Senior Migrant Protection Associate

Job Description

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

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Thematic Specialist (Migrant Protection), the Senior Migrant Protection Associate will support the RO Migrant Protection team, which operates with thematic guidance from the Border Management, Returns, and Readmission Division and Department of Mobility, Pathways and Inclusion (DMPI) in IOM Headquarters (HQ), to provide support to Country Offices (COs) on thematic matters and resource mobilization related to migrant protection.
This includes monitoring and compiling regional thematic information, supporting regional thematic project development processes, contributing to thematic capacity development activities, and assisting in the review and tracking of project proposals and reports related to MPX in the Region.

Responsibilities

1. Monitor and support the implementation of migrant‑protection–related activities across Country Offices, in line with regional thematic priorities; identify operational or contextual challenges and provide well‑founded recommendations to the Regional Thematic Specialist (Migrant Protection) for adjusting implementation modalities and strengthening effectiveness.
2. Support the review, analysis, and systematic tracking of project proposals and reports developed by Country Offices in the Region, promoting coherence with regional strategies, global guidance, donor requirements, and emerging thematic trends.
3. Regularly monitor, compile, and review information on regional and country‑level thematic developments, distilling key issues, risks, and opportunities, and preparing high‑quality thematic briefs, background notes, and updates in collaboration with the Regional Thematic Specialist (Migrant Protection).
4. In coordination with the Regional Thematic Specialist (Migrant Protection), provide technical support to Country Offices by consolidating global, regional, and national standards, guidelines, and best practices—particularly in case management and AVRR—and provide guidance on their interpretation and application through processes to improve programme quality.
5. Provide guidance to COs on the use and implementation of institutional information systems and instructions related to case management, promoting consistency, compliance, and effective utilization of IOM tools.
6. Support regional, multi‑country, and special‑support projects, including initiatives for small COs or countries with no IOM presence, in coordination with the Regional Project Development Officer (RPDO) and Regional Thematic Specialist (Migrant Protection),
7. Support the drafting and revision of regional thematic guidance notes, tools, information sheets, and other documents, under the guidance of the Regional Thematic Specialist (Migrant Protection).
8. Prepare and review internal reports, presentations, talking points, and briefing materials, promoting clarity, consistency, and relevance to MPX priorities.
9. In coordination with the RPDO and the Regional Thematic Specialist (Migrant Protection), support knowledge‑management processes, including the collection, systematization, and dissemination thematic information across Country Offices and the RO.
10. Act as point of contact in the absence of the Regional Thematic Specialist, supporting continuity of thematic guidance, triaging requests from internal and external stakeholders, and coordinating appropriate follow‑up with colleagues.
11. Participate in conferences, workshops and meetings related to the thematic area of expertise, as required by the Regional Thematic Specialist (Migrant Protection) and/or the Deputy Regional Director (Operations).
12. Provide technical support and inputs for applications for return, in coordination with CO-level case managers and in line with IOM procedures and documentation requirements.
13. Serve as a regional support focal point for MiMOSA, providing guidance on data quality, supporting reporting, facilitating troubleshooting, and responding to technical queries from Country Offices.
14. Support the monitoring and tracking of direct assistance provided to migrants in vulnerable situations, including documentation and reporting in line with protection standards.
15. Support the implementation and monitoring of regional projects, as required.
16. Provide administrative, analytical, and technical support to the Regional Thematic Specialist, contributing to planning, resource mobilization inputs, and regional coordination processes.
17. Perform any other duties that may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Business Administration, Migration Studies, International Relations, Law, or related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or
• High school diploma with seven years of relevant experience

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

Experience

• Experience in the field of migration issues, including operational and field experience, with project management and thematic experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of protection-related activities is desirable.
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions, private sector and NGOs.
• Work experience in protection programming in the region is an asset

Skills

• Strong writing and analytical skills.
• Takes responsibility for action and manages constructive criticisms.
• Promotes continuous learning for self and others.
• Listens and communicates clearly, adapting delivery to the audience.
• Ability to plan and organize work effectively to assigned responsibilities.
• Demonstrates understanding of subject matter.
• Contributes to a collegial team environment; incorporates gender related needs, perspectives, concerns and promotes equal gender participation.
• Knowledge of monitoring, evaluation and learning.
• Displays awareness of relevant technological solutions.

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 Spanish is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Portuguese, or any other language of the region 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

Required Skills

Job info