IOM
Direct from IOM careers
Project Associate
Position details
- Vacancy type: Vacancy Notice
- Recruiting type: General Service
- Contract type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
- Office or unit: Country Office
- Location: Ankara, Türkiye
- Application deadline: 2026-08-28T20:55:00+00:00
Context
Turkiye hosts the largest refugee population in the world, with over 4.6 million foreign nationals living in the country, including approximately 3.2 million Syrians under Temporary Protection (SuTPs) and around 300,000 Persons under International Protection (PuIPs). Given the considerable size and diversity of the migrant and refugee population, providing means for their social and economic integration is a very challenging process for both national and local authorities. Türkiye was also hit by a series of debilitating earthquakes in February 2023, which caused widespread displacement, damage and disruption in 11 provinces that already hosted half of the SuTPs and PuIPs in the country. The disaster affected the local labour market dynamics, skills needs and social cohesion in the region.
In response to the challenges, the “Promoting Sustainable and Socially Inclusive Labour Market Integration” project aims to increase formal employment of SuTPs, PuIPs and host community members and strengthen the harmonization process in Türkiye. The project will be implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MoLSS), the Social Security Institution (SSI) and the Presidency of Migration Management (PMM) of the Ministry of Interior.
The project will propose a two-prong approach that will ensure that targeted populations have improved levels of employability and are better integrated in their host communities. This will be done by strengthening the institutional capacities at the national and provincial level for delivering efficient employability and integration services for the targeted populations. The project will also promote respect for all groups, without distinction of race, gender, religion, colour, national origin, marital status, age, and physical disability, and pay special attention to the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The main beneficiary institutions of the project are MoLSS, SSI and PMM. The target groups of the project are government institutions, non-government institutions, employers, employability service users and private sector partners involved in the labour market and harmonization process. The final beneficiaries of the project are SuTPs, PuIPs and host community members.
Responsibilities
Assist in the implementation and monitoring of project activities.
- Retrieve, compile, summarize, analyse, and present information/data on specific project topics.
- Monitor budget; verify availability of funds; obtain necessary approval and update budget related information.
- Act as focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, involving extensive 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, bring them to the attention of the supervisor and suggest remedial actions.
- Draft correspondence on LMI project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentation and other forms of documentation.
- Respond to complex information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records; organize meetings, workshops and training sessions;
- Participate in meetings and conferences; assist in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project.
- Assist in monitoring work of implementing partners and report non-compliances to the supervisor.
- Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience
EDUCATION
- School diploma with five 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 three years of relevant professional experience.
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, and other vulnerable groups; and,
- Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
SKILLS
In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization; and,
Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.
Knowledge of financial rules and regulations.
Languages
REQUIRED
Fluency in English & Turkish is required (oral and written).
Competencies
The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:
VALUES - All IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five 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 2
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 2
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.