Protection Associate (Caseworker) - (5 positions)

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

In partnership with key stakeholders, IOM has been implementing Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Assistance (AVRR) programmes throughout the region. This programme assists vulnerable migrants who wish to return voluntarily to their country of origin but cannot do so on their own. These migrants, if they freely express their wish, can receive administrative, logistical and financial assistance for a return to their country of origin in safe, dignified and human rights-respecting conditions.

Under the general supervision of the Head of Programmes and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, and in coordination with the Regional Project Manager and Regional Office, the Protection Associate (Caseworker), is responsible for supporting all activities of the program, with the following duties and responsibilities: 

1. Provide migrants who are interested in joining the IOM Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) Programme with timely and transparent information to support their informed decision. 

2. Screen migrants requesting AVR to assess and establish their willingness and eligibility to join the Programme or other global assistance funds.

3. Identify any potential vulnerabilities and, in coordination with the Senior Project Coordinator and the Country Office in the country of origin, refer to appropriate service and put in place appropriate mitigating measures. Provide timely follow-up of each case. 

4. Support migrants in filling out and signing all relevant AVR administrative procedures. 

5. Organize logistical and administrative aspect for the safe and dignified return of the migrants, including consular formalities for safe conduct, liaison with the National Service for Migration, accommodation, onward transportation, etc. 

6. Notifying the IOM country office in the country of origin and provide the necessary documentation (forms and reports), in accordance with the procedures established by the IOM, so that the necessary assistance can be provided.

7. Check that the documentation received from the operations team in relation to tickets for transport is correct in terms of fares, names, routes, number of passengers, dates and times.

8. Accompany migrants to the airport (in contracted vehicles) to assist with check-in and baggage documentation.

9. Verify that the return process of migrants is carried out in an appropriate and safe manner, in accordance with international law and IOM established procedures and practices.

10. Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of Movement Operations SOPs and Movement-related systems and databases (including MiMOSA), as well as the ability to remain professional, and impartial during all interactions with migrants and colleagues. in accordance with the IOM Code of Conduct and instructions on the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA).

11. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree with 3 years of relevant professional experience; or 

• Secondary education with 5 years of relevant professional experience.

   

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

• At least 3 years of relevant experience in local migration-related projects, policy development and implementation of capacity building activities. 

• At least 3 years of previous experience working directly with migrants or carrying out human rights protection activities will be considered an asset. 

• General studies in migration and gender will be an asset.

• Postgraduate studies in migration, human rights or gender will be considered an asset. 

   

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with and lead a team;

• Experience in liaison work with government authorities, international and national organizations, UN agencies and NGOs.

• Excellent computer skills and a high level of proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications.

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, Spanish is required. Working knowledge of English and another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

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

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

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

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies