Senior Protection Coordinator (SPC)

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 migrant protection.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Coordinator (SPC) will lead the Protection Unit (PU) within the IOM Tunisia Country Office, providing thematic guidance and managing the protection portfolio. The SPC will be responsible for the technical, operational, financial, and administrative management of projects and programs, ensuring alignment with IOM's national commitments and strategies. This role involves developing and implementing the country protection strategy, overseeing the implementation of protection and assisted voluntary return and reintegration programs, and ensuring robust monitoring and evaluation. The SPC will also coordinate outreach and accountability measures to affected populations, advocate for the protection division mandate, and establish strategic partnerships with relevant agencies and stakeholders. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying funding opportunities and providing strategic advice to partners and team members.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SPC will lead the development and implementation of the IOM Tunisia Protection Strategy, ensuring it aligns with both short-term and long-term priorities. Responsibilities include managing the protection and assisted voluntary return and reintegration programs, overseeing implementation and reporting, and strengthening programming through monitoring and evaluation. The SPC will coordinate with relevant stakeholders to develop implementation modalities for the protection strategy, provide thematic guidance, and ensure the centrality of protection in all IOM Tunisia programs. The role also involves recruiting qualified protection team members, developing advocacy and communication strategies, maintaining close contacts with relevant ministries and stakeholders, and representing IOM in coordination meetings. Additionally, the SPC will identify program development opportunities, provide training on protection-related matters, and serve as the PSEA Focal Point for the country office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Political Science, Law, International Relations, Conflict Studies, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with seven years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a University degree in the aforementioned fields with nine years of relevant experience is acceptable. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in migration, migrant assistance, and protection, including case management programs, program management in resource-constrained settings, and emergency operations. Knowledge of protection and mixed migration contexts is essential, along with strong management, organization, and communication skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Political Science, Law, International Relations, Conflict Studies, Economics, or Development Studies. A University degree in these fields is also acceptable if accompanied by additional years of relevant professional experience. The educational qualifications should be from an accredited academic institution, ensuring that candidates have a solid theoretical foundation to support their practical experience in the field of migration and protection.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in the field of migration, particularly in migrant assistance and protection. This includes specific experience in implementing and supervising case management programs, as well as program management in resource-constrained settings. Experience in emergency operations and liaising with governments and other humanitarian actors is crucial. Operational and field experience in migration contexts is required, along with a strong understanding of protection issues and the ability to navigate complex social-political environments.

Languages:
Fluency in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish) is mandatory for all staff members. For this position, fluency in both English and French is required, both orally and in writing. A working knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish, is considered an advantage. The proficiency in required languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the necessary communication standards.

Additional Notes:
The position is internationally recruited, and candidates are required to be mobile. The selection process may be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar roles for a period of 24 months. Candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country are not eligible for this staff category. Appointment is subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. The application deadline is at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland, 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, harassment, and discrimination. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.