About the Organization
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization established in 1951 and affiliated with the United Nations. The organization works globally with governments, humanitarian partners, and development institutions to promote safe, orderly, and humane migration.
IOM provides technical support, humanitarian assistance, and development programs that address migration challenges and support vulnerable populations. Its programs focus on protection, migration governance, community stabilization, and humanitarian response.
In Ethiopia, IOM implements a wide range of humanitarian and development initiatives that support migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities. The organization works in several regions to address the complex humanitarian and mobility challenges affecting communities.
One of the key sectors supported by IOM is Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). WASH programs aim to provide safe water supply systems, sanitation facilities, and hygiene promotion services to communities affected by displacement and emergencies.
Access to clean water and sanitation is essential for preventing disease outbreaks and improving living conditions in humanitarian settings. Through WASH programs, IOM supports communities by constructing water systems, improving sanitation facilities, and promoting hygiene awareness.
The WASH program also strengthens local capacity by working closely with government institutions, community organizations, and humanitarian partners.
In Ethiopia, IOM’s WASH interventions are particularly important in regions experiencing conflict, environmental challenges, and population displacement.
Professionals working within these programs contribute to improving health outcomes and living conditions for vulnerable populations.
Working with IOM offers a valuable opportunity to participate in impactful humanitarian programs while gaining international professional experience.
The organization encourages diversity, inclusion, and professional development within its workforce and supports equal opportunities for all applicants.
Job Description
The Senior Project Associate (WASH) will support the implementation of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene promotion activities under IOM’s humanitarian programs.
The role will work under the overall supervision of the Head of Sub-Office and Preparedness and Response Unit Coordinator, as well as the Programme Manager for WASH.
The selected candidate will directly support the National Project Officer responsible for WASH programs.
The position will oversee field-level implementation of WASH interventions and coordinate project activities within the assigned area of responsibility.
Key responsibilities include:
• Supporting planning, coordination, and implementation of WASH project activities.
• Monitoring project progress and ensuring activities are implemented according to project plans.
• Compiling and analyzing project data and preparing reports for management and donors.
• Monitoring project budgets and proposing adjustments where necessary.
• Coordinating administrative processes related to project implementation.
• Drafting reports, correspondence, and technical documentation related to WASH activities.
• Organizing meetings, workshops, and training sessions for project stakeholders.
• Preparing training materials and supporting capacity building activities.
• Coordinating with government authorities, humanitarian partners, and community organizations.
• Monitoring implementing partners and reporting non-compliance or operational challenges.
• Contributing to the development of Standard Operating Procedures and concept notes for new projects.
• Supervising and supporting field staff within the WASH unit when required.
• Supporting the development of new humanitarian WASH initiatives.
• Performing additional tasks assigned by supervisors to support program objectives.
The role also contributes to strengthening coordination between humanitarian partners working on water and sanitation services.
Through these responsibilities, the Senior Project Associate supports improved access to safe water and sanitation services for vulnerable communities.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must meet one of the following educational requirements:
• A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water and Sanitation Engineering, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience.
or
• A High School Diploma in the above fields with at least six years of relevant professional experience.
Educational backgrounds related to environmental health, infrastructure development, or humanitarian engineering will be considered advantageous.
Additional technical training related to WASH infrastructure or humanitarian response is also beneficial.
Work Experience
Candidates should demonstrate professional experience in humanitarian or development programs related to water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
Experience coordinating with government authorities, international organizations, and non-governmental partners is highly desirable.
Applicants with experience supporting migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, or other vulnerable groups will have an advantage.
Previous work experience with humanitarian organizations, government institutions, or international NGOs will strengthen the application.
Experience managing WASH infrastructure projects and emergency water and sanitation programs is particularly valuable.
Experience with WASH non-food item distribution and infrastructure development in emergency settings is also important.
Experience working in multicultural and humanitarian environments is considered beneficial.
Required Skills and Competencies
Applicants must demonstrate strong technical, leadership, and coordination skills.
Key competencies include:
• Strong knowledge of water supply, sanitation, and hygiene promotion programs.
• Experience in WASH infrastructure development and emergency WASH interventions.
• Knowledge of humanitarian standards and best practices in WASH programming.
• Understanding of donor programming and humanitarian project management.
• Strong leadership and team coordination abilities.
• Strong analytical, data management, and reporting skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders and partnerships.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required for this position.
Knowledge of Amharic and Tigrigna is considered an advantage.
Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, integrity, teamwork, accountability, and respect for diversity.
Leadership potential and the ability to mentor junior staff are also important competencies.
Job Location
Shire Endaselas, Ethiopia (with assignment in Mai Tseberi).
Employment Type and Salary
This role is offered under a consultancy contract as an affiliated contractor.
The initial contract duration is five months and may be extended up to eleven months depending on operational requirements and funding availability.
The position is classified at UG (G6) level under IOM’s affiliated contractor framework.
Contractors are covered under IOM’s Compensation Plan for occupational accidents and illnesses during the contract period.
Contractors are responsible for arranging their own medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses.
Working with IOM provides professionals with valuable exposure to international humanitarian programs and project management systems.
The role offers opportunities to strengthen technical skills in WASH programming and humanitarian operations.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications through the official IOM e-Recruitment system.
Applicants should carefully complete the online application form and ensure that all information is accurate.
Scanned academic certificates or additional attachments are not required during the initial application stage.
Candidates should ensure that their application is submitted before the deadline.
The application deadline for this position is 10 March 2026.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further recruitment processes.
Any job offer will be subject to funding confirmation, medical fitness certification, and completion of administrative requirements.
The International Organization for Migration maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, abuse, discrimination, and harassment.
Women and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
This position provides an opportunity to contribute to critical water and sanitation programs that improve the health, safety, and well-being of displaced and vulnerable communities in Ethiopia.