About the Organization
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is the leading intergovernmental organization in migration management. IOM promotes safe, orderly, and dignified migration for the benefit of both migrants and society.
In Ethiopia, IOM implements programs supporting migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable populations. Through assisted voluntary return (AVR) and reintegration initiatives, IOM helps migrants return safely to their countries of origin and achieve sustainable reintegration.
Sustainable reintegration is defined by IOM as returnees achieving economic self-sufficiency, social stability, and psychosocial well-being, enabling them to make future migration decisions by choice rather than necessity.
This role offers the opportunity to directly support returnees, strengthen communities, and gain professional experience in reintegration, protection, and humanitarian assistance.
Women and individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job Description
The Program Associate (Reintegration) will support the smooth implementation of IOM reintegration assistance activities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Reporting to the Head of Protection Unit and supervised by the Programme Officer (Return and Reintegration), the incumbent will:
- Conduct individual meetings with eligible returnees to assess needs and capacities.
- Support returnees in developing integrated reintegration plans that consider economic, social, and psychosocial factors.
- Participate in pre-departure sessions to inform migrants about reintegration assistance and processes.
- Coordinate with sending missions to confirm eligibility, validate reintegration plans, and support payment of service fees.
- Refer returnees to specialized services and conduct regular case follow-up and monitoring.
- Maintain accurate case files, update the Migrant Management Operational System Application (MiMOSA), and ensure compliance with data quality standards.
- Prepare and conduct field missions related to reintegration, including training, local procurement, and monitoring.
- Support administrative coordination, liaising with procurement and finance units to facilitate requests and approvals.
- Coordinate with government and non-government stakeholders to facilitate field missions and ensure timely assistance delivery.
- Identify gaps or delays in project delivery and communicate them to supervisors and sending missions.
- Participate in selecting Implementing Partners (IPs) and provide guidance on IOM standards and requirements.
- Contribute to Community-Based Planning (CBP) methodology and capacity development activities, including training facilitation and material preparation.
- Prepare reports on reintegration activities and contribute to project proposal development.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support project objectives.
Educational Qualification
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in Economics, Management, Social Work, International Relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Economic Development, Business, Public Administration, or related fields with three years of relevant experience, or
- School diploma with five years of relevant experience.
Accredited universities must be listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Work Experience
- Experience working with migrants, refugees, IDPs, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups.
- Proven ability to work effectively with government counterparts, NGOs, international organizations, and private sector entities.
- Experience in return and reintegration programs, including AVRR schemes, or related fields such as livelihood or protection programming.
- Prior experience with UN agencies, international, or local NGOs is preferred.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and planning abilities.
- Ability to work independently and under pressure.
- Ability to supervise and collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
- Understanding of social protection and migration issues, including migrants’ rights and protection.
Languages
- Required: Fluency in Amharic and English (oral and written).
- Desirable: Working knowledge of other Ethiopian languages, particularly Afaan Oromoo and/or Tigrigna.
- Knowledge of UN official languages (English, French, Spanish) is an advantage.
Job Location
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type and Salary
- Fixed-term contract: 1 year with possibility of extension.
- Grade: G-5
- Salary and benefits aligned with IOM’s local scale.
How to Apply
- Applications must be submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.
- Only fully completed applications will be considered.
- Scanned certificates or attachments should not be included.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position provides professional growth opportunities in reintegration, protection, and humanitarian program management, allowing the successful candidate to make a tangible impact on the lives of vulnerable migrants and returnees.