Protection Assistant

Job Description

Organizational Context and Scope

As part of the Protection, Return, and Reintegration of Migrants in Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR-SSA) Program implemented by IOM and funded by the European Union; Under the general supervision of the Program Manager and the direct supervision of the Protection Officer (SMSPS) at IOM Dakar, and in collaboration with relevant units at Headquarters and in Administrative Centers, the successful candidate will be based in Dakar and will perform the following duties and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

1. Conduct interviews with migrants seeking assistance from the IOM and identify their needs based on their vulnerable situation;
2. Verify migrants’ eligibility for assistance services in accordance with the unit’s procedures and the MPRR-SSA program criteria, and monitor the assistance provided;
3. Receive and register cases in accordance with the protection unit’s procedures, and support proper data management for assistance provided to beneficiaries—particularly regarding the updating of information in MiMOSA;
4. Support logistics and coordination for voluntary return assistance, including correspondence with embassies and consulates of countries of origin to request the issuance of travel documents, in accordance with IOM’s internal procedures for movements and in close coordination with the Operations team, as appropriate;
5. Identify assistance and protection options and support the referral of cases to appropriate services, projects, and partners;
6. Escalate information on complex cases to the Protection Officer (SMSPS);
7. Support all types of activities related to the protection of migrants and vulnerable persons in Senegal; 
8. Escort vulnerable individuals arriving with specific needs—such as victims of trafficking and unaccompanied or separated children—on their journey back to their country of origin; ensure effective coordination so that individuals with special needs or equipment receive appropriate support;
9. Assist with all administrative tasks related to the organization of technical support workshops, capacity-building activities, and protection team events.
10. Perform any other tasks that may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• A high school diploma with four (4) years of relevant experience; or,
• ​A bachelor’s degree in sociology, social work, law, international relations, or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with two (2) years of relevant professional experience.
• Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Experience in the field of social protection or the protection of vulnerable individuals;
• Experience working with NGOs or government agencies responsible for assisting migrants or vulnerable individuals;
• Experience in case management, social work, and supporting vulnerable individuals is a plus.
• Basic understanding of migration issues in Senegal or the sub-region;
• Good knowledge of domestic and international migration issues;

Skills

• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

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 French and a good command of English (both spoken and written) are required.

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 1

• 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

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