SVN/2026/25/Protection Associate- G5 - Douala

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization promoting humane and orderly migration. Present in Cameroon since 2007, IOM supports the government and partners in addressing migration challenges, including protection, return, and reintegration. This Protection Associate role in Douala contributes to strengthening migration governance and border management, focusing on the protection of vulnerable migrants.

Job Purpose

The Protection Associate in Douala will support IOM Cameroon's projects aimed at enhancing migration governance and border management, with a specific focus on facilitating the protection, return, and sustainable reintegration of migrants. The role involves managing direct assistance and voluntary return case management activities, identifying and implementing protection options for vulnerable migrants, and ensuring adherence to standard operating procedures. This position is crucial for providing humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced persons, and contributing to IOM's mandate of promoting humane and orderly migration. The associate will work under the direct supervision of the National MHPSS Officer and in close collaboration with other mission units.

Responsibilities

Manage direct assistance and voluntary return case management, including conducting migrant interviews, identifying protection needs, and implementing solutions for complex cases like unaccompanied minors and trafficked individuals. Ensure adherence to case management SOPs and coordinate referrals for essential services. Oversee voluntary return logistics, including document processing and departure coordination. Maintain accurate data in IOM databases. Guide and train case managers on SOPs and complex case handling, and support staff training. Liaise with authorities and law enforcement to prevent migrant detention and follow up on detained cases. Coordinate the transition to new case data management systems. Manage resettlement cases and support child protection activities, including foster care and best interest determination panels. Coordinate protection activities in the absence of protection officers and monitor the reintegration of returning migrants. Perform other related tasks as assigned by management.

Work Experience

Experience in migration and/or protection, particularly with mixed migrant populations on protection and direct assistance. Experience working with diverse cultural backgrounds, authorities, and humanitarian actors. Proficiency in Microsoft applications. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with an ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Skills

Interest in migration and human rights. Ability to work in multicultural environments. Strong analytical and synthesis skills. Team player with independent work capability. Flexible work hours. Good relations with authorities and migrants. Strong listening and interaction skills. Ability to remain calm in emergencies. Accountability, collaboration, lifelong learning, communication, creativity, initiative, leadership, negotiation, performance management, planning, organization, team management, professionalism, teamwork, and technology awareness. Fluency in English and French is required; knowledge of a local language is desirable.

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