Project Assistant

Context

The forced return of Brazilians represents a significant humanitarian, social, and economic challenge, requiring a coordinated response based on human rights and sustainable reintegration of forced returnees. Many arrive in Brazil in situations of extreme vulnerability, without financial resources, housing, immediate access to essential services, and with significant mental health consequences for directly affected individuals.

The project "Multisectoral Strengthening of Brazilian Government Efforts for Humanized Reception, Human Rights Protection and Reintegration of Forcibly Returned Brazilians" seeks to ensure that affected individuals are received with dignity and have access to comprehensive support. Coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in partnership with the federal government, mainly through the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship (MDHC), state and municipal governments, civil society and the private sector.

According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) data, between 2021 and 2024, more than 39,000 Brazilians were detained by ICE. Administrative arrests of Brazilians by the agency increased significantly between 2021 and 2022 and continue to show an upward trend. Between 2021 and 2024, 7,168 Brazilians were forcibly returned, while 1,779 were expelled under Title 42.

Under the overall supervision of the Project Coordinator, the Project Assistant will be responsible for supporting the coordination, implementation and monitoring of activities within the project framework.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Support protection activities implementation

• Support the coordination, implementation and monitoring of protection and promotion of human rights response

2. Specialized assistance and referrals

• Provide specialized assistance for promotion and protection of human rights
• Provide technical and structural specialized assistance to strengthen human right protection networks.

3. Documentation and reporting

• Support the provision of regular progress updates, prepare success stories, and support data collection and analysis for the project monitoring.
• Support technical assistance for the creation of national protocols and case management tools for human rights protection of returned Brazilians.
• Contribute to promoting accountability to beneficiaries across the project portfolio.

4. Coordination and partnership

• Support work with partners, agencies and relevant government counterparts, Brazilian Social Welfare System, non-governmental institutions, civil society organizations, UN agencies, and others regarding project implementation.
• Support the coordination, mentoring and knowledge building of field teams on protection and social protection of vulnerable persons.

5. Additional responsibilities

• Undertake site visits and duty travel as required.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High School Diploma with a minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience; or
  Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution with a minimum of four three (3) years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• At least 1 year Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and,
• Experience in liaising with Brazilian Government agencies, national/international institutions, United Nations Agencies and nongovernmental organizations;
• Demonstrated experience in protection activities, case management, and working with vulnerable populations;

Skills

• Works effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, and beneficiaries;
• Excellent drafting and reporting skills;
• Excellent organization skills; analytical and creative thinking;
• Proficiency in computer skills: Word, Excel and databases;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Excellent team management and coordination competency; and
• Proven ability to work with limited supervision.

Languages

IOM's official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

Required

For this position, fluency in Portuguese and basic knowledge of English or Spanish tis required (oral and written).

Required Competencies

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three 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

• 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

The plurality of knowledge and professional backgrounds, as well as diversity of groups, is considered desirable, in order to promote the recruitment of Black people, LGBTQIA+ individuals, persons with disabilities, among others.

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