Senior Protection Associate

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.

TUnder the general guidance of Head of Mobility Pathways and Inclusion Division, and the overall supervision of the Protection Coordinator, and the direct supervision of the National Protection Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for  assisting in coordinating direct implementation of protection activities in Erbil, Dohuk and Sulaymaniyah. The Senior Protection Assistant will provide support in protection activities relating to Return & Reintegration and Counter-Trafficking

1.  1.  Support the technical supervision and day-to-day coordination and monitoring of migrant protection activities, including assistance to vulnerable migrants, counter-trafficking case management, and Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) activities through a protection-centered case management approach in Erbil, Dohuk, and Sulaymaniyah. Core activities include, but are not limited to case management including counselling, referrals to protection services and support through legal proceedings, provision of information, and return and reintegration support.

2.   2. Supervise relevant Teams in respective locations of coordination and ensure timely roll out of activities, their monitoring and reporting.

3.   3. Identify protection risks and needs of migrants in vulnerable situations and coordinate a timely and safe referral to specialized protection services in case of need; support in pre-departure counselling and assistance as well as return travels in coordination with receiving missions.

      4. Verify the team’s timely update and 100% compliance of data collection tools (MIMOSA) to track the status of implementation of each case and oversee the timely entry of data of the Teams supervised.

      5. Identify staff needs related to technical capacity. Coordinate capacity building activities internally or through partners by leading on the delivering of trainings to staff and partners, and on-the-job capacity building for returnees.

      6. Implement protection activities in coordination with other IOM sectors and according to IOM protection standards and principles.

      7. Support the National Protection Officer in the updating of Migrant Protection and Counter-Trafficking tools and guidelines as needed to ensure it is in line with the Iraqi context.

      8. Support and facilitate mainstreaming of gender and protection during the implementation of protection activities.

      9. Undertake duty travel as required.

    10. Perform any of duties as may be assigned.

•  Bachelor’s degree in related filled from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience.

• Completed High School degree from accredited academic institution with six years relevant professional experience.

   

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

•  Work experience in the field of migration and/or protection.

• Prior experience in working with mixed migrant population (especially victims of trafficking and survivors of gender-based violence) on protection and direct assistance.

• Experience in communicating and working with a wide range of actors, including people of culturally diverse backgrounds, government and authorities, humanitarian actors (UN agencies and NGOs).

• Computer literacy and skills with specific proficiency in Microsoft applications.

• Detail-oriented, reliable, efficient, high level of professionalism, organizational skills and ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines.

• Good analytical skills, strong eye for detail and accuracy.

• Experience in case management, Counter Trafficking, AVRR, and/or Gender-Based Violence, or other protection programming (required).

• Experience in managing and/or implementing projects.

• Experience in delivering Protection trainings to internal and external audiences (required).

• Good written and oral communication skills, effective in representation and liaison with external parties (required).

• Good interpersonal and problem-solving skills (required).

• Flexibility in working overtime when needed (required).

• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word and Excel) (required).

• Willing to collaborate with and support people from different ethnic groups and different religions (required).

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, English, Arabic, and Kurdish are required

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