Project Assistant (Counter Trafficking in Person (CTiP)

Job Description

The Counter Trafficking Unit within the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA) is responsible for protection interventions aimed at addressing risks and responding to potentional violation of rights as defined by international instruments, including migration, human rights, refugee and international humanitarian law. The unit ensures the upholding and restoration of the rights of individuals vulnerable to violence, abuse, exploitation, discrimination, neglect, and deprivation. It also supports the integration of protection principles across IOM's operations and initiatives. The unit plays a crucial role in implementing and integrating counter-trafficking (CT) initiatives into IOM’s global operations. It provides technical support and guidance to field missions, ensuring compliance with international protection standards.

The Government of Vanuatu, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is strengthening national efforts to prevent and respond to trafficking in persons. As part of this initiative, a dedicated Counter Trafficking in Person (CTIP) Unit is being established within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The incumbent will play a key role in supporting the operationalization of the Unit and advancing the implementation of national CTIP priorities.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the establishment and day-to-day operations of the CTIP Unit, including logistical arrangements and documentation.
• Support coordination efforts among government agencies, civil society, and international partners.
• Assist in the scheduling and documenting meetings of the National Steering Committee on Migrant Protection and Assistance.
• Liaise with MoIA, Vanuatu Immigration and Passport Services (VIS), Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), Department of Labor and Employment Services (DoL), Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR), and other stakeholders to facilitate project activities.
• Assist in the development and implementation of the National CTIP Action Plan by supporting logistical and administrative tasks.
• Provide support in organising capacity-building activities for frontline responders.
• Assist in the development and dissemination of awareness-raising and advocacy tools
• Support the project manager in planning, implementation and monitoring of activities relating to CTIP in Vanuatu.
• Compile and summarise data on CTIP cases and trends for internal reporting
• Assist in the development of victim assistance protocols and referral mechanisms.
• Assist in the preparation of progress reports and donor submissions by gathering inputs and formatting documents. 
• Support the delivery of CTIP training programs, update tools and support field staff to enhance operational capacity.
• Compile, summarise and present data on CTIP project topics for review by the Project Manager and Chief of Mission
• Assist in preparing and reviewing reports and publications in line with IOM’s CT objectives.
• Undertake necessary duty travel.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Completed secondary school diploma with four years of relevant experience; or, 
• Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Public Policy, Political Science, Social Sciences or other relevant fields, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience.
• Additional training in administration, project management, or social sciences is an advantage.
• Prior experience in a related field is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in implementation, management, and evaluation, especially in the field of CTiP or related field;
• Specific experience working within the protection sectors, including project development and implementation, program coordination and representation;
• Experience in leading and organizing events such as consultations, roundtables, workshops, and webinars; and, 
• First-hand experience in delivering of protection and assistance to trafficked persons.
• Experience in assisting with investigations related to CTIP and other related field;
• Proven ability to liaise, coordinate and communicate with multiple stakeholders, and provide strategic advice and guidance on counter-trafficking;
• Proven leadership and negotiation skills, particularly in a multi-stakeholder and multi-cultural environment, and in complex socio-political contexts;
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems.
• Proven ability to create networks and build relationships in conflict-affected, dynamic settings with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational, monitoring and evaluation skills applied in counter trafficking programming;
• Proven capacity to work effectively in small teams.

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 judgement 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

• 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 action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Required Skills

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