Programme Associate - Livelihoods
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a UN agency promoting humane and orderly migration. Following recent political shifts in Damascus, Syria is undergoing transformation, intensifying displacement and complicating return dynamics. IOM is scaling up emergency operations across Syria to address urgent humanitarian needs, including early recovery assistance. The Programme Associate – Livelihoods role supports these efforts by implementing livelihoods project activities.
Job Purpose
The Programme Associate – Livelihoods is responsible for implementing livelihoods project activities to support IOM's Country Office and field operations in Syria. This role contributes to the organization's emergency response, which aims to assist 1.1 million people with life-saving support, including early recovery assistance. The position operates under the supervision of the Program Officer (Durable Solutions) and the National Officer (Livelihoods). The core purpose is to facilitate the delivery of effective livelihoods interventions that help vulnerable populations recover and rebuild their lives amidst a complex and evolving humanitarian crisis.
Responsibilities
The Programme Associate – Livelihoods will assist in planning, coordinating, and implementing livelihoods project activities, including monitoring their progress against work plans and targets. This includes compiling, analyzing, and presenting project data, monitoring budget implementation, and suggesting adjustments. The role involves acting as a focal point for administrative coordination, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, and drafting reports, correspondence, and other documentation. Responsibilities also include organizing meetings and workshops, responding to information requests, and maintaining project files. The associate will coordinate with field staff and the Information Management unit to ensure data accuracy and integrity, and contribute to the implementation of field team activities, including community engagement and engineering components. They will also provide input for Standard Operating Procedures and concept papers, and support the development of new projects.
Work Experience
Required experience includes designing and implementing livelihoods interventions for vulnerable populations such as youth, women, and displaced persons. Additionally, experience in monitoring and evaluating livelihoods outcomes, including the use of beneficiary tracking tools and business performance assessments, is necessary.
Skills
Key skills include strong technical knowledge of livelihoods programming (microbusiness support, vocational training, employment promotion, market systems development), familiarity with the Syrian labor market, and the ability to support business development services. Proficiency in donor regulations, conflict sensitivity, protection, and gender mainstreaming is important. The role requires strong administrative, reporting, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to work under pressure and travel within the Area of Responsibility.