IOM
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Project Assistant – Family Reunification
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: Rome, Italy
- Application deadline: 2026-09-02T21:59:00+00:00
Context
Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.
IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
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 and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.
Organizational Context and Scope
Under the general supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) of Country Office (CO) w/ Coord Functions for Mediterranean (COMED) and the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Assistant – Family Reunification will be responsible and accountable for assisting in carrying out operational tasks relating to the implementation of the Family Reunification project in accordance with established procedures and under regular guidance from the supervisor.
Responsibilities
Support the organisation of DNA testing for family reunification including liaison with IOM Country Offices (COs) and Italian Consulates in migrants’ countries of origin, maintaining regular contact with beneficiaries via phone, email and other communication tools and support the Organization in coordinating with the specialised laboratory for DNA testing sessions to be completed in a timely and orderly manner.
Assist with the overall project implementation by collecting and compiling data using existing data collection and information tools and supporting routine internal and external updates to contribute to accurate monitoring and visibility of family reunification as a legal migration channel.
Support beneficiaries of the family reunification project by collecting relevant information during beneficiary contact and referring cases with specific needs or potential vulnerabilities to the Project Manager to support timely and appropriate follow-up by the responsible officer.
Support the Project Manager in all the administrative aspects related to the implementation of the project and collect all the relevant documents (including financial records) for the preparation of monthly and final reports.
Perform such other relevant duties as maybe assigned.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science or International Relations or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of professional experience; or,
- High school diploma with four years of relevant professional experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
A minimum of two years’ experience in direct work/counselling/assistance to migrants and /or asylum seekers with specific focus on provision of information on legal procedures and immigration and asylum law;
A minimum two years’ relevant work experience in applied data analytics using R/Python, PowerBI or similar tools;
Demonstrated experience in design of data visualizations (dashboards and static graphs/data visuals;
Experience in implementation of administrative procedures; and,
Previous experience in liaising with authorities in the field of migration (e.g. Police offices, prefectures, embassies etc.)
Skills
Knowledge of International, EU and Italian legislation on migration and international protection;
Knowledge of the family reunification procedure to Italy and of the relevant EU legal framework.
Good interpersonal and communication skills in a multi-cultural setting;
Proficient in a Microsoft Office environment and office software packages; and,
Knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.
Languages
All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).
For this position, fluency in Italian and English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of French, Arabic, Tigrina, Somali, Urdu is desirable.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
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 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 actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Notes
Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies