Protection Assistance 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 protection.

Job Overview:
The Protection Assistance Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating and strengthening protection assistance for vulnerable migrants, particularly focusing on the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) program. This role involves providing specialized counseling, supporting staff and partners through capacity-building activities, and ensuring effective identification, protection, and assistance of vulnerable migrants in line with IOM standards. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Chief of Mission in Slovakia and the Head of the Migrant Protection Unit, collaborating closely with relevant units to implement protection programs and initiatives aimed at reducing risks for migrants in vulnerable situations. The position requires a proactive approach to advocacy, communication, and stakeholder engagement to promote awareness of migrant rights and protection needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of AVRR initiatives aimed at reducing protection risks for migrants in vulnerable situations, focusing on those facing abuse, exploitation, violence, and neglect.
• Provide direct support and services to individuals and families in need, ensuring that programs address their immediate and long-term needs such as shelter, healthcare, education, and income generation.
• Facilitate safe and dignified return or sustainable reintegration processes, including family reunification and counseling services tailored to individual needs.
• Design and deliver training programs for individuals, communities, and government duty bearers to build capacity in AVRR program, migrant protection, and rights promotion.
• Lead data collection, research, and analysis initiatives to gather insights on protection threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices.
• Participate in the development of advocacy strategies to promote awareness of migrant rights and protection needs.
• Verify all program activities align with international protection standards and relevant legal frameworks governing migrant rights.
• Monitor budgeting and resource allocation for protection and assistance activities, ensuring optimal utilization of resources within financial guidelines.
• Develop and submit detailed reports on program activities, progress, challenges, and outcomes to relevant stakeholders within IOM and its partners. 1
• Measure and report on the impact of training and capacity-building efforts for communities and duty bearers. 1
• Ensure the integrity and ethical standards of all research activities, prioritizing transparency, accuracy, and confidentiality. 1
• Identify and provide recommendations to mitigate risks associated with program implementation. 1
• Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or related fields from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a completed High School degree from an accredited academic institution with at least seven years of relevant working experience, preferably in similar roles, is acceptable. Candidates should have experience in protection work with vulnerable migrants, including case management and direct assistance programming, as well as capacity-building and training for staff and community partners on migrant protection and rights.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or related areas from an accredited institution. Alternatively, a High School diploma with extensive relevant experience is acceptable. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in protection work with vulnerable migrants, including case management and direct assistance programming. Experience in capacity-building and training for staff, government stakeholders, and community partners on migrant protection and rights is essential. Additionally, experience in multi-sectoral assistance and needs assessments for vulnerable groups is required, along with skills in developing training programs and external communication.

Languages:
Fluency in Slovak and English is required, both oral and written. Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is considered an advantage. Proficiency in required languages 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 Slovakia will be eligible for consideration. The appointment will be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and government authorizations where applicable. 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. The position is available on both a full-time and part-time basis, and IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM.