Head, Protection Division

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.

Job Overview:
The Head of the Protection Division will be responsible for providing technical, operational, and administrative oversight of IOM's Protection initiatives in Iraq. This role involves supervising and directing program coordinators and staff responsible for implementing protection interventions, including humanitarian protection, counter-trafficking, and the protection of vulnerable migrants. The Head will develop a comprehensive IOM Protection strategy aligned with the organization's country, regional, and global frameworks. The position requires establishing partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Iraqi government, EU Member States, UN agencies, and NGOs, to promote coordinated protection interventions. The Head will also mobilize resources for new projects, ensuring that ongoing activities are effectively implemented and aligned with donor requirements. This role demands a strong understanding of the complex social-political environment in Iraq and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security awareness.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of Protection Division include:

• Technically supervising and directing program coordinators and staff in implementing protection interventions.
• Developing and executing an IOM Protection strategy for Iraq.
• Establishing and strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders to promote integrated protection interventions.
• Increasing IOM's support to the government in strengthening policies and legal frameworks related to vulnerable migrants and gender-based violence.
• Ensuring coherence between various programs and divisions within the mission.
• Representing IOM in coordination forums and meetings.
• Mobilizing resources through project development and proposal writing.
• Exercising administrative, operational, and financial management responsibilities for relevant projects.
• Disseminating the protection division mandate and providing training and capacity-building support. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Law, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited institution, with at least seven years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the same fields with nine years of relevant experience is acceptable. Candidates should have specific experience in the humanitarian protection sector, including program coordination and managerial responsibilities, as well as proven experience in preventing and responding to sexual and gender-based violence. Experience in managing counter human trafficking projects and liaising with governmental authorities is essential. Candidates should also have extensive experience coordinating activities with various stakeholders at both global and field levels, and professional experience in migration, refugee, and IDP issues is required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Law, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. A University degree in the same fields is acceptable if accompanied by nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of relevant professional experience in the humanitarian protection sector, with specific experience in program coordination, representation, and managerial responsibilities. Proven experience in the prevention of and response to sexual and gender-based violence is required, along with experience in managing counter human trafficking projects. Candidates should have a strong background in liaising with governmental authorities and coordinating activities with various stakeholders, demonstrating increasing levels of responsibility throughout their careers. Fieldwork experience in multiple duty stations is essential, and working experience in the MENA region is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in one of IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish) is mandatory for all staff members. For this position, fluency in English (oral and written) is required. A working knowledge of Kurdish and Arabic is desirable. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Candidates must be aware that any offer made in relation to this vacancy is subject to funding confirmation. This 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. Candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible for this staff category. Appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances. The vacancy closes at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date, and late applications will not be accepted. IOM maintains 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 and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.