Job Description

Job Identification (Reference Number): 18323
Position Title: Protection Response Officer, Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) (P)
Duty Station City: Washington D.C.
Duty Station Country: United States of America
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: One year with possibility of extension
Closing date: 27 Janaury 2026

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 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 non-represented member states: 
   Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

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

Organizational Context and Scope

Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) is one of the core areas of IOM expertise, and a field in which the organization has over 40 years of experience. IOM USA works with the US Department of State to provide eligible beneficiaries, both in the United States and in third countries, with their access to assisted voluntary return to their countries of origin or of legal status in a safe and dignified manner. In addition to travel arrangements, IOM’s assistance may include counselling of voluntary returnees, acquisition of travel documents, provision of medical or other escorts, departure, transit and arrival assistance. 

The PRM funded-Global Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) Program proposal aims to provide migrants with irregular status in the United States, and third countries access to assisted voluntary return to their countries of origin or legal status in a safe and dignified manner.

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Program Advisor, the direct supervision of the Return and Reintegration Coordinator and in coordination with the Chief of Mission and the Regional Thematic Specialist for Protection in the geographical area of deployment, the Protection Response Officer, Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Responsibilities

1. In close coordination with the COM, the Regional Office and MPX RTS, relevant Units at HQ, as well as with Government counterparts and other relevant public/private sector’s partner organizations in the geographical area of the response, conduct protection assessments and identify risk mitigations strategies focusing on, among others, operational setting and  accessibility of services, including shelter, legal framework, protection risks for specific vulnerable groups, key protection actors on the ground and available referral pathways, safe environments for return in countries of origin (CoOs), etc.
2. In coordination with the Return and Reintegration Coordinator, lead and support national and international protection staff to ensure high-quality outcomes for migrants, while providing operational management and ensuring adherence to IOM policies.
3. Ensure relevant stakeholders are kept informed about ongoing activities and developments through the drafting of and contributing to weekly and quarterly reports.
4. Collaborate with the emergency coordinator, RMO and other relevant staff, units and programs as needed to ensure migrants have access to relevant services.  
5. Liaise with national actors and relevant protection actors in the country for referral, when need be, to appropriate services.  
6. Coordinate with relevant actors, including consular authorities, to facilitate access to documentation, family tracing, and reunification where possible. 
7. Ensure appropriate protection information management in line with IOM and interagency standards.  
8. Participate in relevant coordination mechanisms or task forces at local level. 
9. Provide remote and in person support for the set-up of the response and provision of assistance ensuring coherent approach across all interventions. Be available for short-notice international deployments outside duty and home station, when required by the program, in order to support urgent protection responses.
10. Represent IOM in a variety of meetings and forums, including with program donors, partners, and stakeholders, as required.
11. Monitor the implementation of protection activities and measure progress against objectives, indicators, and targets. 
12. Identify the priorities that arise during the implementation of the Programme and contribute to the design and development of the new projects under the Programme and activities based on solid results framework and in response to emerging trends and priorities, as well as donor interests and requirements. 
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned. 

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, International Relations/Affairs, Research, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or, 
• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience working with migrants, civil society, and governments;
• Proven experience in leading and managing a large multinational team;
• Proven experience managing protection programming across multiple countries, as well as mainstreaming protection across operations;
• Proven experience providing protection and assistance to migrants in vulnerable situation and communicating with individuals who have complex needs;
• Experience working in programs that include a movement operations component is an advantage; and,
• Experience with IOM or other UN agencies, particularly working on assisted voluntary return and reintegration,  and specialized protection programs, is preferred. 

Skills

• Strong knowledge of IOM and inter-agency protection standards and operational procedures and guidelines;
• Solid coordination skills;
• Ability to research and adapt to different operational and cultural contexts;
• Strong writing, editing, presentation and training facilitation skills;
• Excellent computer skills: excellent knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and email/internet software, statistical analysis packages;
• Knowledge of UN cooperation frameworks and bilateral donor programming requirements;
• Ability to gather, consolidate, and attribute information from multiple sources;
• High degree of judgment and initiative, ability to work with a high degree of independence within assigned areas;
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills; and,
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of diverse cultural and national backgrounds.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and 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

• 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

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

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.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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, 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.

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.

Required Skills

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