Project Assistant (Protection)

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 nongovernmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, providing services and advice to governments and migrants. The organization operates globally, addressing various migration issues and challenges, and is committed to ensuring that the rights of migrants are respected and upheld.

Job Overview:
The Project Assistant (Protection) will play a crucial role in supporting the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of protection-related activities within the framework of IOM's projects in Brazil. This position is particularly focused on addressing the challenges faced by forcibly returned Brazilians, who often arrive in vulnerable situations without access to essential services. The Project Assistant will work under the supervision of the Protection Coordinator based in Brasília, contributing to various aspects of protection programming, including trafficking in persons, migrant smuggling, gender-based violence, and child protection. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure that all activities align with donor requirements and project objectives, while also promoting cross-cutting protection issues across training models and reporting. The Project Assistant will be involved in direct interactions with vulnerable populations, conducting needs assessments, and providing administrative support to the Protection Team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Assistant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: supporting the coordination and implementation of protection programming responses; ensuring compliance with donor requirements and project documentation; executing administrative tasks related to protection activities; monitoring budgets and procurement processes; promoting integration of protection issues across training and reporting; collaborating with various stakeholders to establish effective referral systems; conducting confidential interviews for needs assessments; assisting in case management for forcibly returned Brazilians; identifying and supporting individuals with documentation issues; providing logistical support for events and activities; and performing other related tasks as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma with a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience, or a university degree in administration, social sciences, economics, law, public policy, health, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with at least two years of experience. Experience in protection activities, case management, and working with vulnerable populations is essential. Candidates should also have experience liaising with government agencies, UN agencies, and NGOs, as well as familiarity with social protection and health systems in Brazil.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma is required, along with a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a university degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution is acceptable, provided the candidate has at least two years of experience in related roles. Accredited institutions are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
Candidates should have demonstrated experience in protection activities, case management, and working with vulnerable populations. Experience in liaising with Brazilian government agencies, national and international institutions, UN agencies, and NGOs is crucial. Familiarity with social protection and health systems in Brazil, as well as experience in event organization and operational systems, is also required. Experience in migration and refugee contexts, whether in public or private sectors, international organizations, or civil society, is highly valued.

Languages:
Proficiency in Portuguese and English at an advanced level is required. Knowledge of Spanish at an advanced level is advantageous. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Brazil will be considered. The appointment will be contingent upon medical fitness certification, verification of residency, and necessary government authorizations. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.