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. IOM's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, saving lives and protecting people on the move. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on providing solutions to displacement and facilitating pathways for regular migration. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. The organization aims to harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move, ensuring that diverse backgrounds are represented in its workforce. IOM also provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required, emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity and diversity in its hiring practices.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate position is crucial for supporting the implementation of IOM Venezuela's protection activities under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and direct supervision of the Senior Protection Associate. The role involves assisting in field-level protection interventions, community engagement activities, protection monitoring, referrals, and information management, all in accordance with IOM standards and donor requirements. Following the devastating earthquakes that affected Caracas and surrounding areas, the Protection Associate will play a vital role in the multisectoral humanitarian response, ensuring timely access to life-saving assistance for displaced and earthquake-affected populations. The position requires a focus on vulnerable groups, including women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities. The Protection Associate will be responsible for day-to-day implementation of protection activities, community outreach, and ensuring that all actions are taken in a timely, confidential, and survivor-centered manner, adhering to IOM policies and humanitarian principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Associate will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the implementation of beneficiary registration and information collection activities; conducting initial and ongoing protection assessments for beneficiaries requiring specialized support; providing beneficiaries and communities with information on available protection services and referral pathways; assisting in the follow-up of protection response activities for individuals with identified protection needs; maintaining accurate records of beneficiaries’ protection needs and services received; facilitating referrals to specialized services such as health, legal assistance, and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support; coordinating with internal units and local authorities on protection-related matters; identifying and reporting protection concerns and safeguarding incidents; supporting community-based protection activities and engagement with community leaders; organizing awareness-raising activities and information sessions; drafting case notes and activity summaries; participating in field visits and community consultations; and ensuring the confidential handling of personal data and protection-related information.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma with five years of professional experience or a Bachelor’s degree in Law, Social Work, Psychology, Political Science, Social Sciences, Humanities, International Relations, or a related field from an accredited institution with three years of professional experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Additionally, candidates should have experience supporting protection activities with affected populations, experience in community outreach and beneficiary engagement, and previous working experience with children or in child protection is an advantage. Training in protection, case management, GBV risk mitigation, and humanitarian response is desirable. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, good organizational abilities, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Protection Associate position includes a high school diploma with five years of professional experience or a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Law, Social Work, Psychology, Political Science, Social Sciences, Humanities, or International Relations. The degree must be from an accredited institution recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database, ensuring that candidates have a solid academic foundation to support their professional experience in protection activities.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of professional experience if they hold a Bachelor’s degree, or five years if they possess only a high school diploma. Experience should include supporting protection activities with affected populations, migrants, and communities in vulnerable situations. Candidates should demonstrate experience in community outreach, referrals, and data collection, as well as field monitoring. Previous experience working with children or knowledge of child protection is considered an advantage, along with training in relevant areas such as GBV risk mitigation and humanitarian response.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is required for this position, both oral and written. Additionally, a working knowledge of English is desirable according to operational needs. All IOM staff members are required to be fluent in one of the organization's official languages, which include English, French, and Spanish. Proficiency in the required languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The contract type for this position is Special Short-Term Graded, with an initial duration until December 31, 202

• The recruitment is open to both internal and external candidates, and applications from qualified first-tier candidates will be prioritized. 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 subject to medical fitness certification, 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 the aims of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, and discrimination based on various factors. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system.