Protection Officer

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a UN-related agency dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. It collaborates with governments and partners to provide services and advice. This role is part of the Global Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) program, focusing on safe and dignified returns and post-arrival assistance for migrants.

Job Purpose

The Protection Officer will be based in Cameroon, with responsibilities extending to Equatorial Guinea, under the Global Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) program. This role is crucial for ensuring the protection of migrants throughout the return and reintegration process. The officer will conduct protection assessments, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies, ensuring that all actions are aligned with IOM's protection policies and standards. The purpose is to provide high-quality protection and assistance to migrants, particularly those in vulnerable situations, and to coordinate with various stakeholders to guarantee safe, dignified, and informed returns and reintegration.

Responsibilities

The Protection Officer will conduct protection assessments and identify risk mitigation strategies, focusing on operational settings, service access, legal frameworks, and specific vulnerabilities, integrating gender and PSEAH considerations. They will ensure rigorous application of the Return and Reintegration Due Diligence Process (DDP), escalating protection concerns. The role involves leading and guiding national and international protection staff, ensuring adherence to IOM policies and standards. Responsibilities include providing technical briefings to government counterparts, coordinating with IOM missions for remote counselling and case follow-up, and liaising with consular authorities for documentation. Collaboration with other IOM units and external actors is essential for providing multidisciplinary services. The officer will manage protection information, oversee protection aspects of accommodation facilities, and represent IOM in coordination meetings. They will also contribute to program monitoring, reporting, project development, and budget planning.

Work Experience

Experience working with migrants, civil society, and governments is required. Proven experience in managing protection programming across multiple countries and mainstreaming protection is essential. Experience providing protection and assistance to vulnerable migrants, coordinating complex cases in sensitive contexts, and engaging with consular authorities and IOM missions is necessary. Experience in budget coordination and donor-compliant resource planning is also required. Experience with IOM or other UN agencies, particularly in AVR/R and specialized protection programs, is preferred.

Skills

Strong knowledge of IOM and inter-agency protection standards and procedures. Solid coordination, writing, editing, presentation, and training facilitation skills. Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email/internet). Knowledge of UN cooperation frameworks and donor programming requirements. Ability to gather and consolidate information. High degree of judgment and initiative. Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals.

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