Senior Protection Associate

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read 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.

The IOM Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) seeks to appoint Senior Protection Assistant who will support in the implementation of migrant protection program portfolios including – inter alia– Return, Readmission and Reintegration (RRR) and Counter Trafficking in Persons. The successful candidate will operate under direct supervision of Migrant Protection Officer and overall supervision of the Migrant Protection and Assistance Coordinator in DRC. The incumbent will be responsible and accountable for effective delivery of case management in full adherence to international standards, operational parameters, risk-informed analysis, and IOM’s institutional policies and regulations. 

1. Support the technical supervision and day-to-day management and monitoring of migrant protection activities, including assistance to vulnerable migrants, counter-trafficking, case management, and Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) activities through a protection-centered case management approach in Kinshasa, DRC. Core activities include, but are not limited to case management including counselling, referrals to protection services and support through legal proceedings, provision of information, and return and reintegration support.
2. Supervise protection caseworkers in and ensure timely roll out of activities, their monitoring and reporting.
3. Identify protection risks and needs of migrants in vulnerable situations and coordinate a timely and safe referral to specialized protection services in case of need; support in pre-departure counselling and assistance as well as return travels in coordination with receiving missions.
4. Represent IOM in relevant coordination forums and discussions at country level, including the Gender-Based Violence Sub-Working Group, Protection Cluster, inter-agency meetings and developing strong, collaborative relationships with other government and non-government stakeholders.
5. Assessing the needs of migrants with protection concerns and support them in planning for safety, following internal operating procedures and protocols, designed according to the IOM DRC SoPs and global frameworks.
6. Ensure the team’s timely update and 100% compliance of data collection tools (MIMOSA) to track the status of implementation of each case and oversee the timely entry of data of the Teams supervised.
7. Identify staff needs related to technical capacity. Coordinate capacity building activities internally or through partners by leading on the delivering of trainings to staff and partners, and on-the-job capacity building for returnees.
8. Ensure protection activities are implemented in coordination with other IOM sectors and according to IOM protection standards and principles.
9. Support the Migrant Protection Officer in the updating of tools and guidelines as needed to ensure it is in line with the DRC context. 
10. Bnsure gender and protection are mainstreamed during the implementation of protection activities.
11. Undertake duty travel as required.
12. Perform any of duties as may be assigned.
     

• University degree in related filled from an accredited academic institution with 5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Completed High School degree from accredited academic institution with 7 years relevant professional experience.

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

• At least 5 years of work experience in the field of migration and/or protection.
• Prior experience in working with mixed migrant population (especially victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants) on protection and direct assistance.
• Experience in communicating and working with a wide range of actors, including people of culturally diverse backgrounds, government and authorities, humanitarian actors (UN agencies and NGOs).
• Computer literacy and skills with specific proficiency in Microsoft applications.
• Detail-oriented, reliable, efficient, high level of professionalism, organizational skills and ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines.
• Good analytical skills, strong eye for detail and accuracy.

• Experience in case management, Counter Trafficking, AVRR, and/or Gender-Based Violence, or other protection programming (required).
• Experience in managing and/or implementing projects.
• Experience in delivering Protection trainings to internal and external audiences (required).
• Good written and oral communication skills, effective in representation and liaison with external parties (required).
• Good interpersonal and problem-solving skills (required).
• Flexibility in working overtime when needed (required).
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word and Excel) (required).
• Willing to collaborate with and support people from different ethnic groups and different religions (required).

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 French are required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of Spanish is desirable.

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