IOM is Hiring a Senior Project Associate for a High-Impact Ecotourism and Youth Employment Project in São Tomé and Príncipe
Explore this global development career opportunity with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). We are advertising for a Senior Project Associate (G-6) role based in São Tomé and Príncipe, focusing on youth employment, ecotourism development, and diaspora engagement. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits at the G-6 level and is central to a project aimed at driving sustainable economic growth. If you have experience in project coordination, data analysis, and stakeholder liaison in the context of international development, review this detailed vacancy and apply before the deadline.
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Background & Job Description
This job post is presented for informational and application purposes by our platform. We are an independent job board and are not affiliated with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). All information is sourced from the official IOM vacancy announcement.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading United Nations agency in the field of migration, committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. IOM works to help meet the growing operational challenges of migration management, advance understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration, and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.
São Tomé and Príncipe is a country with exceptional ecotourism potential, representing a strategic opportunity for job creation, social inclusion, and sustainable economic growth. However, the nation faces significant challenges related to youth and women’s employment, labor market structuring, and skills development. This IOM project is designed to directly address these challenges by supporting the socio-economic integration of youth and women through a multi-faceted approach.
The project focuses on conducting critical studies on the labor market and ecotourism sector to better understand needs and opportunities. It aims to develop tailored training programs, promote local entrepreneurship, and mobilize a wide range of national partners, including the private sector, civil society, and the São Toméan diaspora. The role of the Senior Project Associate is pivotal in this initiative, serving as the operational backbone for the project’s activities on the ground.
This position is embedded within a framework of close cooperation with national authorities, relevant ministries, the National Assembly, technical and financial partners, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the United Nations System in São Tomé and Príncipe. It directly supports the national authorities’ commitment to valuing local skills, involving the diaspora, and promoting an inclusive, gender-sensitive, and youth-oriented approach to the country’s development.
IOM is Hiring a Senior Project Associate for a High-Impact Ecotourism and Youth Employment Project in São Tomé and Príncipe
Tasks
Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager based in Yaoundé, Cameroon, the incumbent will be responsible for the following key task areas:
1. Research, Analysis, and Statistics
- Support the collection, analysis, and validation of data on employment, skills, and the ecotourism sector, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
- Provide technical support to ministries, statistical institutes, training centers, and project partners to enrich studies, strategic roadmaps, and project reports.
- Draft synthesis briefs and actionable recommendations for a diverse range of project stakeholders to inform decision-making.
2. Operational Support and Workshop Organization
- Organize and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and consultation meetings for key beneficiaries, including youth, women, and community representatives.
- Manage all logistical aspects of project-related meetings, events, and field activities, ensuring proper documentation and effective participation.
- Maintain accurate records, including participant lists, meeting minutes, and activity evaluation reports, for robust monitoring and evaluation.
3. Liaison, Coordination, and Interface
- Serve as the primary focal point for communication between all project partners, including government entities, parliament, the private sector, civil society, donors, and the diaspora.
- Support local-level coordination with the United Nations System agencies (e.g., UNDP, ILO, WHO) to ensure programmatic coherence and avoid duplication.
- Provide direct support to the functioning of project steering and monitoring committees, including activity planning, note-taking, and follow-up on action items.
- Facilitate the seamless sharing of information and foster collaboration between national and local stakeholders.
4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Evaluation
- Actively contribute to the establishment and utilization of the project’s monitoring and evaluation (M&E) tools and frameworks.
- Collect, compile, and analyze data against project indicators to ensure regular and accurate reporting on progress.
- Prepare periodic activity updates and contribute to the drafting of comprehensive technical and financial reports for donors.
- Support the organization and execution of external project evaluations.
5. Diaspora Mobilization and Migration Inclusion
- Proactively promote the participation of São Toméan diaspora citizens in the project, including through mechanisms for temporary, virtual, or permanent return (e.g., via the iDiaspora platform).
- Support initiatives designed to strengthen the protection and engagement of citizens abroad within the project’s scope.
- Ensure the integration of a migration dimension and sensitivity to diaspora issues across all project activities.
6. Additional Cross-Cutting Tasks
- Champion an inclusive and gender-sensitive approach in the planning and execution of all project activities.
- Support the project’s advocacy and visibility efforts, including the preparation of communication materials and participation in relevant forums.
- Perform any other duties as assigned by the direct supervisor.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- A university degree in Social Sciences, Labour Economics, Statistics, Development Studies, Tourism, or a related field with a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience; OR
- A high school diploma with a minimum of six years of relevant professional experience.
- All degrees must be from accredited institutions listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
Required Experience:
- Proven and relevant experience in research, project operations, or coordination, ideally within the international development, migration, or sustainable tourism sectors.
- A strong understanding of the political, socio-economic, and cultural context of São Tomé and Príncipe.
- Demonstrable experience in organizing workshops, training sessions, and multi-stakeholder meetings, including all associated logistics.
- Solid analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Experience or a demonstrated strong interest in areas such as diaspora mobilization, youth and women’s inclusion, and international cooperation.
Desired Experience:
- Previous work experience with an international organization or a non-governmental organization (NGO) is a significant asset.
- Experience with monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems and reporting for donor-funded projects.
- Practical experience in using online collaboration and data management tools.
Additional Information
Language Requirements:
- Full professional fluency in both written and spoken French and/or Portuguese is mandatory.
- Working knowledge of English is considered a distinct advantage.
Contract Details:
- Job Schedule: Full-time
- Contract Type: Special Short-Term Graded Contract
- Grade: G-6
- Initial Contract Duration: 6 months (with possibility of extension subject to funding)
- Duty Station: São Tomé and Príncipe
- Application Deadline: October 28, 2025, at 02:00 PM (based on the posting timezone).
Notes for Applicants:
- This is a local recruitment position. Only candidates who hold a valid residence and work permit for São Tomé and Príncipe will be eligible for consideration.
- The appointment is subject to medical clearance and verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned government.
- IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination.
- IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of its recruitment process. Be wary of any requests for payment.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. The organization seeks to attract and recruit the best talent, valuing diversity and fostering a culture of inclusion and respect.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are required to submit their application through the official IOM online recruitment system. For further information and to apply, please visit: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies.
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