Project Associate (Humanitarian Protection)

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

Türkiye hosts a large and diverse population of migrants and refugees who face a range of protection risks, including barriers to accessing services, exposure to exploitation, abuse, trafficking, and gender-based violence (GBV), as well as heightened socio-economic vulnerabilities. These risks may be further exacerbated in emergency contexts, particularly for individuals with specific needs.

In response, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) implements humanitarian protection programming through emergency case management (ECM), mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and protection service delivery through Voluntary Return and Advisory Desks, which serve as accessible entry points for information, counselling, and referrals, including for Syrians under Temporary Protection. Programming includes the identification and referral of individuals at risk, including victims of trafficking and survivors of GBV, and ensures access to appropriate assistance and specialized services through coordinated referral pathways, in line with protection principles. It also includes capacity-building of staff and partners, as well as coordination with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the quality, consistency, and coverage of protection service delivery.

Under the overall supervision of the National Protection Officer (Humanitarian Protection) and the direct supervision of the Senior Protection Associate (Humanitarian Protection), and in close coordination with the Head of Sub-Office in Gaziantep, the Project Associate (Humanitarian Protection) will support the implementation of humanitarian protection programming, including emergency case management, outreach, strengthening referral pathways, including coordination with relevant service providers for vulnerable populations.

Responsibilities

1.  Support the implementation and monitoring of protection case management activities, including comprehensive assessments, case planning, referral, follow-up and case closure for individuals with specific protection needs, in accordance with project Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), protection principles and quality standards. 
2. Provide  case management and protection support to vulnerable migrants and refugees, including survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), victims of trafficking (VoTs), unaccompanied and separated children (UASC), persons with disabilities, individuals with serious medical conditions and other individuals with specific protection needs.
3. Monitor and maintain accurate, complete and up-to-date case records and referrals through approved case management and information management systems, ensuring timely documentation, data quality, compliance with IOM data protection, confidentiality and information-sharing principles, and contributing to regular project reporting and monitoring.
4. Prepare and track Purchase Requests (PRs), Payment Request Forms (PRFs) and other administrative documentation related to case management assistance, in coordination with relevant support units.
5. Act as focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, etc.
6. Draft case summaries, status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, bring them to the attention of the supervisor and suggest remedial actions.
7. Prepare correspondence on project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, presentation and other forms of documentation. 
8. Accompany beneficiaries, where required, to facilitate access to protection services, healthcare, legal assistance and other relevant services in accordance with national procedures and project SOPs.
9. Participate in meetings and conferences; assist in coordinating implementation activities with local authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project. 
10. Support monitoring of implementing partners, participate in case conferences and multidisciplinary discussions where required, and contribute to capacity-building activities, field visits, development of case management tools and other programme implementation activities. 
11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• School diploma with five years of relevant experience; or,

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Law, Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• Experience in protection case management, including case assessment, case planning, referrals, follow-up and case closure, preferably in humanitarian or migration contexts; Experience providing direct assistance and accompanying beneficiaries to access healthcare, legal assistance, social services or other protection services is an advantage

• Experience working with vulnerable migrants and refugees, including survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), victims of trafficking (VoTs), unaccompanied and separated children (UASC), persons with disabilities, individuals with serious medical conditions, and other individuals with specific protection needs.

• Experience liaising and coordinating with government authorities, United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations and other service providers to facilitate access to protection services and referrals.

• Experience maintaining case records and using case management and information management systems, with a strong understanding of data protection, confidentiality and information-sharing principles.

• Experience in preparing reports, maintaining accurate documentation and supporting project implementation, monitoring and reporting.

• Previous experience working with international organizations, humanitarian agencies, government institutions or non-governmental organizations in a multicultural environment is desirable

Skills

• Strong knowledge of protection principles, case management methodologies, referral mechanisms and survivor-centred approaches.  

• Sound understanding of humanitarian principles, confidentiality, data protection, informed consent and the Do No Harm principle. 

• Strong communication, interpersonal and counselling skills, with the ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

• Strong organizational, coordination and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple cases and competing priorities. 

• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with government authorities, United Nations agencies, implementing partners and other stakeholders. 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with attention to detail and accuracy. 

• Excellent report writing, documentation and information management skills, including maintaining accurate case records and ensuring data quality. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint); experience with MiMOSA or other case management information systems is an advantage. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment

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, Turkish and/or Arabic is required (oral and written).

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.

Notes

This Job Requisition is for total of 8 positions. 

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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