Project Support Associate (Cash-Based Interventions (CBI))

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 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).

The HRRU is currently implementing a project aimed at strengthening peaceful, safe, and sustainable reintegration for returning migrants and host communities in Zimbabwe. The project focuses on promoting local ownership of the reintegration process by engaging both returning migrants and host communities in a collaborative manner. It takes into account the diverse skills, assets, knowledge, and needs of both groups, aiming to create a harmonious environment where migrants can rebuild their lives and contribute to local development. The activities encompass livelihood support, capacity building, community awareness campaigns, and access to essential services, including Mental Health and Psychosocial support. These efforts ensure that the reintegration process is both sustainable and inclusive.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the successful candidate will be supporting the implementation of Cash-Based Interventions (CBI) in Zimbabwe.

Duties and Responsibilities

-Provide technical support on project activities and objectives in line with global and IOM standards for CBI and in close coordination with the Project Coordinator, including participating in situational analysis, needs assessment, targeting and distribution.
-Support the drafting and development of standard operating procedures for cash projects, including formulation of programme tools and methodology.
-Support Project Coordinator and Project assistants to implement cash activities effectively and provide technical support and capacity-building to the project assistants in order to achieve outcome and impact of projects and accountability to beneficiaries in line with IOM and donor policies.
-Support the Progamme Support Unit and Monitoring and Evaluation in conducting their activities in regard to all cash projects, particularly managing the Accountability to Affected Populations response mechanism for cash.
-Support drafting of concept notes, project narratives, workplans and other project-related documents in close coordination with relevant units.
-Act as the focal point for the administrative and technical aspects of CBI, including liaison with other units and external partners and service providers.
-Contribute to drafting relevant project reports including assessment reports, project progress reports and human-interest stories in coordination with the Project Development & Reporting Assistant.
-Support the coordination regularly with relevant colleagues in implementing project plans and to support and follow up on the best utilization of project budget as well as synergies with other IOM projects.
-Support report writing to present information and data related to CBI in Zimbabwe and the preparation of reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentation and other forms of documentation, as needed.
-Support IOM’s participation in Cash Working Group or other CBI-related meetings, workshops and forums, as required, and assist in coordinating activities with local authorities, United Nations Agencies, national and international non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders.
-Undertake regular duty travel to monitor project implementation and provide on-site guidance to the teams and verify that activities are conducted in line with donor requirements and project documents.
-Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

Education
-University degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Political Science or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience; or
-Completed High School from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience.
-Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience
-Experience working in humanitarian settings;
-Demonstrated experience and knowledge in cash-based programming;
-Experience liaising with governmental authorities, other national and international institutions and NGOs, and building effective local partnerships including with the private sector;
-Experience in project management;
-Strong experience with databases, assessment tools and reporting.

Skills
-Knowledge of the fundaments of CBI;
-Familiar with innovative systems used in humanitarian sectors and a fast learner;
-Ability to communicate effectively with vendors and beneficiaries;
-Strong knowledge of Accountability to Affected Populations tools and methodologies;
-Computer literacy, including in Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint as well as KoBo Toolbox and report writing;
-Strong interpersonal and communications skills;
-Strong ability to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail.

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.