Protection Case Worker Associate

Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn 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 Global Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) program aims to provide assisted voluntary return (AVR) to migrants, ensuring that returns are safe, dignified, and based on the migrants’ free, prior, and informed consent. The program includes pre‑departure counseling, travel assistance, and independent, needs‑based post‑arrival support at the request of countries of origin or receiving countries, always with the explicit consent of the migrants. In this framework, countries of origin facilitate the voluntary return of their nationals, while receiving countries coordinate with IOM to provide immediate assistance upon arrival. 

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Sub-Office and the direct supervision of the Senior Protection Associate, the Protection Case Worker Associate will be based in San Pedro Sula, Hondurasand will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Responsibilities

1. Conduct individual protection screening and counselling of migrants upon arrival in line with standard institutional tools and program-specific tools, identifying vulnerabilities and protection risks (including survivors of GBV and human trafficking, children at risk, including unaccompanied and separated, individuals with serious health condition and separated, individuals with serious health condition and psychosocial support needs) documenting needs, and preparing individualized case plans.

2. Provide case management services and assistance (including AVR assistance): follow up on cases, ensure delivery of post arrival services, monitor progress, coordinate referrals to specialized services including consular, health, psychosocial, family tracing, GBV, child protection as needed, and ensure continuity of assistance.

3. Support coordination with other IOM missions, RTSs, MHU, and other relevant IOM colleagues on individual case files, including for multi-mission protection assessments, remote counselling, consular assistance, and AVR movements.

4. Assist in the implementation of safe and dignified post arrival assistance, ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent; support with documentation and coordination with relevant authorities (e.g. consular, migration, local government).

5. Support communication with beneficiaries: explain available assistance, ensure clear, culturally, age and linguistically appropriate messaging.

6. Maintain accurate and timely data collection and case notes in IOM’s case management systems (including MiMOSA and program-specific tools), ensuring data protection and confidentiality standards are met.

7. Assist the Team Leader in preparing reports, summaries, outcomes of case work, and contribute to protection assessments, lessons learned and monitoring of protection related project indicators as required by programme.

8. Carry out duty travel as required for field visits, monitoring of services or partner organization sites.

9. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Senior Protection Associate or Senior Return Specialist related to AVR protection activities.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• High school diploma with six years of professional experience; or,

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, International Relations/Affairs, Research, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with four years of professional experience.

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

Experience

• Experience in protection case management (including for survivors GBV and human trafficking, children at risk) in humanitarian or migration contexts.

• Experience working with vulnerable persons, ideally including returnees or deported migrants, who have complex needs.

• Experience with referrals and coordination with local protection actors, NGOs, or government services.

• Experience working in programs that include a movement operations component is an advantage. 

• Experience with IOM or other UN agencies, particularly working on assisted voluntary return and reintegration programs, is preferred. 

Skills

• Knowledge of IOM and Inter-agency protection standards and operational guidelines, including IOM Case Management Guidelines. Knowledge of human rights and international migration law is an asset.

• Knowledge of MiMOSA is a strong asset.

• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact respectfully with migrants with trauma or complex needs, and proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of diverse cultural and national backgrounds.

• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.

• Ability to deliver assistance in challenging conditions; adaptability and good judgment.

• Good written and verbal communication skills; ability to prepare case notes and reports.

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel), tools used for case management.

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, required to be fluent Spanish. Working knowledge in English 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 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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