Protection Associate

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, protection of vulnerable populations, and the promotion of international cooperation on migration issues. IOM's mission is to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified, and it works to provide support to migrants and communities affected by migration.

Job Overview:
The Protection Associate will be a vital member of IOM Hungary's team, directly supervised by the Senior Project Associate (Protection). This role is crucial in implementing and overseeing protection strategies related to PSEAH (Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment), Child Protection, and the Protection of Vulnerable Groups. The incumbent will ensure compliance with IOM standards, develop and implement policies, and coordinate with various stakeholders to enhance protection mechanisms. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, ensuring that protection strategies are effectively executed and monitored. The Protection Associate will also play a key role in capacity building and training for staff and partners, ensuring that all involved parties are well-informed and equipped to handle protection-related issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Protection Associate will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Serving as the primary focal point for all PSEAH-related matters, developing and enhancing policies and procedures, conducting training sessions, and monitoring incidents.
• Developing and implementing Child Protection policies, conducting risk assessments, facilitating referral services, and promoting child-friendly initiatives.
• Identifying and assessing the needs of vulnerable populations, designing tailored protection strategies, and collaborating with various actors to ensure effective service delivery.
• Assisting in data collection and evaluation of protection programs, contributing to project reports, and maintaining documentation of protection cases.
• Representing IOM Hungary in protection forums, providing technical support to stakeholders, and facilitating capacity-building workshops.
• Undertaking duty travel as necessary and performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Social Sciences, Human Rights, International Relations, Law, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with three years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, a high school diploma with five years of relevant experience is acceptable. Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of protection principles, safeguarding frameworks, and rights-based approaches, as well as excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage sensitive information. Strong communication skills and proficiency in MS Office applications are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Human Rights, International Relations, or Law from an accredited academic institution. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Candidates with a high school diploma must have additional relevant professional experience to qualify for the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have experience in protection, case management, PSEAH, child protection, or humanitarian assistance. Familiarity with frameworks related to gender-based violence prevention, human trafficking, and victim assistance is essential. Previous experience working with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations is advantageous. Candidates should also have experience in data management, reporting, and stakeholder coordination, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex protection environments effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both oral and written. Additionally, fluency in Hungarian and/or Ukrainian is considered a distinct advantage. IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Hungary will be eligible for consideration. The appointment will be contingent upon medical fitness certification, verification of residency, and necessary government authorizations. IOM adheres to a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts its objectives, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.