Protection Officer (P3)

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 IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
    

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

Organizational Context and Scope

The Global Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) program aims to provide assisted voluntary return (AVR) to migrants in the United States, receiving countries, and the Western Hemisphere, ensuring that returns are safe, dignified, and based on the migrants’ free, prior, and informed consent. Additionally, the program offers independent, needs-based post-arrival assistance at the request of countries of origin or receiving countries, always with the explicit consent of the migrants.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) of CO w/ Coord Function, and in coordination with the Senior Program Advisor and the MPX Regional Thematic Specialist, Protection Officer will be in Cameroon, with responsibilities in Equatorial Guinea under the same programme and will have the following duties and responsibilities:

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, 
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
   

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

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 situations and communicating with individuals who have complex needs;
• Experience working in programs that include a movement operations component is an advantage;
• Experience coordinating complex protection and return cases in legally and politically sensitive contexts, including situations of unclear admission status;
• Experience engaging with consular authorities and multiple IOM missions to facilitate documentation (LPs/TDs), remote counselling, family tracing and reintegration feasibility assessments;
• Experience in budget coordination and donor-compliant resource planning, including inputs to project development for AVR/TCN and protection-related programming; 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;
• 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

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 another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian) 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. 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.

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