Senior Protection Case Worker

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. 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 overall supervision of the Head of Office based in Kingston, Jamaica, in coordination with The Regional Thematic Specialist based in Panama City, Panama, and under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator, the Sr Protection Case worker will be based in Kingston, Jamaica, and will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Responsibilities

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

1. Assist in the planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of AVR project activities. 

2. Compile, summarize, analyse, and present information/data on specific project topics in line with IOM standards and tools, highlighting noteworthy issues for the consideration of appropriate parties.

3. Conduct individual protection screening 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 psychosocial support needs), documenting needs, and preparing individualized case plans.

4. 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.

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, follow-up on administrative actions, etc.

6. 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).

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

8. 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..

9. Draft correspondence on project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics, statistical tables, and other forms of documentation.

10. Organize meetings, workshops and training sessions; prepare training materials and participate in the delivering of capacity building workshops.

11. Respond to complex information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records.

12. Participate in meetings and conferences; maintain effective liaison and coordination with local authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project. 

13. Monitor work of implementing partners and report any non-compliance to the supervisor.

14. Provide inputs for the development of Standard Operations Procedures (SOP) and concept papers and provide general support for the development of new projects.

15. Provides guidance/training and assist in coordinating and monitoring work of other staff in the unit; may supervise other staff as assigned. 

16. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

EDUCATION

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

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

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations; 

• Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups; and,

• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.

SKILLS

• Knowledge of inter-agency protection standards and IOM operational guidelines, including the IOM Case Management Guidelines. Knowledge of human rights and international migration law would be considered an asset.

• Experience with an institutional case management platform and operational monitoring systems for beneficiaries is considered a significant advantage.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact respectfully with individuals in vulnerable situations, those who have experienced trauma, or those with complex needs; and a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people from diverse cultural and national backgrounds.

• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.

• Ability to provide assistance in challenging conditions, demonstrating adaptability and sound judgement.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare case notes and reports.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word and Excel) and tools used for case management.

SECTION 5

Languages[1]
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

REQUIRED

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

DESIRABLE

Working knowledge of Spanish

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.

SECTION 6

Competencies[1]

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

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.

 

SECTION 7

Additional Considerations

Any offer made to a candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, as well as verification of residency status, visa requirements, and any necessary government authorisations, where applicable.

Only candidates who are nationals of a CSME Member State and hold a valid work permit will be considered.

This is a three-month contract with the possibility of extension, subject to organisational requirements, funding availability, and satisfactory performance.

In all cases, a prerequisite for appointment is legal residence in the country of duty station together with the appropriate authorisation to work, where required.

SECTION 6

Competencies[1]

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

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.

 

SECTION 7

Additional Considerations

Any offer made to a candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, as well as verification of residency status, visa requirements, and any necessary government authorisations, where applicable.

Only candidates who are nationals of a CSME Member State and hold a valid work permit will be considered.

This is a three-month contract with the possibility of extension, subject to organisational requirements, funding availability, and satisfactory performance.

In all cases, a prerequisite for appointment is legal residence in the country of duty station together with the appropriate authorisation to work, where required.

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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