VN-US10-2026-068-National Programme Officer (Protection Mainstreaming)

This position is open to "Internal, Separated Staff, and External Applicants”

Job Identification (Reference Number): VN-US10-2026-068
Position Title: National Programme Officer (Protection Mainstreaming)
Duty Station City: Washington D.C.
Duty Station Country: United States of America
Grade & Salary: NO-B (USD 12,309.83 Monthly)
Contract Type: One Year Fixed Term
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: 12 months

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 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 as well as external women candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) operates world-wide with a target of providing resettlement opportunities to many thousands of individuals each year. IOM provides a range of services and support to the USRAP including, but not limited to, case processing, migration health assessments, cultural orientation training, organized transportation and administration of a travel loan and collections program. The Department of Operations and Emergencies (DOE), specifically the Resettlement and Movement Division (RMM), has the organizational responsibility to provide direction, oversight, and guidance to IOM’s global support to all resettlement programs.

IOM programmatic activities, including the USRAP, are implemented globally for a wide range of individuals. An emphasis on safety, dignity, accessibility and accountability to affected populations (AAP) through protection mainstreaming activities helps ensure all individuals engaged in our programs are considered in the program design and have safe and equitable access to available opportunities, resources, and Complaints and Feedback Mechanisms (CFMs). To expand and strengthen protection mainstreaming activities in the USRAP, IOM maintains a USRAP Protection Mainstreaming unit.

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Support Officer, USRAP, and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator (Protection Mainstreaming), and in close coordination with Movement Operations and Resettlement Support Center (RSC) Protection Mainstreaming colleagues and other relevant colleagues at the HQ level, the incumbent will support the USRAP by providing technical support and recommendations on a range of protection mainstreaming topics. In this capacity, they will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Responsibilities

1. Support IOM’s protection mainstreaming activities in the USRAP in the following broad areas: improving assistance to beneficiaries; analyzing risks, identifying protection gaps, and addressing those challenges by developing or supporting the development of guidance, tools, and training; monitoring and evaluating program and training activities for effectiveness in the context of protection mainstreaming; building networks and supporting dialogue; and providing training.
2. Support centering the voices of beneficiaries and prioritizing their input and collaboration at all stages of USRAP work by:
   1. Working closely with the Senior Programme Coordinator to establish regular consultations with a wide variety of stakeholders, organizations, and forums in order to share updates on our work and solicit input and feedback.
   2. Helping to support the development of standards for receiving and incorporating stakeholder input, sharing outcomes, and responding to feedback, and reviewing existing Complaints and Feedback Mechanisms (CFMs) regularly to ensure they are accessible to all populations.
   3. When required, engaging in feedback sessions with populations to ensure their experiences are heard and considered in the improvement of USRAP activities.
   4. Supporting the RSC Protection Mainstreaming and Movement Operations teams in their direct work with beneficiaries and expedite programs.
3. Work closely with colleagues in IOM offices hosting USRAP activities to develop and carry out risk analysis exercises. These exercises should determine where gaps exist in protection in the context of operational activities across the USRAP, and how those gaps can best be addressed.
4. Contribute to the development of a wide range of guidance, tools, and training materials that are specifically tailored for IOM personnel working on the USRAP through research, reviewing, editing, and writing. Utilizing desk reviews of IOM materials, published research and guidance, and trainings from other organizations, site visits, discussions with personnel and managers, feedback from beneficiaries, and liaison with external organizations, gather the information needed to draft high-quality materials in line with established IOM and global standards.
5. Along with the Senior Programme Coordinator, work with the relevant team in USRAP Global Coordination Office to develop and update monitoring and evaluation methodologies, approaches, and tools that will measure the effectiveness of protection mainstreaming activities and trainings and inform programming to enable further strengthening and continuous improvements. As needed, participate in monitoring and evaluation field visits.
6. In coordination with the Senior Programme Coordinator, help guide and train relevant global networks of champions who support protection mainstreaming work within USRAP projects. Help ensure those networks maintain an output of high quality, transformative work that contributes to the continual improvement of USRAP activities globally and that they are regularly engaging with one another to exchange feedback and ideas.
7. Regularly provide webinars and in-person trainings within IOM, and, if requested, other organizations. When needed, support the planning and delivery of regular Training of Trainers sessions and advanced training skills courses in person or by webinar.
8. In relation to the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) and in close coordination with the Global Office and IOM HQ, serve as the PSEA Focal Point for the Global Office in Washington DC and all other IOM offices in the United States. Facilitate day-to-day management of PSEA activities in the United States, provide technical input on PSEA activities, actively participate in the in-country interagency PSEA network and other coordination initiatives, and ensure that the PSEA workplan is detailed and includes clear actions.
9. Serve as a resource for staff seeking advice on issues related to PSEA and follow established reporting requirements. Provide regular, effective PSEA training to all staff in the United States. Report as needed on PSEA work to the Global Office and IOM HQ.
10. Contribute technical expertise on protection mainstreaming on behalf of IOM in a variety of internal and external forums, including UN system-wide initiatives. Participate in meetings, workshops, and international conferences on protection mainstreaming topics, as requested. As needed, write reports, presentations, and background documents on behalf of the USRAP and IOM. When possible, amplify the work of the USRAP across IOM, the UN system, and within resettlement and humanitarian contexts.
11. Uphold Protection Mainstreaming Minimum Standards while carrying out all duties and responsibilities and demonstrate the ability to remain professional, impartial and unbiased during all interactions with migrants and colleagues per the IOM Standards of Conduct and instruction on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA). Alert the supervisor or management of any non-compliance to SOPs, Protection Mainstreaming Minimum Standards or IOM Standards of Conduct by IOM personnel or partners.
12. Undertake duty travel, as required, to support monitoring missions, evaluations, stakeholder consultations, and capacity‑building activities.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Science, International Relations, Regional Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• Bachelor’s 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 working on protection mainstreaming issues in relation to programming in resettlement and complementary pathways, migration, United Nations, or international organization contexts is essential.
• A strong background and knowledge of issues related to migration, preferably in the international context, is essential.
• Experience developing guidance and training, and experience giving training, is required.
• Experience in the USRAP, and particularly in activities requiring interaction with beneficiaries, is highly preferrable.
• Knowledge of current issues in the refugee context related to the protection of, and assistance to, a variety of populations is an advantage.
• Experience speaking publicly on protection mainstreaming issues is an advantage.

Skills

• Demonstrated proficiency with START is an advantage.
• Excellent computer skills and a high level of proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications.
• Strong knowledge of protection mainstreaming principles, including safety, dignity, accessibility, accountability, and beneficiary-centered approaches.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to assess risks, identify protection gaps, and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Strong training and facilitation skills, with the ability to deliver clear, practical, and engaging learning sessions to diverse audiences.
• Excellent communication skills, including preparation of interim, final, and ad‑hoc situation reports.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to plan work, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to consolidate and analyze information from multiple sources and produce high‑quality reports for donors, partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills, including engagement with UN agencies, government counterparts, and implementing partners.
• High degree of judgment, initiative, and ability to work independently within assigned areas.

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 another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) 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, if with direct reports

• 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