Protection Case Worker Associate

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a UN-related agency dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. It collaborates with governments and NGOs to save lives, protect migrants, resolve displacement issues, and facilitate regular migration pathways. The Global Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) program ensures safe and dignified returns for migrants, offering pre-departure counseling, travel assistance, and post-arrival support. This role operates under the Head of Sub-Office and Senior Protection Associate.

Job Purpose

The Protection Case Worker Associate plays a crucial role within IOM's Global Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) program in Honduras. This position is responsible for providing direct case management and protection services to migrants, ensuring their returns are safe, dignified, and based on informed consent. The associate will identify vulnerabilities, develop individualized case plans, and coordinate essential referrals to specialized services. By maintaining accurate case documentation and supporting program reporting, the role contributes to the effective implementation of AVR activities and the overall protection of individuals on the move. The position is supervised by the Senior Protection Associate and contributes to IOM's mandate of assisting governments and migrants.

Responsibilities

Conduct individual protection screenings and counseling for arriving migrants, identifying vulnerabilities and protection risks, including for survivors of GBV, human trafficking, children at risk, and those with serious health or psychosocial needs. Develop individualized case plans and provide comprehensive case management services, including follow-up, referral coordination to specialized services (consular, health, psychosocial, family tracing, GBV, child protection), and ensuring continuity of assistance. Support coordination with other IOM missions and relevant colleagues on individual case files for multi-mission assessments and AVR movements. Assist in implementing safe and dignified post-arrival assistance, ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent, and coordinating with relevant authorities. Maintain accurate and timely data collection and case notes in IOM’s case management systems, adhering to data protection standards. Assist in preparing reports, summaries, and contributing to protection assessments and project monitoring. Undertake duty travel for field visits and monitoring as required.

Work Experience

Experience in protection case management within humanitarian or migration contexts, particularly for vulnerable groups like GBV survivors, trafficking victims, and at-risk children. Experience working with vulnerable individuals, including returnees or deported migrants with complex needs. Proven experience in referrals and coordination with local protection actors, NGOs, or government services. Experience with movement operations is advantageous. Experience with IOM or other UN agencies, especially in AVR programs, is preferred.

Skills

Knowledge of IOM and inter-agency protection standards and guidelines, including Case Management Guidelines. Knowledge of human rights and international migration law is an asset. Strong interpersonal skills for respectful interaction with migrants, and ability to establish effective working relationships with diverse populations. Teamwork skills, adaptability, good judgment, and ability to deliver assistance in challenging conditions. Good written and verbal communication skills for case notes and reports. Proficiency in MS Office and case management tools.

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