Project Assistant – Off-farm Livelihoods

Job Description

Open to Internal and External Candidates

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 huma0ne and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal & External candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy.

Background

Under the overall administrative supervision of the Head of Sub-offices in Dire Dawa and direct supervision of National Program Officer-Peace Building; the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for planning, implementation, and monitoring of key activities of the livelihoods project. The candidate will execute his/her duties in close coordination and collaboration with different stakeholders, partners, service providers and local authorities. The incumbent should be able to identify specific off-farm livelihood strategies, and possible business skill development needs to improve the living conditions of IDPs, relocated individuals, returnees and host communities. The incumbent is expected to frequently travel to the project implementation sites in Somali and Oromia regions.

The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic team in an ever changing and diverse environment. S/he needs to be solution orientated, hands-on and a good motivator and communicator with people.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

·         In coordination with the Head of Sub-Office and Livelihood Technical staffs, he/she is required to coordinate the overall implementation of livelihood initiatives as per the annual work plan; the incumbents will ensure an inclusive, participatory, and transparent project implementation process; as well as ensure the delivery of resources and results according to planned targets on time for the returnees and host beneficiaries.

·         Provide technical assistance focused on off-farm livelihood and life-skill support activities for IDPs, relocated communities, returnees, and host communities to ensure their economic self-reliance.

·         Propose appropriate and alternative livelihood schemes, using innovative approaches, to strengthen and diversify coping mechanism of vulnerable communities.

·         Support and facilitate various assessment including market and livelihood needs assessments to inform interventions.

·         Collect data, compile periodic project progress reports, identify implementation challenges, and provide recommendation.

·         Identify, prioritize, and select project beneficiaries from the community, based on a selection criterion developed in consultation with community representatives and local authorities.

·         Provide necessary livelihood trainings and facilitate vocational skills for targeted beneficiaries, as part of an effort to build capacity and for off-farm livelihood strategies.

·         Liaise with project partners, government officials and other required program stakeholders and relevant counterparts for effective implementations. 

·         Establish and strengthen small business schemes, community economic associations/groups and map existing income generation/ vocational opportunities in the project sites and create a financial platform/ business plan for beneficiaries.

·         Document and share good practices and experiences and provide inputs on project information and documentation (including successful stories, photos, articles, etc); maintain up to date records of information of all project beneficiaries for follow ups and reporting.

·         Participate in field-level inter agency coordination meetings as required and directed by the supervisor.

·         Prepare Purchase Requisition Forms (PRFs) to procure project implementation materials at field level, in coordination with technical supervisor.

·         Organize and mobilize external resources such as skills, labor, and local material contributions from returnees, communities, and other stakeholders where potential to best perform the project objectives.

·         Perform other related duties as may be required.

Job Requirement

Educational Qualification

• University Masters/ first degree in Social Sciences, preferably Rural Development, Agricultural Extension, Disaster Risk Management, Climate Change, Environment Protection, and related fields.
• Computer/software literate, preferably knowledgeable in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in recovery, development, and humanitarian assistance sector- preferably in the field of Agriculture, Cooperatives, Disaster Risk Management interface with focus on off-farm livelihood.
• Technical expertise in off-farm and small-scale livelihood projects are extremely favoured. 

Skills:

•       Proven ability to transfer skills and knowledge in small business livelihoods project.

•       Proven ability to build synergies with government counterparts, relevant humanitarian partners and coordination mechanisms.

•       Proven ability to transfer knowledge and skills in non-agricultural (off-farm) project interventions.

•       Proven ability to build synergies with government counterparts, relevant humanitarian partners and coordination mechanisms.

•       Ability to work under minimal supervision with strong coordination skills strategies, encroaches and guidelines

Languages

·         Fluency in English and Amharic is required.

·         Working knowledge Afan Oromo/Somali languages is an advantage.

Competencies

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

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 wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintain 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.

Core Competencies

• 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.

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.

Only candidates residing in either the country of the duty station or from a location in a neighbouring country that is within commuting distance of the duty station will be considered. In all cases, a prerequisite for taking up the position is legal residency in the country of the duty station, or in the neighbouring country located within commuting distance, and work permit, as applicable.