SVN/2026/25/Protection Associate- G5 - DOUALA

Job Description

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization, established in 1951, that occupies the position of leader in the migration scene. With its 175 Member States, in addition to several other observer States, and with offices in more than 100 countries, IOM works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration, strengthen international cooperation, and provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced persons.

IOM has been present in Cameroon since 2007, supporting the Government of Cameroon and partners in addressing migration challenges, including protection of vulnerable migrants, voluntary return and reintegration, border management, counter-trafficking, and community stabilization.

This position is part of IOM Cameroon’s portfolio of projects aimed at strengthening migration governance and border management, while facilitating the protection, return, and sustainable reintegration of migrants in Cameroon.

The Protection Associate will be based in Douala and will work under the direct supervision of the National MHPSS Officer and overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, in close collaboration with other units of the mission.

Responsibilities

The Protection Associate will be based in Douala and will work under the direct supervision of the National MHPSS Officer and overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, in close collaboration with other units of the mission.

1. Manage direct assistance and voluntary return case management activities: 

1. Conduct interviews with migrants in an irregular administrative situation in Cameroon; 

2. Identify and implement assistance and protection options for cases that fall within IOM's mandate in Cameroon ;  

3. Be a focal point for complex cases: take care of cases of unaccompanied or separated children and trafficked migrants, identify and implement durable solutions;   

4. Ensure the application of case management SOPs by the entire team of case managers; 

5. Make referrals to state and civil society partners to provide food, medical, and housing assistance, among other needs; 

6. Coordinate the organization of departures in the context of voluntary returns (follow-up of the issuance of administrative documents to consulates and internal logistical steps); 

7. Enter migrants' data into IOM's databases and ensure data quality control; 

2. Guide and train the team of case managers:

1. Guidance to case managers (G4 Protection Assistants) on the application of case management SOPs and provide guidance on what to do in complex cases; 

2. Ensure the implementation of training tools for the management of cases of migrant protection;  

3. Participate in the development and update of SOPs on protection and assistance procedures, and provide training to staff on their application; 

4. Support in the training of all new colleagues recruited as protection assistants in Nouakchott and in the sub-offices;  

3. To liaise regularly with the authorities and law enforcement agencies to prevent the detention of migrants and to carry out regular follow-ups of the various cases of detained migrants;

4. Ensure completion of all steps of the transition from Excel to MiMOSA case data management systems in coordination with Information Management colleagues at the national and regional level; 

5. Ensure the management of the cases of refugees accepted for resettlement (organization of departures and follow-up of cases); 

6. Support the implementation of child protection activities, including the establishment of a foster care system and the holding of panels to determine the best interests of the child; 

7. Coordinate all protection activities in the absence of protection officers;  

8. Monitor the reintegration of returning Mauritanians, as well as the reintegration of migrants who have returned to non-EUTF countries in the absence of the reintegration referent;  

9. Support any other type of activity related to the protection of migrants in Cameroon;

10. Perform any other tasks related to the position and as requested by management.

Qualifications

EDUCATION

• University degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Law, Political Sciences, Social Work, Migration or Development Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience or 

• Completed High School degree from an accredited academic institution, with five years of relevant professional experience. 

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in the field of migration and/or protection 

• Prior experience in working with mixed migrant population on protection and direct assistance. 

• Experience in communicating and working with a wide range of actors, including people of culturally diverse backgrounds, government and authorities, humanitarian actors (UN agencies and NGOs). 

• Computer literacy and skills with specific proficiency in Microsoft applications. 

• Reliable, efficient, high level of professionalism, organizational skills and ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines. 

• Good analytical skills, strong eye for detail and accuracy.

SKILLS

• Interest in and experience in migration and human rights topics;

• Know how to work in a multicultural and institutional environment;

• Good analytical and synthesis skills; 

• Be a team player and be able to work independently and follow up on several tasks at the same time;

• Be willing to work flexible hours; 

• Ability to maintain good relations with the Cameroonian authorities and direct work with migrants; 

• Strong listening and interaction skills; 

• Ability to remain calm in the face of emergencies; 

• Accountability - takes responsibility for actions and handles constructive criticism; 

• Collaboration – collaborates effectively with partners and stakeholders;

• Lifelong learning - promotes continuous learning about oneself and others;

• Communication - listens and communicates clearly; 

• Creativity and Initiative - actively seeks new ways to improve programs or services;

• Leadership and negotiation - develops effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders; 

• Performance management - identifying ways and implementing actions to improve the performance of self and others; 

• Planning and organization – planning work, anticipating risks and setting goals in the area of responsibility; 

• Team Management – coordinate case management teams, provide advice to team members and delegate tasks;   

• Professionalism - mastery of subject matter; 

• Teamwork – contributes to a collegial team environment; Integrates gender needs, perspectives and concerns, and promotes equal gender participation; 

• Technology Awareness - Awareness of relevant technology solutions. 
   

SECTION 5

Languages[1]

REQUIRED

• For this position, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written). 

DESIRABLE

• Working knowledge of a local language is an advantage

Required Skills

Job info