Project Assistant – Child Protection

job Description

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 candidates are considered first-tier candidates.

Context
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 Zimbabwe’s Humanitarian Response and Recovery Unit (HRRU) is responsible for overseeing and implementing programming that supports the Government of Zimbabwe and vulnerable populations to prevent displacement, mitigate migration crises, and advance solutions for recovery and resilience. HRRU’s programming covers key areas such as crisis preparedness, climate change adaptation, humanitarian operations, peacebuilding, recovery, and Cash-Based Interventions (CBIs).

HRRU implements multi-sectoral interventions that build on humanitarian gains to ensure an effective transition to recovery and sustainable development. Addressing the root causes of displacement is essential to achieving durable solutions. If left unaddressed, recovery processes become undermined and unsustainable, leading to protracted displacement and ongoing fragility. Timely investments aimed at reducing risks and preventing the escalation of crises can alleviate human suffering and create the conditions necessary for lasting peace and development. Effective programming requires thorough context analysis and adaptable activities that go beyond immediate impacts o on target populations to support medium- and long-term objectives.

In doing so, the programming applies development-principled approaches specifically adapted to fragile and crisis contexts working across the Humanitarian-Peace- Development Nexus (HDPN).

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the successful candidate will be assisting in the implementation and monitoring of project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

-Assist in the implementation and monitoring of project activities, with a specific focus on child protection, in compliance with child safeguarding standards and protection principles.
-Retrieve, compile, summarize, and present information/data on specific project topics.
-Monitor budget; verify availability of funds; obtain necessary approval and update budget related information.
-Support administrative coordination of project implementation, involving liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, etc.
-Draft status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery and bringing them to the attention of the supervisor.
-Draft correspondence, reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentations and other forms of documentation.
-Organize meetings, workshops and training sessions.
-Respond to general information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records.
-Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

Education
-School diploma with four years of relevant experience; or,
-Bachelor’s degree in political or social sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience
-Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience;
-Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations;
-Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and,
-Sound ability to communicate practical knowledge on actions to address Protection and GBV issues at the operational level.
-Proven experience working with children among migrant, refugee, and internally displaced populations, including child survivors of trafficking, exploitation, abuse, and other protection risks.
-Strong capacity to communicate practical knowledge and implement actions addressing child protection and gender-based violence (GBV), including case management, referral mechanisms, and child-friendly service provision at the field level.
-Previous experience working in international humanitarian contexts or multi-cultural settings with organizations focused on child protection, GBV prevention and response, or broader protection mandates is highly desirable.
-Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage

Skills;
-Strong understanding of child protection principles and practical experience working with vulnerable children, including survivors of trafficking, exploitation, and abuse.
-Sound ability to address protection and gender-based violence (GBV) issues, including case management, referrals, and child-friendly service provision.
-Experience liaising and collaborating with government authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, and community organizations to support protection efforts.
-Proven ability to support implementation of child protection activities in humanitarian or migration contexts, including direct work with migrants, refugees, and internally displaced persons.
-Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with cultural sensitivity, empathy, and ability to work effectively in diverse, multi-cultural teams.
-Familiarity with international protection standards, migration-related issues, and donor programming, particularly in child protection and GBV contexts.
-Competence in providing administrative support, including drafting reports, processing purchase requests (PRs), organizing meetings, and maintaining project documentation.

Languages
-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.