Regional Protection Response Officer (AVR)

Organizational Context

IOM, a UN-related organization established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. The Protection Unit within the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RO LAC) oversees and supports Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programs. This role, funded by the US Department of State, focuses on providing safe and dignified return assistance to migrants in the US and third countries.

Job Purpose

This role supports the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (RO LAC) in delivering Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programs, a core IOM expertise. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior Regional Migrant Assistance Specialist and in coordination with global and country offices. The primary objective is to ensure eligible beneficiaries, including migrants with irregular status in the United States and third countries, have access to safe and dignified voluntary return to their countries of origin or legal status. Assistance may encompass travel arrangements, counseling, documentation, escorts, and departure/arrival support, aligning with the goals of the US Department of State-funded Global Assisted Voluntary Return (GAVR) Program.

Responsibilities

The Regional Protection Response Officer will conduct protection assessments and develop risk mitigation strategies, focusing on operational settings, service accessibility, and protection risks for vulnerable groups. They will provide technical guidance and support to protection staff in the LAC region, ensuring high-quality outcomes and adherence to IOM policies. Responsibilities include coordinating with relevant actors to facilitate access to documentation and family tracing, ensuring proper protection information management, and representing RO LAC in meetings with donors and stakeholders. The role involves monitoring protection activities, contributing to the design of new projects based on emerging trends and donor requirements, and supporting case management coordination. Additionally, the officer will contribute to developing and delivering training on AVR, case management, and protection interventions, and may be deployed for short-notice international support.

Work Experience

Required experience includes working with migrants, civil society, and governments; operating in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams; and supporting protection programming across multiple countries. Proven experience in providing protection and assistance to vulnerable migrants and communicating with individuals with complex needs is essential. Experience with movement operations is advantageous, and prior work with IOM or other UN agencies on AVRR or specialized protection programs is preferred.

Skills

Key skills include strong knowledge of IOM and inter-agency protection standards, solid coordination abilities, and adaptability to different operational and cultural contexts. Proficiency in research, writing, editing, presentation, and training facilitation is necessary. Excellent computer skills (MS Office, email, internet) and familiarity with UN cooperation frameworks and donor programming are required. The role demands strong judgment, initiative, independence, and interpersonal/teamwork skills, along with the ability to establish effective working relationships with diverse individuals.

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