Policy Associate

Role Overview

You will support the day-to-day execution of a migrant protection and assistance programme in Somalia, working closely with project stakeholders, government counterparts, and internal units to keep activities on track. Your focus will be on operational coordination: organising meetings, monitoring field implementation, managing procurement and financial follow-ups, and feeding accurate progress information into reports. This role matters because timely, well-documented project support directly enables safer migration governance and stronger protection for vulnerable migrants across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Support implementation of the project work plan by arranging and coordinating meetings with stakeholders, preparing necessary materials, and documenting outcomes and action points.
• Liaise with the IOM Somalia office in Nairobi to track procurement, financial transactions, and administrative processes, ensuring full compliance with IOM rules and regulations.
• Maintain accurate records of project finances, logistics, and procurement, and flag any discrepancies or delays to the supervisor and relevant officers.
• Conduct regular field visits to verify progress, identify emerging challenges, and document good practices that can inform future project decisions.
• Coordinate with the Labour Migration and Human Development (LMHD) and Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) units on policy development, national consultative mechanisms, and migration governance support for the Federal Government of Somalia.
• Compile weekly and monthly implementation updates for the MPA coordination office, covering progress, obstacles, and recommended follow-up actions.
• Draft periodic reports by gathering data against project indicators and preparing inputs for internal and external reporting requirements.
• Keep regular contact with project counterparts to follow up on planned activities, resolve implementation issues early, and escalate concerns when needed, plus perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements & Qualifications

• High school diploma with at least five years of relevant professional experience, or a Bachelor's degree in social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, business administration, or a related field from an accredited institution with three years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience supporting project implementation, specifically in immigration and border governance programmes.
• Strong communication and liaison skills, including experience working with government authorities and project partners.
• Hands-on experience organising and facilitating workshops, training sessions, or similar events.
• Experience drafting clear, accurate reports in English.
• Familiarity with procurement and finance support processes, including maintaining records and tracking transactions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, and internet tools.
• Knowledge of project monitoring, implementation, and reporting methods; familiarity with migrant protection and assistance programmes is an advantage.
• Fluency in English and Swahili is required, both oral and written.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, integrity, professionalism, courage, and empathy in a multicultural work environment.