assistance
• Ability to work under extreme pressure in difficult conditions while maintaining security awareness. 
• Experience in conflict/emergency zones and in working in a high-risk environment is preferred.
• Flexibility and focus on processes and their improvements. 

Skills:

• Experience with another international organization and knowledge of SAP is an advantage;
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills; • Ability to present clear and concise information; Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds;
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure;
• Good level of computer literacy; personal commitment, efficiency, flexibility, drive for results

Languages:

• For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
• IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
• 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 three 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 1):

• 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 1) (applicable only if position is 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

• Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
• This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
• This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration.
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
• 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 online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.