Senior Protection Associate

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 to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM's mission includes saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration. The organization is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. IOM operates in numerous countries worldwide, providing services and advice to governments and migrants, and aims to better harness the full potential of migration while strengthening its support to people on the move.

Job Overview:
The Senior Protection Associate will play a crucial role in coordinating the day-to-day implementation of the Voluntary Return and Advisory Desks, which are essential for providing outreach, protection counselling, case management, and referrals to vulnerable individuals, particularly migrants and refugees facing various protection risks. This position requires close collaboration with the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC) Community Centre management and involves monitoring the quality and consistency of service delivery. The incumbent will assist in planning, coordinating, and implementing project activities in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protection principles. The role also includes providing technical guidance to staff, monitoring case management activities, and ensuring compliance with IOM's data protection and confidentiality principles. The Senior Protection Associate will be responsible for capacity-building workshops and maintaining effective liaison with local authorities and stakeholders, contributing to the overall effectiveness of protection services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Protection Associate include assisting in the planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of project activities related to outreach, identification of vulnerable individuals, protection counselling, case management, and referral services. The incumbent will provide protection counselling and case management services for individuals with specific needs, manage complex protection cases, and ensure adherence to project SOPs and quality standards. Responsibilities also include monitoring case management activities, maintaining accurate case records, and ensuring timely documentation and data quality. The Senior Protection Associate will coordinate financial, administrative, and technical aspects of project implementation, including budget monitoring and procurement documentation. The role requires acting as the primary focal point with TRC Community Centre management and other partners, planning and conducting capacity-building workshops, participating in meetings and conferences, and preparing correspondence, reports, and case management statistics. The incumbent will also supervise and provide guidance to reporting staff and contribute to the development of SOPs and new projects.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a school diploma with six years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as Psychology, Social Work, Law, Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, or related fields from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates should have experience in protection case management, including outreach, case assessment, planning, referrals, and follow-up, preferably in humanitarian or migration contexts. Experience providing direct assistance to beneficiaries in accessing healthcare, legal assistance, and social services is advantageous. Additionally, experience working with vulnerable migrants and refugees, maintaining case records, and preparing reports is required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a school diploma with six years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Psychology, Social Work, Law, Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, or related fields from an accredited academic institution. The degree must be from an institution recognized in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that candidates have a solid academic foundation relevant to the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience if they hold a Bachelor’s degree, or six years if they possess a school diploma. Experience should include protection case management, outreach, case assessment, planning, referrals, and follow-up, ideally within humanitarian or migration contexts. Familiarity with working with vulnerable populations, including survivors of gender-based violence, victims of trafficking, and individuals with specific protection needs, is essential. Experience in liaising with government authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, and other service providers is also necessary, along with a strong understanding of data protection and confidentiality principles.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Turkish is required for this position, both oral and written. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in one of IOM's official languages. A working knowledge of Arabic is considered desirable. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure candidates meet the communication requirements of the role.

Additional Notes:
This job requisition is for two positions based in Gaziantep and Sanliurfa. Candidates should be aware that any offer made is subject to funding confirmation. The selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar positions for a period of 24 months. Appointment is contingent upon certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and harassment. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.