Senior Project Associate – Protection

Senior Project Associate – Protection

International Organization For Migration (IOM)

September 22, 2026October 24, 2026GaziantepTurkey
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including humanitarian assistance, development, and policy advocacy, with a mission to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. IOM's work is guided by its core values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity, and it aims to support migrants and communities in need through comprehensive programs and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Associate – Protection will play a crucial role in supporting the coordination and implementation of labour mobility activities within the organization. This position is under the overall supervision of the National Officer (Protection) and the direct supervision of the Senior Project Associate – Protection. The role involves close collaboration with the Labour Mobility and Integration (LMI) Unit and may require frequent travel to various field locations to ensure effective program implementation. The Senior Project Associate will be responsible for conducting individual counselling sessions, maintaining case records, facilitating protection-sensitive relocation arrangements, and liaising with various organizational units and external parties. The position also entails drafting reports, organizing training sessions, and providing guidance to other staff members, thereby contributing to the overall success of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Assist in the planning, coordination, implementation, and monitoring of project activities to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
  • Conduct individual counselling sessions with applicants participating in the voluntary labour mobility pilot, applying approved counselling methodologies and protection principles to safeguard informed decision-making.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records and management data, ensuring compliance with data protection standards.
  • Facilitate protection-sensitive relocation arrangements, including referrals and coordination with service providers, ensuring continuity of care for relocated individuals.
  • Liaise with various organizational units and external parties on administrative matters, initiating requests and following up on pending actions.
  • Identify and flag protection, safeguarding, or operational risks to the supervisor, contributing to risk assessment and mitigation processes.
  • Draft status reports, identify shortfalls, and suggest corrective measures to address delivery gaps.
  • Prepare and update reports, briefing notes, and other documentation related to project issues.
  • Organize meetings, workshops, and training sessions, preparing materials and participating in capacity-building activities. 1
  • Respond to complex information requests and inquiries, maintaining organized files and records. 1
  • Participate in meetings and technical briefings, delivering on-the-job capacity-building activities for UN Volunteers and field staff. 1
  • Provide inputs for the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other technical documents. 1
  • Guide and assist in coordinating the work of other staff in the unit. 1
  • Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Social Services, Psychology, Migration Studies, Law, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with four years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a High School diploma with six years of relevant experience is acceptable. The ideal candidate should have experience in liaising with governmental authorities, UN agencies, and NGOs, as well as in case management, counselling, and service mapping. Experience working with vulnerable groups, including migrants and refugees, is essential, along with knowledge of labour mobility and socio-economic integration programs.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Social Services, Psychology, Migration Studies, or Law is required. Candidates with a High School diploma must have additional relevant experience to qualify for the position.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant experience in liaising with governmental authorities and international institutions, as well as experience in case management and counselling. Familiarity with working with migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable populations is crucial. Previous experience in Southeast Türkiye is considered an advantage, and candidates should be willing to undertake frequent field travel as part of their duties.

Languages:
Fluency in Turkish and English is mandatory, both oral and written. A working knowledge of Arabic is highly desirable, as it will enhance communication with beneficiaries. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position may involve frequent travel to various cities in Southeast Türkiye and other locations within the country. Candidates should be prepared for field travel as part of their responsibilities. The selection process may be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment for 24 months. Offers are subject to funding confirmation and medical fitness certification. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. Applications must be submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system, and late applications will not be accepted.
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