Protection Officer (Regional Programmes) (P)

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, 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. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director for Operations and the direct administrative supervision of the Programme Coordinator (RDPP Protection) and technical supervision of the Regional Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Officer (MPRR), and in close coordination with the Senior Regional Thematic Specialist for Migrant Protection, the Protection Officer (Regional Programmes) will provide technical support on programme implementation at country level and contribute to the implementation of regional level protection activities under both programmes. The Protection Officer (Regional Programmes) will work in coordination with International Organization for Migration (IOM) teams in relevant country offices and partners and stakeholders to support adherence to protection standards and the timely delivery of activities in line with IOM and donor rules and requirements.

The Regional Development and Protection Programme in North Africa and Key Routes is an active programme funded by The European Union, through The Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME), and the Italian Ministry of Interior – Department for Civil Liberties and Immigration the cross regional focuses on specialized protection and works on addressing the protection gaps including for children and Victims of trafficking at the national level in countries of origin, transit, and destination, furthermore the programme facilitates cross border coordination by promoting regional evidence, tools and dialogue that designed to support the overall sustainability and long-term impact of IOM’s national interventions.

Through the generous contributions of the European Union, Denmark, Norway, Italy, and Sweden, and implemented in Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, and Tunisia, the MPRR-NA supports vulnerable and stranded migrants safely and voluntarily return to and from North Africa and ensures that returnees are sustainably reintegrated into their countries of origin.

Responsibilities

Regional Development and Protection Programme

1. Support the overall implementation of the regional work package under the Phase VII of the Regional Development and Protection Programme – Protection window, including its financial, administrative, and technical implementation, in compliance with IOM policies and standards, as well as Donor requirements, agreed timeline, and deliverables. The Protection Officer (Regional Programmes) will be responsible for activities that include inter alia the development and review of regional guidance and capacity development tools, the organization of regional events, inception and review of research, training, and technical guidance documents.

2. In close coordination with the Programme Coordinator, relevant Units (Supply Chain, Finance, Media and Communication, etc.), support the monitoring and coordination of activities undertaken by staff members, consultants, implementing partners, and service providers recruited to support and/or undertake specific activities.

3. Draft and/or produce progress and other reports related to specialized protection interventions and facilitate proper information exchange on all operational aspects of the programmes between IOM, the programmes’ donors, and other stakeholders in line with IOM and donor requirements and in close coordination with relevant headquarter (HQ) specialists, Regional Office Middle East and North Africa Regional Thematic Specialist (RO MENA RTS), COs, United Nations (UN) Agencies and partners as necessary.

4. In close coordination with the Programme Coordinator, support information management on protection activities through relevant systems, and draft regular updates, summaries, and other relevant materials that promote visibility of project outputs internally and externally, as well as IOM’s visibility on Protection in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

5. Participate in relevant conferences, workshops, steering committees, and technical working groups, as well as other forums, to facilitate proper coordination and presentation of IOM activities.
Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration

6. Provide technical support to country offices on protection, including through the review and substantive contributions to the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and other tools, establishment of referral pathways, etc.

7. Contribute to assessments of protection needs and gaps at the programme level and provide recommendations to support smooth programme implementation in line with international standards and institutional safeguards.

8. Contribute to identifying training needs among IOM staff and support the delivery of training and capacity building activities.

9. Support COs in identifying capacity gaps among relevant counterparts and support in the development and implementation of capacity building initiatives.

10. Support knowledge management by promoting exchange between implementing countries and contributing to the documentation of good practices related to protection.

11. Contribute to the review and improvement of internal systems, regional tools, and guidance related to the protection programming.

12. Support cross-regional coordination with the MPRR programme in Sub-Saharan Africa on operational matters related to protection.

13. Substantively contribute to the conceptualization and implementation of regional activities under the MPRR-NA, as relates to protection, including the organization of regional capacity building and research initiatives.

Cross cutting

14. Support coordination mechanisms and synergies between existing and upcoming regional and country-level programmes related to migrant protection, return, and reintegration.

15. Support the Protection Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) on relevant protection priorities for the wider region.

16. Undertake duty travels to project implementation countries as required.

17. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Conflict Management, Humanitarian Affairs, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Experience in the field of specialized protection areas such as child protection, counter trafficking, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) is required;
• Experience with regional programs and the coordination of regional events and initiatives is desired;
• Proven experience working in the Middle East and North Africa is desired;
• Experience supporting specialized protection programming, including operational activities, thematic guidance, and/or advocacy efforts, is required;
• Experience in capacity building and delivering training to internal and external audiences is required;
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations is desired; and,
• Prior experience working with IOM or another UN agency is desired.

Skills

• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, effective in representation and liaison with external parties, are required;
• Good interpersonal and problem-solving skills are required;
• Excellent computer literacy (Microsoft Word and Excel) is required;
• Proven knowledge of migration issues in the MENA region is an advantage; and,
• Reliable, efficient, high level of professionalism, organizational skills, and ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of Arabic and/or French is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will 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, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. 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—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies