Project Associate (Humanitarian Protection)

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, addressing the needs of migrants and refugees, and has a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves. The organization emphasizes the importance of creating an environment that harnesses the full potential of migration and strengthens its support to people on the move.

Job Overview:
The Project Associate (Humanitarian Protection) will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of humanitarian protection programming in Türkiye, particularly in Gaziantep, where a significant population of migrants and refugees face various protection risks. These risks include barriers to accessing essential services, exposure to exploitation, abuse, trafficking, and gender-based violence (GBV). The Project Associate will work under the supervision of the National Protection Officer and the Senior Protection Associate, coordinating closely with the Head of Sub-Office. The position involves supporting emergency case management, outreach, and strengthening referral pathways for vulnerable populations. The Project Associate will be responsible for monitoring and implementing protection case management activities, ensuring compliance with project Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and protection principles. This role requires a proactive approach to providing case management and protection support to vulnerable individuals, including survivors of GBV, victims of trafficking, and unaccompanied minors, ensuring they receive appropriate assistance and services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Associate (Humanitarian Protection) include:

• Supporting the implementation and monitoring of protection case management activities, including comprehensive assessments, case planning, referrals, follow-up, and case closure for individuals with specific protection needs.
• Providing case management and protection support to vulnerable migrants and refugees, including survivors of GBV, victims of trafficking, unaccompanied and separated children, persons with disabilities, and individuals with serious medical conditions.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case records and referrals through approved case management systems, ensuring compliance with IOM data protection and confidentiality principles.
• Preparing and tracking Purchase Requests (PRs), Payment Request Forms (PRFs), and other administrative documentation related to case management assistance.
• Acting as a focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, liaising with various organizational units and external parties.
• Drafting case summaries, status reports, and identifying shortfalls in delivery, bringing them to the supervisor's attention.
• Preparing correspondence on project issues and updating reports, briefing notes, and other documentation.
• Accompanying beneficiaries to facilitate access to protection services, healthcare, and legal assistance.
• Participating in meetings and conferences, assisting in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, and other stakeholders. 1
• Supporting the monitoring of implementing partners and contributing to capacity-building activities and field visits.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Project Associate position include:

• A school diploma with five years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Law, Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, or related fields from an accredited institution with three years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in protection case management, including 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.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, including survivors of GBV and victims of trafficking.
• Strong understanding of data protection, confidentiality, and information-sharing principles.
• Proven ability to prepare reports and maintain accurate documentation.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a school diploma with five years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field 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. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a Bachelor’s degree, or five years for those with a school diploma. Experience should include protection case management, direct assistance to vulnerable individuals, and coordination with various stakeholders in humanitarian or migration contexts. Previous experience working with international organizations, humanitarian agencies, or NGOs in a multicultural environment is desirable.

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

Additional Notes:
This job requisition is for a total of 8 positions. The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, 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. Late applications will not be accepted, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.