Protection Associate (CT)

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

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Libya has been operating in the country since 2006, supporting the Government of Libya and affected communities through a comprehensive range of humanitarian, stabilization, and migration management activities. IOM Libya’s work focuses on providing direct assistance and protection to migrants, internally displaced persons, returnees, and host communities, while strengthening national capacities in areas such as migration governance, border management, health, mental health and psychosocial support, displacement tracking, and voluntary humanitarian return. Through close coordination with national authorities, UN agencies, donors, and civil society partners, IOM Libya contributes to saving lives, promoting humane and orderly migration, and supporting recovery and longer‑term solutions across the country.

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. 

Responsibilities

1. Act as the focal point for Counter Trafficking (CT) cases and assist in reviewing CT screenings and assessment plans, support the team leader with the referral of cases to relevant partner organizations and international organizations for appropriate follow-up and/or to other units within IOM or IOM Missions for their respective follow-up. 

2. Provide ongoing training and support to protection case workers on CT, as well as training to colleagues from other IOM units, INGOS and relevant stakeholders. 

3. Assist in identifying potential CT cases during urban outreach and visits to DCs, receive referrals and carry out assessments at other urban locations. Implement assistance plans with victims to provide them with assistance tailored to their needs.

4. In collaboration with the relevant colleagues, support focus group discussions and information sessions to vulnerable populations to maintain continued active participation of target community in the design, delivery and review of CT activities.

5. Assist the AVM team leader in developing and maintaining strong working relationships with communities and partners on CT issues. Support the delivery of training and capacity building activities.

6. Contribute to the review of relevant materials and strengthening of tools related to CT, including information materials, case management tools and M&E surveys.

7. Assist in conducting risk assessment screenings for vulnerable persons in close coordination with colleagues from Protection and VHR units and receiving missions where relevant.

8. Participate in case-management meetings and protection working groups.

9. Assist in drafting reports on CT including human interest stories. 

10. Support the data team to track all CT cases and ensure data is comprehensive and up to date, with full respect to IOM data protection policy and the confidentiality of beneficiaries.

11. Serve as the designated escort for individuals involved in protection cases and return movements, ensuring their safety, dignity, and well-being throughout the journey. This includes maintaining confidentiality, observing and reporting any protection concerns, coordinating with relevant actors, and supporting logistical arrangements in line with protection standards and operational procedures. 

12. Maintain full adherence to protection principles including Do No Harm throughout all facets of work, as well as adherence to IOM gender and PSEA policies.

13. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Completed university degree from an accredited academic institution in Political or Social Sciences, Development Studies, Social Work, Human Rights, International Relations or Law, or other relevant field with three years of relevant professional experience, or
• High School diploma with five years of relevant professional experience.
   

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

Experience

• Minimum of three-year professional experience in the field of Protection and assistance to vulnerable populations. 
• Effective organizational skills and ability to establish priorities and plans, ability to work under pressure and cope with deadlines.
• Knowledge of Case Management Software;
• Fluent in English and Arabic, both written and spoken, knowledge of French is considered an advantage
   

Skills

• Good knowledge of MS Office applications.e.g. Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
• Knowledge of Protection principles. 
• Good written and spoken communications skills, good interpersonal skills, ability to work in a multi-cultural environment 
• Demonstrated problem solving attitude and skills.
• Strong 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 English and Arabic is required. Working knowledge of French 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 – behavioral 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.

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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