Protection Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is recognized as the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration. The organization operates under the principle that orderly and humane migration is beneficial for both migrants and society. IOM collaborates with various partners in the international community to tackle the growing operational challenges associated with migration, enhance understanding of migration issues, promote economic and social development through migration, and protect the well-being and human rights of migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion in its operations.

Job Overview:
The Protection Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting protection-related activities as part of IOM's emergency response to Hurricane Melissa in Haiti. This position is vital for ensuring that protection components are effectively implemented within the emergency response framework. The specialist will work under the supervision of the Chief of Mission and in close coordination with the Senior Emergency Coordinator and the Protection Coordinator. The role involves overseeing individual protection case management, including cases related to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and child protection, and providing guidance to case workers. The Protection Specialist will also be responsible for developing or adapting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and tools related to protection activities, ensuring proper data management and documentation of beneficiaries, and preparing regular reports and analyses on protection activities and trends. This position requires a proactive approach to building community resilience and providing culturally appropriate services to support recovery efforts in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Specialist will oversee the implementation of protection components within the hurricane emergency response, ensuring quality and timely delivery of activities. Key responsibilities include coordinating individual protection case management, including SGBV and child protection cases, and providing guidance to case workers. The specialist will develop or adapt SOPs and tools related to protection activities, ensure proper data management and documentation of beneficiaries, and prepare regular reports, statistics, and analyses on protection activities and trends. Additionally, the Protection Specialist will coordinate and supervise the direct assistance mobile team in implementing field activities, contribute to capacity-building initiatives for local authorities and civil society, and support awareness-raising campaigns on protection issues. The role also involves maintaining effective coordination and partnerships with UN agencies, government counterparts, NGOs, and other relevant actors, promoting the integration of protection principles across all emergency response activities, and drafting protection-related reports and documentation as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree or equivalent in political or social sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or related fields from an accredited academic institution, along with two years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in the aforementioned fields with four years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. The ideal candidate should have experience in humanitarian affairs and/or development related to migration, refugee, and internally displaced persons (IDP) issues, demonstrating increasing levels of responsibility. Field experience is preferred, along with experience in liaising with government authorities, national/international institutions, and NGOs. Candidates should also have experience in project management and development, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, as well as demonstrated experience working on protection programming and vulnerable populations in emergency or post-conflict environments. A solid understanding of protection coordination mechanisms is essential.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s Degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as political or social sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or related disciplines from an accredited academic institution. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in these fields is acceptable if accompanied by four years of relevant professional experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of migration and protection issues in emergency contexts.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience if they hold a Master’s Degree, or four years if they possess a Bachelor’s degree. Experience in humanitarian affairs, particularly related to migration, refugee, and IDP issues, is essential, with a preference for candidates who have field experience. The candidate should demonstrate increasing levels of responsibility in their previous roles, showcasing their ability to manage projects and engage with various stakeholders effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position, both oral and written. Knowledge of Haitian Creole is considered desirable, as it would enhance communication and engagement with local communities. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective collaboration and reporting within the diverse environment of IOM's operations.

Additional Notes:
The appointment is subject to funding confirmation and will require certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, as well as compliance with any residency or visa requirements and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and discrimination based on various factors. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and does not request information related to bank accounts. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.