Project Assistant (Cultural Mediation)

Under the overall supervision of the Director, Coordination Office for the Mediterranean, Chief of Mission in Italy and Malta, Representative to the Holy See and the direct supervision of the Project Manager and, in close coordination with the staff of the Facilitated Migration and Vulnerable Groups Unit, the successful candidate will provide general cultural mediation services and clerical support to the S.T.A.R.T. – Safe Transfer And Reception Turnover project. This project organizes charter flights and ferries to support rapid and safe transfer of migrants, particularly those in vulnerable situations, from the island of Lampedusa or other localities indicated by the Department for Civil Liberties and Immigration (DCLI) at the Italian Ministry of Interior to reception facilities across mainland Italy. Tasks are specified below.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Provide general clerical and administrative assistance in the implementation of project activities in Lampedusa.
2. Gather, compile, summarize, and present information or data on specific project topics.
3. Assist in identifying the vulnerabilities and specific needs of beneficiaries.
4. Support the organization of beneficiaries’ transfers from Lampedusa or other localities identified by the DCLI, including clerical support for pre-departure and post-arrival procedures (e.g., information sessions, medical checks, etc).
5. Provide operational escort support during beneficiaries’ transfer from Lampedusa or other identified localities to their final destination.
6. Assist with administrative coordination for project implementation, liaising with internal units or external parties to process requests, obtain approvals, and follow-up on administrative actions.
7. Draft basic correspondence, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentations, and documentation.
8. Compile weekly data reports and share via the online support system.
9. Perform other clerical or support duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• High school diploma with three years of relevant professional experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution with one year of relevant working experience.

Experience

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations.
• Experience in working in reception centers, camp-like settings, or working with vulnerable groups is desirable.
• Prior work experience in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and basic database management.
• Basic understanding of intercultural communication and sensitivity.
• Strong clerical, organizational, and reporting skills.
• Ability to work in a team and provide support in a fast-paced environment.

Languages

• Fluency in Italian, English (oral and written), and native in at least one of the following languages is required (oral and written): Tigrinya, Amaric, Arabic, Bengali.
• Working language of French is an advantage.

Required Competencies

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• 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 action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other

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

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.

This post is subject to local recruitment. Only persons holding a valid residence and work permit for Italy will be eligible for consideration.

For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via WAVE, IOM e-Recruitment

System, by November 14, 2025 at 23:59 (CET – Rome time) at the latest. Submitting the following documents is optional:

a) CV or PHF (Personal History Form – available here: IOM Personal History Form.xls)

b) Cover Letter

For further information on how to apply, please refer to: https://www.iom.int/how-apply

In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts online profiles duly completed.

Candidates who do not possess the above requested qualifications will not be taken into consideration.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. You can track the progress of your application on your personal application page in the IOM e-Recruitment system.

Posting period:

From 31.10.2025 to 14.11.2025

No Fees:

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