Senior Protection Associate
Organizational Context
IOM, established in 1951, is a UN-related organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. As the leading UN agency in migration, it collaborates with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners, providing services and advice to governments and migrants. The IOM Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) implements migrant protection programs, including Return, Readmission, and Reintegration (RRR) and Counter Trafficking in Persons.
Job Purpose
The Senior Protection Associate supports the implementation of migrant protection program portfolios in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), focusing on Return, Readmission, and Reintegration (RRR) and Counter Trafficking in Persons. Operating under the supervision of the Migrant Protection Officer and Coordinator, the role is accountable for the effective delivery of case management services. This includes ensuring adherence to international standards, operational parameters, risk-informed analysis, and IOM's institutional policies. The position contributes to safeguarding vulnerable migrants and promoting humane migration practices within the DRC context, ensuring comprehensive support throughout their migration journey.
Responsibilities
Provide technical supervision and daily management for migrant protection activities, including assistance to vulnerable migrants, counter-trafficking, case management, and Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR). Conduct case management, offering counseling, referrals, legal support, and reintegration assistance. Supervise caseworkers, ensuring timely activity rollout, monitoring, and reporting. Identify protection risks and needs, coordinating referrals to specialized services and supporting pre-departure counseling and return travel. Represent IOM in coordination forums and build relationships with stakeholders. Assess migrant needs, plan safety measures according to IOM SoPs, and ensure data collection tool compliance. Coordinate capacity-building activities and deliver training to staff and partners. Ensure protection activities are integrated with other IOM sectors and adhere to IOM standards, mainstreaming gender and protection throughout. Support the updating of tools and guidelines as needed.
Work Experience
Requires at least five years of work experience in migration and/or protection. Prior experience with mixed migrant populations, particularly victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants, is essential. Experience collaborating with diverse actors, including government and humanitarian organizations, is necessary. Proficiency in Microsoft applications, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure are also required.
Skills
Case management, Counter Trafficking, AVRR, Gender-Based Violence, or other protection programming. Project management/implementation. Delivering protection trainings. Strong written and oral communication, representation, and liaison skills. Interpersonal and problem-solving abilities. Computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel). Willingness to collaborate across diverse groups.