Protection Officer

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 around the world, focusing on various aspects of migration and providing support to those in need. The organization values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from qualified female candidates and prioritizing first-tier candidates in the selection process.

Job Overview:
The Protection Officer position is crucial for the IOM Venezuela Country Office, focusing on the coordination and implementation of protection interventions. This role involves addressing critical issues such as trafficking in persons and gender-based violence. The National Protection Officer will work closely with the Chief of Mission and the Head of Programme, ensuring that protection programming is effectively integrated with other initiatives. The officer will be responsible for monitoring operational, administrative, and financial aspects of protection projects, ensuring compliance with IOM policies and donor requirements. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Protection Cluster and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Child-Protection Area of Responsibility (AoR). The officer will also engage in data collection and analysis to inform protection strategies and contribute to the overall mission of IOM in Venezuela.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the coordination and implementation of protection interventions, including trafficking in persons and gender-based violence.
• Collaborating with the Protection Cluster and GBV AoR to enhance protection programming.
• Monitoring and reporting on the operational, administrative, and financial aspects of protection projects.
• Assisting in the development of work plans, project budgets, and monitoring tools.
• Coordinating the collection and analysis of data for protection analysis.
• Liaising with donors, partners, and local authorities to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
• Contributing to capacity-building activities for IOM staff and partners.
• Participating in relevant meetings and workshops to represent IOM's interests.
• Preparing project proposals and assisting in resource mobilization efforts. 1
• Supervising and providing training to field protection personnel. 1
• Undertaking duty travel for project implementation and monitoring.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Law, Political Science, International Relations, Diplomacy, Social Science, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with at least two years of professional experience. Alternatively, a Master’s degree in the aforementioned fields is acceptable. Candidates should have experience in migration, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and protection programming, particularly in GBV and human trafficking. Supervisory experience and the ability to guide and deliver training are essential. Familiarity with international agencies, including UN agencies and NGOs, is also required. Candidates should demonstrate effective collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as International Development, Law, Political Science, International Relations, Diplomacy, or Social Science. A Master’s degree in these areas is preferred and can substitute for some professional experience. The educational qualifications should be from an accredited academic institution, ensuring that candidates have a solid foundation in the principles and practices relevant to migration and protection.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of two years of professional experience in the field of migration, protection programming, and humanitarian contexts. Experience should include working with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and addressing issues related to gender-based violence and human trafficking. Candidates should have a proven track record in project management, monitoring, and evaluation, as well as experience in supervising teams and delivering training. Familiarity with the operational environment of international organizations and NGOs is essential for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is mandatory for this position, both oral and written. These languages are essential for effective communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is a Special Short-Term contract with an initial duration of six months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and funding availability. This vacancy is specifically for national officers, meaning it is open to local citizens or foreigners with the right to reside and work in Venezuela. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps. IOM emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices.