Protection Officer (regional Programmes)

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-related organization established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. The Protection Officer (Regional Programmes) role sits within the Regional Development and Protection Programme in North Africa and Key Routes, funded by the European Union and the Italian Ministry of Interior. This role provides technical support for programme implementation at the country level and contributes to regional protection activities.

Job Purpose

The Protection Officer (Regional Programmes) is responsible for providing technical support to country-level programme implementation and contributing to regional protection activities under the Regional Development and Protection Programme (RDPP) and the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration (MPRR) programme. This involves ensuring adherence to protection standards and timely delivery of activities in line with IOM and donor requirements. The role supports specialized protection efforts, addressing gaps for vulnerable groups like children and victims of trafficking, and facilitates cross-border coordination through regional dialogue and evidence-based tools. The position aims to enhance the sustainability and long-term impact of IOM's national interventions in North Africa, supporting vulnerable migrants' safe return and reintegration.

Responsibilities

The Protection Officer (Regional Programmes) will support the implementation of the RDPP Phase VII, managing its financial, administrative, and technical aspects in compliance with IOM and donor requirements. This includes developing regional guidance, organizing events, and reviewing research. The role involves monitoring activities of staff and partners, drafting progress reports, and ensuring information exchange with stakeholders. The officer will manage information on protection activities, promote project visibility, and participate in relevant forums. Additionally, the position provides technical support to country offices on protection matters, contributes to needs assessments, and supports capacity building for IOM staff and counterparts. Knowledge management, improving internal systems, and cross-regional coordination with other MPRR programmes are also key duties. The role may involve travel to project implementation countries.

Work Experience

Required experience includes specialized protection areas (child protection, counter-trafficking, GBV, AVRR), supporting protection programming (operational, guidance, advocacy), capacity building, and delivering training. Desired experience includes working with regional programs, coordinating regional events, experience in the Middle East and North Africa region, liaising with governmental authorities and international institutions, and prior work with IOM or another UN agency.

Skills

Demonstrated written and oral communication skills are required for representation and liaison. Good interpersonal and problem-solving skills are necessary. Excellent computer literacy in Microsoft Word and Excel is essential. Proven knowledge of migration issues in the MENA region is an advantage. High levels of professionalism, organizational skills, reliability, efficiency, and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines are also required.

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