Regional Protection Officer

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 drives solutions to displacement and facilitates pathways for regular migration while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. The organization operates in numerous countries worldwide, focusing on various aspects of migration and providing assistance to migrants in need.

Job Overview:
The Regional Protection Officer position is a critical role within the IOM's Regional Office for West and Central Africa (WCA). The incumbent will be responsible for providing thematic oversight and technical support for all Protection, Return, and Reintegration programs implemented within the WCA Region. This role involves close coordination with IOM Headquarters, the Global Office in Washington, D.C., and relevant Country Offices to ensure that eligible beneficiaries have access to protection services, including assisted voluntary return to their countries of origin or legal status. The officer will contribute to drafting and reviewing protection assessments, identifying risk mitigation strategies, and ensuring high-quality outcomes for migrants. The position requires a proactive approach to operational coordination, adherence to IOM policies, and participation in relevant coordination mechanisms at local and regional levels. The officer will also represent the Regional Office in technical meetings and forums, support case management coordination, and contribute to the development of specialized training on protection interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Protection Officer include:

• Collaborating with the Regional Office and IOM Global Office to draft and review protection assessments and identify risk mitigation strategies.
• Providing technical guidance and support to national and international protection staff in the WCA Region.
• Ensuring appropriate coordination in line with IOM and interagency standards.
• Participating in relevant coordination mechanisms or task forces at local and regional levels.
• Offering remote and in-person thematic support to Country Offices.
• Representing the Regional Office in technical meetings and forums.
• Identifying emerging operational priorities and contributing to project proposals.
• Supporting case management coordination and reviewing complex Assisted Voluntary Return cases.
• Developing and delivering specialized training on AVR and protection interventions. 1
• Contributing to the exchange of lessons learned and best practices at the regional level. 1
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Social Sciences, International Relations/Affairs, Research, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or a Bachelor’s degree in the same fields with seven years of relevant professional experience. Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates should have experience working with migrants, civil society, and governments, as well as experience in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams. Proven experience in supporting protection programming and mainstreaming protection across operations is essential, preferably across multiple countries. Candidates should also have experience providing protection and assistance to migrants in vulnerable situations and communicating with individuals who have complex needs, as well as experience in return and reintegration programs. Experience in capacity building, training delivery, and the development of operational tools and guidance is preferred, along with experience with IOM or other UN agencies and specialized protection programs.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Regional Protection Officer position includes a Master’s degree in Social Sciences, International Relations/Affairs, Research, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in the same fields is acceptable if accompanied by seven years of relevant professional experience. The educational qualifications must be from accredited institutions recognized by the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 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, and should be adept at working in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams. Proven experience in supporting protection programming and mainstreaming protection across operations is essential, preferably across multiple countries. Additionally, candidates should have experience providing protection and assistance to migrants in vulnerable situations and communicating with individuals who have complex needs, as well as experience in return and reintegration programs. Experience in capacity building, training delivery, and the development of operational tools and guidance is preferred, along with experience with IOM or other UN agencies and specialized protection programs.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position, both oral and written. Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish) is considered an advantage. The proficiency of the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is internationally recruited, and professional staff are required to be mobile. Any offer made to the candidate 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 a similar position for a period of 24 months. Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, as well as accreditation and any residency or visa requirements. The vacancy closes at 23:59 local time in Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date, and late applications will not be accepted. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. IOM is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times. IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system.