General Protection and Protection Research Specialist (P)

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 inter-governmental organization in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, providing services and advice to governments and migrants. With 173 member states and offices in over 100 countries, IOM is characterized by its strong field presence and its commitment to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally. The organization focuses on harnessing the full potential of migration and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in crisis-affected areas. IOM's workplace culture emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and ethical standards, ensuring that all employees are treated with respect and dignity.

Job Overview:
The General Protection and Protection Research Specialist position is crucial for IOM's humanitarian protection operations in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, which is one of the largest and most complex protection responses globally. The successful candidate will lead the General Protection (GP) and Protection Research (PR) teams, ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality protection services and evidence-based programming. This role involves providing key inputs and advice for the development of innovative strategies, technical expertise, and fostering collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders. The incumbent will support the broader protection portfolio and assist the Protection Program Coordinator in her responsibilities as co-lead of relevant working groups. The position requires a proactive approach to addressing the critical needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in a dynamic and challenging humanitarian context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The General Protection and Protection Research Specialist will oversee and manage GP and PR program development, coordination, and implementation, ensuring alignment with IOM’s global frameworks and inter-agency protection standards. Key responsibilities include developing, refining, and regularly updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for case management and protection strategies, spearheading the design and execution of protection monitoring and analysis, and providing technical advice and guidance to the GP team on responding to protection concerns. The specialist will also develop and deliver capacity-building initiatives for protection staff and partners, represent IOM at relevant protection forums, support advocacy efforts, prepare high-quality reports for donors and stakeholders, lead the Protection Research team in conducting studies, and contribute to IOM’s emergency preparedness efforts by integrating protection considerations into contingency planning and response strategies. Additionally, the specialist may serve as Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Unit when the Protection Program Coordinator is unavailable.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Law, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience, or a University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience. Proven experience in managing and implementing General Protection programming, including case management, protection monitoring, and community-based protection initiatives, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate experience in developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for case management and protection strategies, as well as a proven track record in designing and conducting Protection research in complex humanitarian settings. Strong expertise in applying Protection Information Management (PIM) guidelines and using the Protection Analysis Framework (PAF) is required, along with experience in liaising with governmental authorities and fostering collaborative partnerships.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Law, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Alternatively, a University degree in the aforementioned fields with additional years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complex dynamics of migration, protection issues, and humanitarian responses.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience if they hold a Master’s degree, or seven years if they possess a University degree. Experience must include managing and implementing General Protection programming, developing and implementing SOPs, conducting Protection research, and analyzing protection concerns using Human Rights or Humanitarian Law. Demonstrated experience in writing and conducting research on Humanitarian Protection concerns is also necessary, as well as experience in collaborating with governmental authorities and other institutions.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, both oral and written. A working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) and/or Bengali is considered an advantage. Proficiency in the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Special Short Term Graded contract for up to six months, with the possibility of extension. It is classified at the P-3 grade level and is a professional recruitment type. The closing date for applications is 09 October 2025, and candidates must be mobile as internationally recruited professional staff. The selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for a period of 24 months. Candidates must meet medical fitness requirements and any residency or visa requirements, and the appointment is subject to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination.