SVN 2026-020 Senior Project Associate - (regularization) G7

Organizational Context

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a UN-related organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. It supports governments and migrants, saves lives, protects displaced persons, and facilitates regular migration pathways. This role sits within the Immigration and Border Governance Unit in Costa Rica, supporting the implementation of projects focused on migrant regularization.

Job Purpose

The Senior Project Associate - Regularization will support the implementation, coordination, and monitoring of projects aimed at facilitating access to documentation and regular migration status for migrants in Costa Rica. This involves providing technical, administrative, and operational support to activities with the Directorate General for Migration (DGME). Key functions include beneficiary intake, documentation screening, support for regularization procedures, biometric and data collection, capacity-building, and operationalizing regularization mechanisms in compliance with IOM standards, donor requirements, and national laws. The role contributes to ensuring migrants receive necessary support and documentation for a stable status.

Responsibilities

Independently lead and coordinate project implementation, monitoring activities for regularization to ensure adherence to plans and adapting to field challenges. Research, compile, and analyze information on migration developments, legislation, and reports. Monitor budget expenditures and coordinate financial, administrative, and technical project aspects according to IOM policies and donor requirements. Plan and conduct capacity-building workshops on regularization processes. Liaise with local authorities, partners, UN agencies, NGOs, and donors. Coordinate the preparation of correspondence, reports, and briefing notes, ensuring timely submission. Document best practices and lessons learned to contribute to SOP development. Supervise and train reporting staff. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Experience in supporting project implementation for migration governance, regularization, civil documentation, or migrant assistance. Proven ability to liaise with government authorities, particularly migration agencies, UN bodies, and NGOs. Experience in beneficiary intake, case management, data collection, documentation review, or coordination of assistance for vulnerable groups is advantageous. Prior work in a multicultural setting with international organizations is also beneficial.

Skills

Knowledge of migration regularization processes, civil documentation, and registration procedures. Ability to coordinate with government counterparts and develop work plans. Strong drafting, reporting, organizational, and follow-up skills. Understanding of data protection and secure management of sensitive information. Proficiency in applying IOM administrative, procurement, and financial procedures. Knowledge of IPSAS is beneficial.

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