Senior Protection Associate – (Outreach)

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. 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, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

The Central Mediterranean Route remains one of the most dangerous migration corridors
globally, with significant protection concerns affecting vulnerable individuals transiting through and residing in Libya. According to IOM data, a considerable number of migrants continue to experience exploitative practices, necessitating protection services and comprehensive support, especially for those undertaking voluntary humanitarian return (VHR). The Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) program, led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), provides lifesaving, humane, and dignified assistance to foreigners stranded in crisis-affected countries, such as Libya. Established in 2015, the program facilitates safe and expedited return for vulnerable migrants, including women, unaccompanied children, the elderly, and medically vulnerable individuals. VHR operates on a rights-based, protection-centered approach, offering tailored support during migrants' stay, their return journey, and upon arrival in their home
countries.

IOM protection work in Libya is multi-fold and aims to improve service delivery to populations in vulnerable situations including but not limited to survivors of gender-based violence, unaccompanied and separated children and victims of trafficking; implement community based protection programming to raise awareness and foster resilience; strengthen institutional mechanisms through capacity building and advocacy on topics such as counter trafficking and smuggling of migrants, child protection, access to education, and human rights; and advocate for the decriminalization of irregular migration and establishment of alternatives to detention, especially for migrants in the most vulnerable situations including but not limited to children, women and migrants with health needs.

Under the overall supervision of the AVM Programme Manager (P3) and the direct supervision of the Outreach and CBP Officer (P2), the Senior Protection Associate (Outreach) will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities

Responsibilities

1. Support the Outreach and Community based protection Officer in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of outreach activities in migrant communities across Libya, in close synergy with IOM Libya Units including the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) and relevant PxD teams.
2. Identify and refer migrants interested in IOM’s services including Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) assistance in accordance with established procedures, ensuring protection-sensitive engagement and respect for informed decision-making.
3. Arrange meetings with Embassies of Third Country Nationals (TCNs), community leaders, and migrant groups to disseminate accurate and updated information on the VHR programme and its procedures, in coordination with the Consular Support Team and the CBP Team.
4. With guidance from the Outreach and community-based Officer, support the maintenance of strong working relationships with key VHR and protection stakeholders, including UN agencies, international and national NGOs, and relevant government actors.
5. Supervise Outreach team members, assigning task and monitoring performance and adherence to PxD guidelines and procedures.
6. Support staff development through coaching, feedback, and training, promoting quality service delivery and strengthening protection competencies within the team.
7. Support the Outreach and CBP Officer in monitoring the Community Mobilizer mechanism across Libya to expand outreach coverage and strengthen protection-sensitive information sharing.
8. Provide regular operational feedback to the Analysis and Feedback Team Leader, highlighting protection trends, risks, and community concerns, and flagging urgent issues to PxD management.
9. Apply protection principles, including Do No Harm, confidentiality, and inclusiveness in all outreach activities and comply and assist in monitoring compliance with IOM standards and SOPs.
10. With guidance from the Outreach and CBP Officer, draft and disseminate information materials (digital and paper based) in collaboration with the community and relevant IOM units. Organize and participate in outreach sessions on the VHR programme and relevant protection topics. .
11. Safeguard the confidentiality, accuracy, and integrity of all outreach and protection documentation, adhering to IOM’s data protection rules and code of conduct.
12. Adhere and monitor adherence to core protection principles, including Do No Harm, confidentiality, survivor-centered approaches, IOM’s gender equality commitments and PSEA policies and flag any compliance issues to the supervisor.
13. Perform any other protection-related duties as may be assigned by PxD management.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Completed university degree from an accredited academic institution in Political or Social Sciences, Development Studies, Social Work, Human Rights, International Relations or Law, or other relevant field with four years of relevant experience, or
• School diploma with six years of relevant experience.

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

Experience

• Demonstrated management and leadership skills.
• Experience in the field of the community-based protection and outreach activities.
• Effective organizational skills and ability to establish priorities and plans, ability to work under pressure and cope with deadlines.
• Demonstrated problem solving attitude and skills.
• Good written and spoken communications skills, good interpersonal skills, ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

Skills

• Knowledge of community-based protection and outreach activities.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing response plans and
• Fluent in English and Arabic, both written and spoken, knowledge of French is considered an advantage.
• Good knowledge of MS Office applications Excel, Word, Outlook, etc

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 and Arabic is required. Working knowledge of 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.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

Notes

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 certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. 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