Protection Support Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) was established in 1951 and is a Related Organization of the United Nations. It serves as 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, including protection, integration, and development.

Job Overview:
The Protection Support Assistant will work under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission in Slovakia and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Associate. The incumbent will play a crucial role in providing protection support to vulnerable migrants, particularly focusing on the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme. This position involves assisting staff and partners in capacity-building activities, identifying and assisting vulnerable migrants, and contributing to the delivery of protection services in accordance with IOM standards. The role also includes project development and resource mobilization, which entails collecting and updating information on Country Office needs and donor opportunities, supporting the preparation of concept notes and proposals, and providing administrative support for donor and external relations. The incumbent will facilitate communication and coordination between internal units, partners, headquarters, and the Liaison Office, contributing to information sharing, reporting, and the implementation of internal procedures and guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Support Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: assisting in the implementation and monitoring of project activities; retrieving, compiling, summarizing, analyzing, and presenting information/data on specific project topics; monitoring budgets, verifying the availability of funds, obtaining necessary approvals, and updating budget-related information; acting as the focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, which involves extensive liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, and process and follow up on administrative actions; drafting status reports that identify shortfalls in delivery, bringing them to the attention of the supervisor, and suggesting remedial actions; drafting correspondence on project issues; preparing and updating reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentations, and other forms of documentation; responding to complex information requests and inquiries; setting up and maintaining files/records; organizing meetings, workshops, and training sessions; participating in meetings and conferences; assisting in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, UN agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors, and other stakeholders relevant to the project; assisting in monitoring the work of implementing partners and reporting non-compliances to the supervisor; providing guidance and training to new or junior staff; and performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a school diploma with five years of relevant experience or 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 three years of relevant professional experience. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates must possess experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups is essential. Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organizations in a multicultural setting is an advantage. Candidates should also have experience supporting case management, counseling, or direct assistance activities, assisting in project development or administrative support for programs, including tracking donor opportunities and contributing to proposal preparation, supporting training or capacity-building activities for staff, partners, or community stakeholders, and experience in data collection, reporting, and maintaining program records.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have either a school diploma with five years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or related fields from an accredited academic institution. The educational institutions must be recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience if they hold a Bachelor’s degree, or five years of relevant experience if they have a school diploma. Experience should include liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, UN agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Candidates should have experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups. Experience in supporting case management, counseling, or direct assistance activities is also necessary, along with experience in project development or administrative support for programs, including tracking donor opportunities and contributing to proposal preparation. Additionally, experience in supporting training or capacity-building activities for staff, partners, or community stakeholders is required, as well as experience in data collection, reporting, and maintaining program records.

Languages:
Fluency in Slovak and English is required for this position, both oral and written. A working knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, 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 subject to funding confirmation, and the selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in a similar position for a period of 24 months. This post is subject to local recruitment, and only those holding a valid residence and work permit for Slovakia will be eligible for consideration. Appointment will be contingent upon certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned government, where applicable. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background, or disabilities. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process and does not request any information related to bank accounts. Applications must be submitted through the IOM online recruitment system, which also allows candidates to track the status of their application. This position is available on both a full-time and part-time basis. The vacancy is only open to internal candidates, and staff members who were separated from service due to funding constraints will be considered equivalent to internal candidates for 12 months following their separation.