SVN/2026/044/Senior Project Associate (Migration policy)/G7/Yaounde

Description

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration, and; uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission, the Senior Migration Policy and Coordination Associate will support IOM Cameroon’s strategic engagement in migration governance, policy coherence, and evidence-based programming. The incumbent will contribute to national and regional policy processes, coordinate research and data initiatives, and strengthen institutional partnerships, including in the context of IOM’s expansion to São Tomé & Príncipe and Equatorial Guinea.

Responsibilities

1. Independently lead and coordinate the implementation of the project; monitor implementation of the activities to ensure work is proceeding according to established plans; analyse implementation difficulties and make recommendations for adjusting implementation modalities and work plans to best reflect changing environment on the field. 

2. Regularly research, follow-up, compile, analyse and present information/data and reporting across units (DTM, DDR, MHPSS, MHAC, CANVAC, Emergencies, etc.) in line with the mission’s integrated data strategy in a manner that ensures harmonization of reports, conflict sensitivity, and alignment with government expectations.

3. Monitor budget expenditures; verify availability of funds and maintain a proper record of approved project budgets and their revisions.

4. Coordinate and monitor the financial, administrative and technical aspects of the project in line with IOM policies and donor requirements.

5. Plan, coordinate and conduct capacity building workshops for relevant internal and external parties.

6. Participate in meetings and conferences; maintain effective liaison and coordination with local authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project. 

7. Coordinate the preparation of correspondence, briefing notes, presentations, narrative and financial reports ensure status reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner. 

8. Identify and document good practices and lessons learned; contribute to the development of Standard Operations Procedures (SOP), policies and concept papers and support the development of new projects.

9. Support in integrating UN planning frameworks, including the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

10. Supervise and provide guidance and training to reporting staff. 

11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• High School diploma with seven 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 five 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, victims of trafficking 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.

• Proven experience working with governments, UN agencies, or international organizations on migration or related policy areas.

• Demonstrated experience in inter-agency coordination, stakeholder engagement, and policy dialogue.

• Strong background in project management, capacity building, and results-based programming.

• Knowledge of international legal and policy frameworks (e.g., Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, ILO conventions, human rights, refugee law).

• Understanding of issues related to forced migration, migrant labor, trafficking and smuggling, diaspora, integration, development, peacebuilding programming and/or Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR).

• Familiarity with regional policies 

• Experience in inter-agency work within the UN system.

• Ability to coordinate with governments, NGOs, regional organizations, civil society, and donors.

• Planning, implementation, and monitoring of migration-related projects.

• Ability to manage budgets, timelines, and performance indicators.

• Competence in Results-Based Management (RBM).

SKILLS

• Diplomacy and political acumen: ability to work in sensitive and multicultural environments.

• Excellent communication skills (oral and written): for negotiation, influence, and simplifying complex concepts.

• Adaptability and resilience: often required in crisis contexts, conflict zones, or changing environments.

• Collaborative leadership: ability to motivate, coordinate, and create synergies among diverse actors.

• Intercultural competence: working with diverse and vulnerable populations.

• Ethical standards and integrity: alignment with UN values and standards

Languages
IOM’s official languages are English , French and Spanish. 

REQUIRED

For this position, fluency in French is required (oral and written).