SVN/2026/28/Protection Assistant (G4) - Yaounde

Organizational Context

This role is within IOM Cameroon, under the Chief of Mission and National MHPSS Officer, reporting to the Protection Associate. The position focuses on implementing return and reintegration components for the Protection Programme, emphasizing protection-centered case management for vulnerable migrants. It involves collaboration with national authorities, UN agencies, and civil society to strengthen community-based protection and ensure safe reintegration.

Job Purpose

The Protection Assistant will implement the return and reintegration components of the Protection Programme in Cameroon, with a strong focus on protection-centered case management. This role contributes to delivering integrated protection services to vulnerable migrants, including victims of trafficking and unaccompanied children, ensuring adherence to IOM's protection standards. Key functions include identifying protection needs, facilitating referrals, monitoring reintegration outcomes, and strengthening community-based protection mechanisms to ensure safe, dignified, and sustainable reintegration in line with IOM frameworks.

Responsibilities

Provide support for project management, including activity monitoring and reporting. Assist with return and reintegration activities, collaborating with national and international IOM colleagues. Support the implementation of livelihoods activities as part of case management for individuals at risk of trafficking, exploitation, or abuse, including monitoring vocational training and income-generating initiatives. Facilitate community initiatives to foster social and income-generating projects for IDPs and host communities, reducing vulnerabilities. Assist with assisted voluntary return activities according to IOM procedures, including pre-departure logistics and liaison with partners. Contribute to the safe and dignified return and sustainable reintegration of vulnerable returning migrants. Undertake duty travel as required and perform other assigned duties.

Work Experience

Experience in countering human trafficking, exploitation, gender-based violence, and case management/reintegration/livelihoods is required. Familiarity with IOM's global or Cameroon-specific return and reintegration activities is needed. Experience liaising with governmental authorities, UN partners, and NGOs is beneficial. Exposure to emergency responses and work related to internal displacement is desirable. Previous experience with IOM or a UN agency is preferred.

Skills

Professional skills for interacting with beneficiaries receiving return and reintegration assistance. Ability to quickly learn new thematic areas within protection work. Good communication and writing skills. Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and database experience.

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