Protection Response Officer, Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR)

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 provides services and advice to governments and migrants, and is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. IOM operates in numerous countries around the world, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the challenges of migration.

Job Overview:
The Protection Response Officer for Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) will play a crucial role in the IOM's efforts to provide safe and dignified return options for migrants. This position involves working closely with the Chief of Mission and various stakeholders to conduct protection assessments, identify risk mitigation strategies, and ensure that migrants have access to necessary services. The officer will lead and support national and international protection staff, ensuring high-quality outcomes for migrants while adhering to IOM policies. The role requires effective communication with stakeholders, coordination of services, and participation in local coordination mechanisms. The officer will also monitor the implementation of protection activities and contribute to the design and development of new projects based on emerging trends and donor interests.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Response Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including conducting protection assessments and identifying risk mitigation strategies, ensuring operational management and adherence to IOM policies, drafting reports to keep stakeholders informed, collaborating with emergency coordinators and relevant staff to ensure access to services for migrants, liaising with national actors for referrals, coordinating with consular authorities for documentation and family tracing, ensuring appropriate protection information management, participating in local coordination mechanisms, providing support for response setup, representing IOM in meetings and forums, monitoring protection activities, and contributing to project design and development based on solid results frameworks.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Social Sciences, International Relations/Affairs, Research, Law, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with five years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree in the same fields with seven years of relevant experience is acceptable. Experience working with migrants, civil society, and governments is essential, as well as proven experience in leading and managing large multinational teams and managing protection programming across multiple countries. Candidates should also have experience providing protection and assistance to migrants in vulnerable situations and communicating with individuals with complex needs.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Master's degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, International Relations/Affairs, Research, or Law from an accredited academic institution. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. A Bachelor's degree in the same fields is acceptable if accompanied by additional years of relevant professional experience.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience, specifically five years of relevant professional experience for candidates with a Master's degree or seven years for those with a Bachelor's degree. Candidates should have experience working with migrants, civil society, and governments, as well as proven experience in leading and managing large multinational teams. Experience in managing protection programming across multiple countries and providing assistance to migrants in vulnerable situations is crucial. Familiarity with IOM or other UN agencies, particularly in assisted voluntary return and reintegration, is preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position, as all IOM staff members must be fluent in one of the organization's official languages. A working knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, or Russian, is considered an advantage. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is internationally recruited and requires mobility. Candidates should be aware that any offer made is subject to funding confirmation and all necessary clearances, including medical and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security checks. The IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. The organization conducts reference checks and background verification to ensure candidates have no record of misconduct. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system.