Protection Officer

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 is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, providing services and advice to governments and migrants. The organization is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally while harnessing the full potential of migration. IOM operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration management and humanitarian assistance, and has a diverse workforce that reflects its commitment to inclusion and respect for diversity.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer will be responsible for managing, coordinating, and overseeing the Country Office’s Protection Programme activities and strategies. This includes areas such as child protection, counter-trafficking, smuggling of migrants, violence against women and girls, and assistance to vulnerable migrants. The role requires overseeing the effective development and implementation of the Protection, Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), and Mental Health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programming. The Protection Officer will provide technical support to other units on Protection Mainstreaming, ensuring safe programming and capacity development. The position also involves operational management, guidance, and supervision of the Head of Protection Center and its staff, mentoring and supporting them in programmatic strategy and implementation. The Protection Officer will establish and maintain strong relationships with UN Agencies, humanitarian organizations, and government counterparts to ensure successful implementation of Protection programming and MHPSS initiatives. Additionally, the role includes developing new projects aligned with donor interests and IOM’s institutional strategies, as well as ensuring compliance with IOM policies and global standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage the Protection programming across the Country Office, providing technical support on Protection Mainstreaming.
• Develop and implement Protection, AAP, and MHPSS programming, ensuring administrative, operational, and financial management of relevant projects.
• Provide operational management and guidance to the Head of Protection Center and staff, assisting in programmatic strategy and implementation.
• Mentor and support staff, conducting relevant trainings and ensuring capacity building of Programme staff.
• Support the implementation and mainstreaming of programmatic strategy, providing technical inputs and recommendations to address operational challenges.
• Establish and maintain relationships with UN Agencies, humanitarian organizations, and government counterparts.
• Identify priorities during implementation and develop new projects aligned with donor interests.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for Programme activities.
• Ensure timely and quality preparation of Programme reports and compliance with donor requirements. 1
• Monitor progress against strategic objectives and provide advice for improvements. 1
• Oversee the production of visibility materials in coordination with the Public Information Officer. 1
• Participate in donor or partner meetings and engage actively in relevant inter-agency platforms. 1
• Conduct regular visits nationally or internationally to support programme implementation. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven ability to establish and maintain strong working relations with government counterparts, international organizations, and private sector entities.
• Excellent management, coordination, and information management skills.
• Detailed knowledge of the UN System, NGOs, and other international organizations.
• Knowledge of protection programming and migration data.
• Strong conceptualization, analytical, and writing skills.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal relationship skills.
• In-depth knowledge of migration-related subject areas dealt with by the Organization.
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.
• Capacity to establish and maintain partnerships with development partners and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Economic Development, Business or Public Administration, International Studies, 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. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
The position requires experience in programme development and capacity-building activities, direct implementation of protection interventions, particularly Gender-Based Violence (GBV), supervising protection risk assessments, and liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities. Additionally, experience in organizing consultations, workshops, and seminars with high-level stakeholders is essential.

Languages:
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. Fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Arabic and French, as well as another official UN language (Chinese, Russian, or Spanish), is an advantage. Proficiency in required languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is a one-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension. Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. 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 24 months. Candidates who are nationals of the duty station's country cannot be considered eligible. Appointment is subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and 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. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.