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International Organization for Migration

Policy Associate

Nairobi - SO11, KenyaGrade G-5Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)IOM
Closing in 5 daysPosted Aug 2, 2026

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been implementing Migrant Protection and Assistance (MPA) projects since 2007, providing humanitarian and protection support to thousands of migrants transiting across Somalia through Migration Response Centers (MRCs) positioned along the eastern migration corridor thereby promoting safe, orderly and regular migration. Through donor-funded programmes, MPA provides four levels of assistance: 1) individual level protection and reintegration support including migrants and returnees; 2) community-based reintegration to foster relationships between returnees, migrants and communities of origin; 3) structural support related to policy and legal frameworks and 4) capacity-building and advocacy to key stakeholders.

These initiatives are in line with Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Migration Policy Frameworks at continental and regional levels, development agencies such as the National Development Plans (NDPs), now National Transformation Plan, 2025-2029. Additionally, these efforts incorporate organizational operations related to Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) and related Internal Guidance Notes (INs).

As a result of strategic level interventions and the Federal Government of Somalia’s (FGS) plans to address migration issues through a whole of government and whole of society approaches, MPA aims to provide strategic support to achieve effective migration management and government across the stakeholders sitting in the National Coordination Mechanism on Migration (NCM). MPA has been providing support to drafting relevant legal and policy frameworks including counter-trafficking acts, National Migration Policy (NMP), and contribute extensively to relevant efforts involving regional and global stakeholders such as the GCM, IMD and regional convenings.

To undertake structural level interventions in MPA, the Policy Associate will be based in Nairobi, Kenya and will assist in the implementation of migration governance related activities. The Policy Associate is expected to assist in the implementation, communication, and reporting of MPA activities in close liaison with MPA programme staff and partners, including stakeholders from the Federal Government of Somalia.

Under the overall supervision of Deputy Chief of Mission and the MPA Programme Manager – MPA (PM), and the direct supervision of the National Programme Officer, the Policy Associate will be responsible for the following duties and tasks:

Assist in the implementation of project site work plans and planned activities for the MPA Programme by supporting the organization of meetings with project stakeholders.
Support the coordination with IOM Somalia Office in Nairobi and follow up with the procurement and financial processes of the project in accordance with IOM rules and regulations. Maintain records and track financial, logistical and procurement aspects of the project implementation.
Undertake field visits to support the monitoring of project implementation on a regular basis. Bring urgent issues to the attention of PM, National Officer and Head of Sub-Office for guidance on corrective measures, while documenting good practices for future reference.
Support the coordination with Labour Migration and Human Development (LMHD) and Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) Units, and follow up on assignments related to policy development, NCM, and activities supporting migration governance of the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and relevant partners.
Assist in organizing weekly and monthly reviews of project implementation with the MPA Somalia coordination Office by compiling updates on project progress, implementation challenges, and follow-up actions for the supervisor’s review.
Assist in drafting periodic reports by compiling information on progress against project indicators and providing inputs for internal and external reporting requirements, including project documentation as required.
Maintain regular communication with project counterparts to follow up on planned activities, identify implementation issues, and bring them to the attention of the supervisor for guidance.
Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Education

High school diploma with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
Bachelor's degree in social sciences, Natural Sciences, Engineering, Business Administration or relevant field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

Experience supporting project implementation in immigration and border governance programmes.
Experience in communication and liaison with government and project counterparts.
Experience in organizing and facilitating workshops and training sessions.
Experience in drafting reports in English.
Experience in supporting procurement and finance processes.
Experience using computer applications, including Outlook, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and internet applications.

Skills

Knowledge of project implementation, monitoring and reporting approaches.
Familiarity with Migrant Protection and Assistance programmes.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, Fluency in English and Swahili is required (oral and written).

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 1
Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link official source link). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

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