National Protection Officer –Voluntary Humanitarian Return
Tripoli
- Organization: IOM - International Organization for Migration
- Location: Tripoli
- Grade: Junior level - NO-A, National Professional Officer - Locally recruited position
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Occupational Groups:
- Humanitarian Aid and Coordination
- Protection Officer (Refugee)
- Closing Date:
Job Description
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.
In this context, the National Voluntary Humanitarian Return Officer contributes to implementing and coordinating VHR programme activities under the general guidance of the Senior Programme Coordinator (Protection), and the direct supervision of the Programme Manager (Migrant Returns & Reintegration (VHR)). The incumbent coordinates the work of the VHR team activities, promoting protection-oriented assistance to migrants, including survivors of gender-based violence, unaccompanied and separated children, victims of trafficking, and individuals requiring advocacy or information on key protection issues within the VHR programme framework.
The position requires proactive engagement with IOM’s comprehensive protection programming, including community-based initiatives, stakeholder capacity-building, and advocacy on migrants’ rights and safe, regular migration pathways. The incumbent supports the development, implementation, and monitoring VHR activities in line with donor requirements and IOM standards to enhance safety, dignity, and rights of migrants along the migratory routes.
Responsibilities
Support the implementation of VHR programme activities, including operational and reporting tasks as per assigned guidance.
Assist in supervising project activities and provide day-to-day technical support to team leaders and staff involved in return case management, reintegration, and advocacy.
Contribute to the development and implementation of VHR activity plans in coordination with relevant IOM Units, ensuring alignment with organizational standards and community-oriented approaches.
Support the design of interventions for vulnerable groups such as survivors of gender-based violence, children, and trafficking victims, promoting protection and multi-sectoral responses.
Maintain cooperative relationships with communities, government bodies, NGOs, diplomatic representatives, and partners to support VHR activities.
Support coordination and consultations with internal and external stakeholders to address key protection priorities in a collaborative manner.
Support teams in conducting vulnerability screenings and protection assessments promoting compliance with data protection standards using established tools and procedures.
Collaborate with the PX National Consular and Liaison Officer on programmes implemented with partners such as embassies and immigration authorities.
Support adherence to IOM SOPs, programme objectives, and donor requirements within assigned tasks in VHR operations.
Assist in tracking reporting briefs, analyses, and data related to VHR and protection activities, ensuring information accuracy and compliance.
Contribute to the preparation of internal and donor briefings as required, participate in coordination meetings, and support communication on programme progress and needs.
Assist in developing training materials and contribute to delivering training sessions to improve staff capacity in vulnerability identification and appropriate support.
Support the dissemination of best practices and lessons learned to strengthen programme effectiveness and ongoing improvement.
Identify operational challenges within assigned responsibilities, propose improvements for workflow and efficiency, and raise issues to supervisors when needed.
Perform other tasks as assigned in alignment with the objectives of the VHR programme.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
Master’s degree in the above-mentioned fields.
Experience in the field of assistance to vulnerable individuals.
Experience working with international or non-governmental organizations, experience working with the IOM VHR program particularly an advantage.
Experience in project implementation, monitoring and reporting.
Experience liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and nongovernmental organizations
Excellent operational, organizational, and communication skills.
High level of interpersonal communication; commitment, efficiency, flexibility, drive for results,
Demonstrated ability of working effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds to achieve desired goals.
Ability to communicate clearly and adapt to changing priorities and procedures
Strong computer skills (Word, Excel and Internet); experience with systems (e.g. PRISM) is an advantage.
- For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required (oral and written).
Desirable:
- Working Knowledge of French
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- National Professional Officers should be nationals of the country of their employment. NPOs perform work at the professional level and the same standards of recruitment qualifications and performance, required for International Professional staff.
- Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
- 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 online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
Required Skills
Job info
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)Initial Contract Duration: 9 months
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type: National Officer
Grade: NO-A
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.