Consultor/a: Profesional en Trabajo Social para Equipo Móvil de Protección

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It is the leading UN agency in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, saving lives and protecting people on the move. The organization 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. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration and humanitarian assistance, and aims to better harness the full potential of migration to strengthen its support to people on the move.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant: Social Work Professional for the Mobile Protection Team is part of the project "Route-based action in Latin America: Addressing Protection Gaps and Ensuring Continuity of Protection and Assistance Along Southbound Migration Routes." The consultant will be based in San Jose, with the possibility of mobilization in communities within the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM). The consultancy is initially for three months, with the possibility of extension depending on funding availability. The consultant will report directly to the Protection Unit of IOM Costa Rica. The role is crucial in responding to the changing dynamics of migration in Costa Rica, particularly in light of the significant increase in return movements observed in recent years. The consultant will be responsible for strengthening protection actions directed at migrants in transit and return, ensuring a response that is evidence-based, human rights-centered, gender-sensitive, and aligned with IOM's protection standards and approaches. This includes developing work plans, maintaining project tracking matrices, and providing direct assistance and information to vulnerable migrants in community spaces.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing and maintaining an updated mapping of available services and resources for vulnerable migrants in the GAM; providing direct attention, guidance, and information to migrants in community spaces; identifying protection needs and risks, including situations of violence and exploitation; developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and internal guidelines for addressing vulnerable situations; creating a monitoring and reporting system to evaluate referrals made; participating in community activities and coordinating with public institutions and strategic project partners; documenting community activities and maintaining updated records; and ensuring all interventions adhere to principles of confidentiality and informed consent. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing periodic reports on implemented activities, the population reached, and identified protection needs and risks.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires several qualifications, including: current residency or the ability to reside in San Jose during the consultancy period; availability for self-transportation to various communities in the GAM; fluency in Spanish; a minimum of three years of relevant experience; a professional degree in Social Work or Social Sciences; and current registration with the Professional College. Previous experience in community activities and protection in related intervention areas is an advantage. The consultant should also have experience in communication and working with culturally diverse individuals, familiarity with social issues aligned with IOM's migration mandate, empathy, discretion, and social awareness. Experience in conducting surveys or interviews is desirable, as is openness to feedback and applying recommendations from supervision and project teams.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a professional degree in Social Work or Social Sciences. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of social issues and the specific needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of migration and protection.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in social work, community engagement, or protection-related fields. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to work effectively with diverse populations and address the challenges faced by migrants and refugees.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the migrant populations being served.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for an initial period of three months, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability. The consultant will work full-time and will be required to travel frequently within the GAM without reimbursement for transportation or meals. The monthly salary for this position is CRC 1,000,000 (one million colones). The IOM provides coverage against accidents and occupational diseases during the consultancy period, but consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-work-related accidents or illnesses. The appointment is subject to medical fitness certification and compliance with residency or visa requirements. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy for conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination.