Senior Protection Associate - (outreach)

Organizational Context

IOM, a UN-related organization, leads migration efforts globally. In Libya, the Central Mediterranean Route presents significant protection concerns for vulnerable migrants. IOM's Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) program offers dignified assistance, facilitating safe returns for vulnerable individuals. The organization's broader protection work in Libya includes improving service delivery, community-based programming, strengthening institutional mechanisms, and advocating for human rights. This role, Senior Protection Associate (Outreach), operates under the AVM Programme Manager and Outreach and CBP Officer.

Job Purpose

The Senior Protection Associate (Outreach) plays a pivotal role in advancing IOM's protection mandate in Libya, specifically by supporting and enhancing outreach initiatives within migrant communities. The core purpose is to ensure vulnerable migrants are identified, informed, and referred to appropriate protection services, including the Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) program, upholding principles of informed consent and dignity. This involves actively engaging with migrant groups, community leaders, and embassies to disseminate accurate, updated information on available assistance. The role contributes significantly to strengthening IOM's operational capacity by supervising and developing the Outreach team, monitoring community mobilization efforts, and maintaining robust relationships with external protection stakeholders. By providing crucial operational feedback on protection trends and ensuring adherence to 'Do No Harm' and confidentiality principles, the associate directly contributes to improving service delivery, fostering resilience, and advocating for the rights of migrants in highly vulnerable situations across the Central Mediterranean Route. This position is instrumental in expanding IOM's reach and impact in a complex humanitarian environment.

Responsibilities

The Senior Protection Associate (Outreach) supports the Outreach and Community-based Protection Officer in planning, implementing, and monitoring outreach activities within migrant communities across Libya, collaborating with IOM Libya Units. Key duties include identifying and referring migrants interested in IOM services, particularly Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) assistance, ensuring protection-sensitive engagement. The role involves arranging meetings with embassies, community leaders, and migrant groups to disseminate accurate VHR program information. The associate helps maintain strong working relationships with VHR and protection stakeholders, including UN agencies, NGOs, and government actors. Supervision of Outreach team members, including task assignment, performance monitoring, coaching, feedback, and training, is a core responsibility, promoting quality service delivery and strengthening protection competencies. The associate supports monitoring the Community Mobilizer mechanism to expand outreach coverage and information sharing. Regular operational feedback on protection trends, risks, and community concerns is provided to management. The role requires applying and monitoring adherence to protection principles like Do No Harm, confidentiality, and inclusiveness in all activities, complying with IOM standards and SOPs. Drafting and disseminating information materials, organizing outreach sessions on VHR and protection topics, and safeguarding the confidentiality and integrity of documentation are also essential. Finally, the associate monitors adherence to core protection principles, gender equality commitments, and PSEA policies, flagging compliance issues.

Work Experience

Required experience includes demonstrated management and leadership skills, along with experience in community-based protection and outreach activities. Candidates must possess effective organizational skills, the ability to establish priorities, work under pressure, and meet deadlines. Demonstrated problem-solving attitude and skills are essential. Good written and spoken communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to thrive in a multicultural environment are also necessary.

Skills

Key skills include knowledge of community-based protection and outreach activities, and demonstrated experience in developing and implementing response plans. Fluency in both written and spoken English and Arabic is required, with knowledge of French considered an advantage. Proficiency in MS Office applications such as Excel, Word, and Outlook is also necessary.

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