Protection Coordinator

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 governance, and aims to uphold the rights and well-being of migrants, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Job Overview:
The Protection Coordinator will be responsible for managing, implementing, coordinating, executing, and monitoring IOM Iraq Country Office’s protection projects. This includes core protection activities and support in IDP camps, informal sites, and areas of return. The role requires ensuring synergies with concurrent protection programming in the country and working in an integrated manner with the Iraq Government and relevant protection actors. The Protection Coordinator will also provide protection mainstreaming expertise to other units within IOM. The position demands a proactive approach to developing and implementing protection activities, ensuring that the rights and well-being of migrants are at the center of operations. The coordinator will also be involved in capacity building, training, and mentoring staff, ensuring that protection standards and policies are upheld throughout the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Coordinator's duties include managing core protection projects and activities, ensuring appropriate selection of Implementing Partners (IPs), monitoring IP activities, providing technical guidance, and overseeing the accountable delivery of protection activities and services. The coordinator will analyze context and dynamics, assess opportunities for cooperation with national authorities, and represent protection activities at relevant meetings. They will also mentor and support staff in their professional development, coordinate with IOM’s Protection Regional Thematic Specialist, and undertake duty travel as required. Additional responsibilities include developing key messages and advocacy briefs based on protection monitoring findings and contextual analysis, as well as performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Business Administration, Migration Studies, International Relations, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience is acceptable. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates should have a strong understanding of complex social-political environments and knowledge of global standards on protection, GBV, and child protection, as well as experience in protection information management and cash-based interventions.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Political or Social Sciences, Business Administration, Migration Studies, International Relations, Law, or a related area. Candidates with a University degree in these fields must have additional years of relevant professional experience to qualify. The educational qualifications must be from accredited institutions recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that candidates have a solid academic foundation to support their professional roles in protection coordination.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in the field of migration, internally displaced persons (IDP), and protection. Proven experience in implementing and coordinating specialized protection programming, particularly in general protection, prevention and response to GBV, and counter-trafficking through case management is essential. Experience working with various sectors and partners in implementing protection mainstreaming is also required. Familiarity with protection information management, including protection analysis and monitoring, is considered an asset. Additionally, prior working experience in Iraq or the region will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, both oral and written. Working knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage. The proficiency of required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the language requirements necessary for effective communication in the role.

Additional Notes:
The position is a Special Short Term contract for an initial duration of 6 months, with the possibility of extension. It is classified at the P-3 grade level and is a professional recruitment type. Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile, and any offer made to the candidate is subject to funding confirmation. The selection process may also 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 be medically fit for appointment and meet any residency or visa requirements. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including discrimination and harassment. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.