Protection Assistant

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.

Under the direct  supervision of the National Project Officer, the Protection Assistant is responsible for the following duties and responsibilities. 

1. Support the Relocation team by identifying and reporting protection-related needs of beneficiaries, based on available information and specific needs, in line with IOM protection principles. 

2. Assist in conducting initial and ongoing protection screenings for beneficiaries requiring specialized support, focusing on identified vulnerabilities, protection concerns, and document findings in accordance with established procedures.

3. Provide basic information and practical guidance to beneficiaries to support preparation for departure, within the scope of non-clinical protection assistance.

4. Assist in the implementation and follow up of individual protection plans, in coordination with relevant IOM staff and competent authorities

5. Record, maintain, and communicate identified protection needs and vulnerabilities to relevant IOM units in line with confidentiality, data protection, and safeguarding standards.

6. Provide basic information and orientation to beneficiaries regarding procedures, and referral pathways.

7. Facilitate referrals to specialized services (e.g. medical, psychosocial, legal or social support), when required and under guidance, and assist with related follow-up actions up to departure.

8. Support coordination and information exchange with relevant internal teams, service providers, and authorities on case-based protection matters, in accordance with agreed protocols.

9. Support by reporting protection-related concerns affecting individual beneficiaries, including safeguarding concerns, through established reporting mechanisms.

10. Support follow up of community-based or family support mechanisms for individual cases, where relevant and applicable.

11. Organise information activities and group sessions for Relocation project. Handle personal data and case information at all times, in compliance with IOM data protection and safeguarding policies.

12. Draft case-related notes, summaries, and inputs for internal coordination and reporting purposes, as required.

13. Assist, when required, in accompanying beneficiaries with identified protection needs during relocation-related movements and departure procedures, ensuring that specific protection considerations are observed and reported to supervisors.

14. Undertake other duties as assigned. 

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology preferably a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with two years of professional experience.

• Licensed Social Worker would be an advantage.

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

• Experience working with migrants and/or refugees or familiarity in working in a multi-cultural environment is desirable.

• Previous working experience with vulnerable migrants or semi-independent living units is an advantage.

• Previous experience and/or knowledge on child protection is an advantage.

• Good interpersonal and communication skills in a multi-cultural setting.

• Good organizational and administrative skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records and handle sensitive information confidentially.

• Strong work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles.

• Good level of computer literacy.

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 Greek (written and oral) is required. 

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

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