Project Associate (Focal Point MECR)

Under the overall supervision of the Director, Coordination Office for the Mediterranean, Chief of Mission in Italy and Malta, representative to the Holy See, and the direct supervision of the Project Development Officer for the Mediterranean, the incumbent will act as a thematic Focal Point for the Coordination Office in the area of Migration, Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction (MECR). As such, he/she will be responsible for supporting the implementation of MECR activities led by the Coordination Office for the Mediterranean as well as the strategic coordination in this area at the regional and transregional level within IOM and with state and non-state partners.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Provide basic support in the development of the strategy for the Coordination Office to guide its strategic engagement in the area of migration, environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction (MECR);
• Support the drafting of concept notes and project proposals with a MECR component in IOM’s Coordination Office for the Mediterranean;
• Provide Units in IOM’s Coordination Office for the Mediterranean support on project and partnership development in the MECR area and appropriate mainstreaming of environmental and climate change dimensions in other thematic areas within the Office’s portfolio;
• Support the Offices’ engagement with the Governments of Italy, Malta and Holy See, and UN agencies and other partners at the national and Mediterranean level for the development of activities and partnerships in the area of MECR;
• Support the Office’s contribution to relevant processes partnerships, events and reports in MECR area at national and broader Mediterranean level, in coordination with relevant IOM thematic experts;
• Assist with undertaking desk research in the area of MECR and collect and present information to, contribute to policy briefs, information materials, presentations and other visibility materials for reports, plans, studies, briefings, training, meetings/conferences on the topic of MECR promoted by the IOM’s Coordination Office for the Mediterranean;
• Contribute to the development and dissemination of regular communications products such as press releases and other communications and visibility materials that raise the profile of the MECR thematic area within Italy, Malta, and the broader Mediterranean Region;
• Support the Supervisor in participating in relevant UN processes and other institutional engagements in the area of MECR and related areas such as food security held in Rome;
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• High School Diploma with five years of relevant professional experience

or

• Bachelor’s degree in Development Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, International Relations, Law, Migration Studies, Political Science, Sociology or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• ​​Experience (minimum three years) and understanding on migration in relation to environment, climate change and risk reduction (e.g. project development, policy, research, capacity development);
• Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational, project development and policy;
• Experience in working on migration and climate change nexus at a global, regional or transregional level is an advantage.

Skills

• Knowledge of IOM’s institutional strategic priorities in the area of MECR;
• Good understanding of the migration, environment and climate change nexus and of the migration – climate change – food security nexus;
• Good understanding of international policy processes and frameworks in the areas of migration, climate change, environment and risk reduction;
• Knowledge of processes and initiatives on climate change and migration led in the Mediterranean region and in Sub-Saharan Africa is an advantage;
• Excellent organization skills; analytical and creative thinking;
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required;
• Excellent communication and team-building skills with a track record in coordination and building trust with diverse stakeholders;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Languages

• Fluency in English and Italian is required (oral and written);
• Working Knowledge of French would be considered an asset.

Required Competencies

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• 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 action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

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

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates will be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19.

This post is subject to local recruitment. Only persons holding a valid residence and work permit for Italy will be eligible for consideration.