IOM: Project Development and Reporting Officer – Damascus

Organization Mission

IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing support to migrants across the world, developing effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration and providing advice on migration policy and practice. 

The organization collaborates with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners to improve the resilience of people on the move, particularly those in situations of vulnerability. It also works closely with governments to manage all forms of mobility, and their impacts. This work includes operations in some of the most complex emergency settings in the world.
The IOM Constitution recognizes the link between migration and economic, social and cultural development, as well as to the right of freedom of movement.
IOM’s work is focused on the following three objectives:
Saving lives and protecting people on the move: To fulfill this objective, IOM puts the safety, dignity and protection of people first in the most challenging crisis response contexts in the world.
Driving solutions to displacement: In response to this aim, IOM endeavors to reduce the risks and impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, conflict and instability for communities affected by or at risk of displacement.
Facilitating pathways for regular migration: To address this pursuit, IOM prioritizes whole-of-government, whole-of-society approaches to safely connect people, goods, services, knowledge and innovation.

Context

This assignment is part of a UNV-funded initiative designed to bring fresh, diverse talent into UN programmes from countries that are currently unrepresented among UN Volunteers. It offers a unique opportunity to help ensure that global volunteering truly reflects the world we serve, while giving participating UN Volunteers meaningful, hands-on experience with leading UN partners. As such, the initiative targets candidates from the following nationalities: Andorra, Croatia, Estonia, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, San Marino, Slovenia.

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and direct supervision of the Head of the Programme Support Unit, and in close collaboration with the relevant units at the Regional Office and Headquarters (HQ), the Project Development and Reporting Officer will be responsible and accountable for supporting the coordination and facilitation of project development, donor and institutional reporting in the fields of migration management, emergency response, as well as assisting with liaison activities with counterparts in the government, United Nations (UN) agencies and other relevant stakeholders in line with IOM’s regional and country strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of the Programme Support Unit or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will:

1.Contribute to the development of results-based programmes and projects, concept notes and project proposals, in close coordination with the CoM, Project Managers, United Nations Country Team (UNCT), relevant donors, government counterparts and project partners, by providing technical inputs and support that responds to emerging trends and priorities and that are in compliance with IOM and donor interests and requirements.

2.Review resource requirements, document programmatic needs, gaps and opportunities. Contribute to the alignment to IOM global, regional and country strategies during project development and donor reporting, including supporting and promoting use of Strategic Results Framework (SRF) global results and indicators.

3.Support the endorsement process for concept notes and project proposals. Support the Project Managers in drafting donor reports in close coordination with relevant units in the Country Office (CO) and Regional Office (RO) in line with IOM policies, standards and internal procedures.

4.Research potential and realistic funding opportunities among government and non-government donors, review calls for proposals and collect donor information. Draft donor profiles and guidance notes on donor priorities, and assist with developing approaches to expand the IOM donor base.

5.Support effective working relationships with donor counterparts and project/programme partners, such as government authorities, diplomatic missions, and other relevant agencies and working groups.

6.In coordination with relevant Units in the CO, draft visibility and other resource mobilization materials and organize donor briefings and visits.

7.Capacity building and training activities in the field of programme development, donor and institutional reporting and the roll-out of the SRF for CO’s staff through workshops and seminars.

8.In support of knowledge management, maintain accurate, updated and pertinent records of all correspondences, project development and donor and institutional reporting files, and related information in IOM’s relevant software application.

9.Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Skills and Experience

“This Description of Assignment is part of a targeted UNV initiative and is open exclusively to candidates with the following nationalities: Andorra, Croatia, Estonia, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, San Marino, Slovenia.”
“Applicants who do not fully meet the minimum professional experience requirements for a UN Volunteer ‘Specialist’ assignment are still encouraged to apply; if selected, they may be recruited under the Conditions of Service applicable to UN Volunteer ‘Associate’ assignments.”

-Experience in supporting results-based project development and reporting, technical writing and editing, preferably in the international development/humanitarian sector;
-Work experience in donor relations and grant management for specific donors such as IOM’s interest or others;
-Confirmed experience in donor report writing in humanitarian and/or development settings; and,
-Experience with Results Based Management approach and other strategic planning approaches.

Skills
-Good communication, writing and organizational skills; ability to prepare clear and concise reports;
-Basic knowledge of monitoring and evaluation concepts, approaches and methodologies;
-Demonstrated analytical and planning skills; capacity to establish working relationships with governmental authorities, national and international institutions and Non-

Governmental Organizations;
-Capacity to supervise and train support staff; ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional background;
-Ability to work with accuracy under constraints and pressure; high sense of confidentiality, initiative and good judgment;
-Personal commitment, efficiency, flexibility, drive for results, creative thinking; and,
-Good level of computer literacy, including database applications.

Core Competencies

-Accountability
-Adaptability and flexibility
-Creativity
-Judgement and decision-making
-Planning and organising
-Professionalism
-Self-management

Living Conditions

Damascus is a non-family duty station with a volatile and evolving security context. International staff should expect movement restrictions, strict adherence to UNDSS/IOM security guidance, and changes to access, curfews, or routing at short notice.

-Security: Security risk management is coordinated through UNDSS and IOM (including security briefings and mandatory compliance). Staff are required to follow the Security Risk Management Measures (SRMM), including limitations on road travel, use of approved transport, route/area restrictions, and potential temporary shelter-in-place procedures when advised.

-Housing: Accommodation is typically provided through a UNDSS-approved Hotel in line with applicable security requirements. Options may be limited and subject to availability; allocations can change depending on the security context and operational needs. Staff are expected to comply with UNDSS/IOM guidance on approved locations and related procedures.

-Medical services: Private clinics and hospitals operate in Damascus and are generally used by international staff for routine consultations. Capacity, specialist availability, and medical supply chains can be constrained. For serious conditions and some specialized care, medical evacuation may be required in line with IOM insurance and UNDSS procedures.

-Partners’ employment: Employment opportunities for partners may be limited due to the duty station context, work permit/residency requirements, language needs, and the constrained private sector. Remote work may be feasible depending on connectivity and employer arrangements, subject to local regulations and organizational security guidance.

Further practical details (entry/exit procedures, accommodation guidance, and medical/evacuation arrangements) are provided during onboarding and in duty-station briefings; conditions may change and are subject to UNDSS and IOM advisories.

Information on the benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station could be accessed through the UVP calculator https://app.unv.org/calculator. Please see the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers https://explore.unv.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/Conditions%20of%20Service_EN.pdf for more information and details.