Senior Protection Associate

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN agency established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. It protects people on the move, addresses displacement, and facilitates migration pathways. This role supports IOM's mission by contributing to its efforts in providing services and advice to governments and migrants, fostering an inclusive workplace.

Job Purpose

This role is responsible for assisting in the coordination and direct implementation of protection activities within Erbil, Dohuk, and Sulaymaniyah. The Senior Protection Assistant will provide crucial support for protection activities specifically related to Return & Reintegration and Counter-Trafficking initiatives. The position operates under the guidance of the Head of Mobility Pathways and Inclusion Division, the overall supervision of the Protection Coordinator, and the direct supervision of the National Protection Officer, ensuring effective delivery of protection services to vulnerable migrants in the region.

Responsibilities

The Senior Protection Assistant will provide technical supervision and coordinate daily migrant protection activities, including assistance to vulnerable migrants, counter-trafficking case management, and Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR). This involves identifying protection risks, referring individuals to specialized services, and supporting pre-departure counseling and return travel. The role includes supervising teams, ensuring timely activity rollout, monitoring, and reporting. Responsibilities also encompass verifying data collection tool compliance, identifying staff training needs, delivering trainings, and coordinating capacity-building initiatives. The Assistant will implement protection activities in line with IOM standards, support the updating of protection tools, and facilitate the mainstreaming of gender and protection principles.

Work Experience

Required experience includes work in migration and/or protection, specifically with mixed migrant populations, including victims of trafficking and survivors of gender-based violence. Experience communicating with diverse actors, including government and humanitarian organizations, is essential. Proficiency in Microsoft applications, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure are also necessary.

Skills

Key skills include experience in case management, Counter-Trafficking, AVRR, and/or Gender-Based Violence programming. Project management and implementation experience is beneficial. Strong written and oral communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills are required. Computer literacy in Microsoft Word and Excel is essential. Willingness to collaborate with diverse ethnic and religious groups is also necessary.

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