National Protection Officer

Job Description

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office, and in coordination with the MPX Regional Thematic Specialist and Global AVR Return and Reintegration Coordinator the successful candidate will support the implementation of protection components of the Global AVR operations in Georgetown, Guyana. The position provides technical leadership on protection in return, transit, and post-arrival assistance, ensuring that activities adhere to IOM standards, safeguarding principles, safe referral pathways, and donor requirements.

Responsibilities

• In close coordination with the Head of Office, the Regional Office, MPX RTS, Liaison and Protection Officer, and relevant Units at HQ, supervise and provide direct guidance to the AVR Caseworkers, ensuring consistent application of IOM’s return procedures, standards, and ethical principles throughout all stages of case management.

• Review individual AVR case files, verify accuracy and completeness of documentation, and ensure that eligibility assessments, vulnerability screenings, counselling records, IOM Return and Readmission Due Diligence proccess and decisions on return assistance comply with IOM procedures and program requirements.

• Ensure that AVR caseworkers conduct thorough vulnerability and risk assessments, provide accurate information to migrants on return options, and support informed decision-making in line with IOM’s protection and return standards.

• Oversee the management of complex or high‑vulnerability cases, providing direction on mitigation measures and appropriate referrals where necessary.

• Provide ongoing technical support and capacity-building to caseworkers on AVR processes, protection-sensitive case management, documentation standards, and the use of MiMOSA and other relevant IOM tools.

• Identify capacity gaps and contribute to training plans that strengthen the team's operational competencies and adherence to institutional guidance.

• Contribute to the development and updating of national and sub-regional SOPs for AVR case management, ensuring alignment with IOM global guidance, program requirements, and national context.

• Coordinate with internal units and relevant programs to ensure that migrants assisted under AVR have access to adequate information, support services, and logistical arrangements related to pre-departure, travel, and arrival procedures.

• Maintain effective communication and coordination with national authorities and CoO, including consular entities, to facilitate documentation issuance and other return‑related requirements.

• Maintain and update a directory of service providers to support safe and coordinated return assistance.

• Ensure timely preparation and contribution to regular program reports, including updates on caseloads, trends, challenges, and key achievements.

• Participate in relevant coordination mechanisms or task forces at the sub-regional level. 

• Represent IOM in a variety of meetings and forums, including with program donors, partners, and stakeholders, as required.

Qualifications

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,

• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

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 situation and communicating with individuals who have complex needs.

• 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, and specialized protection programs, is preferred. 

Required Skills

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