VN-US10-2026-062 Senior Programme Associate

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), established in 1951, is a UN-related agency focused on promoting humane and orderly migration. It works with governments and partners to save lives, protect people on the move, and facilitate regular migration pathways. This role is within the Movement Operations Unit, which is a fundamental pillar of IOM's work, coordinating travel for migrants and refugees.

Job Purpose

This Senior Programme Associate (Protection Mainstreaming) role supports the integration of protection principles and accountability to affected populations within IOM's Movement Operations and US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) activities in the United States. The position is crucial for ensuring that protection mainstreaming standards are implemented, monitored, and strengthened across all operations. It involves enhancing accessibility, improving feedback mechanisms, and providing capacity-building to staff. The role aims to ensure that all movement operations are conducted in a safe, accessible, and rights-based manner, aligning with IOM's commitment to protecting individuals on the move and preventing harm.

Responsibilities

The Senior Programme Associate (Protection Mainstreaming) will undertake protection mainstreaming activities for Movement Operations in the US, ensuring standards are met, and promoting access for all populations. This includes reviewing processes, enhancing feedback mechanisms, and providing training. The role involves supporting the implementation of protection mainstreaming principles within USRAP and RMM, monitoring their application, and facilitating capacity-building for personnel. Responsibilities also include engaging with Movement Operations colleagues on support for vulnerable individuals, ensuring communication materials are appropriate, and liaising with the Protection Mainstreaming team on data and protection matters. The associate will conduct risk analyses for operational safety and accessibility, work to resolve issues, and ensure Standard Operating Procedures consider accessibility. A key function is overseeing and strengthening community feedback mechanisms (CFMs), ensuring multiple channels, structured recording, and timely responses. The role also supports the management of PSEA activities, ensuring PSEA protocols are integrated into CFMs and staff are aware. Designing and delivering protection mainstreaming training, contributing to monitoring approaches, and coordinating with other IOM units to align national-level activities are also core duties. Maintaining confidentiality and reporting non-compliance are essential.

Work Experience

Requires 5-7 years of relevant experience in areas such as protection mainstreaming, migrant assistance, refugee resettlement, or monitoring and evaluation. Experience in planning, facilitating, and evaluating training, particularly in humanitarian settings, is preferred. Prior experience with protection analysis, USRAP programs, and working in multicultural settings is also beneficial.

Skills

Proficiency in English is required. Key skills include strong interpersonal and communication abilities, attention to detail, organizational skills, and analytical/problem-solving capabilities. The role demands sound judgment, discretion in handling sensitive matters, excellent stakeholder engagement, and the ability to work collaboratively. Self-motivation, initiative, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are also essential.

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