National Protection Officer

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Georgetown, Guyana, seeks a National Protection Officer. This role operates under the Head of Office, coordinating with regional and global specialists. The position is crucial for implementing protection components within Global AVR operations, providing technical leadership on return, transit, and post-arrival assistance, and ensuring adherence to IOM standards and donor requirements.

Job Purpose

The National Protection Officer will support the implementation of protection components for IOM's Global Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVR) operations in Georgetown, Guyana. This role provides essential technical leadership, ensuring that all protection activities related to return, transit, and post-arrival assistance align with IOM's stringent standards, safeguarding principles, and established safe referral pathways. The officer's contribution is vital for the effective and ethical delivery of AVR services, guaranteeing that the needs and rights of migrants are prioritized throughout their journey, and that all program activities meet donor expectations and institutional guidelines.

Responsibilities

The National Protection Officer will supervise and guide AVR Caseworkers, ensuring consistent application of IOM's return procedures, standards, and ethical principles in case management. Responsibilities include reviewing case files for accuracy, verifying eligibility and vulnerability assessments, and ensuring informed decision-making by migrants. The role involves overseeing complex cases, providing direction on mitigation measures, and making appropriate referrals. Capacity building of caseworkers on AVR processes, protection-sensitive case management, and IOM tools is a key duty. The officer will contribute to developing and updating SOPs for AVR case management, ensuring alignment with global guidance and national context. Coordination with internal units and external partners for migrant support services, facilitating documentation with national authorities, and maintaining a service provider directory are also required. Reporting on program progress, participating in coordination mechanisms, and representing IOM in relevant forums are essential functions.

Work Experience

Required experience includes working with migrants, civil society, and governments. Proven experience in leading and managing multinational teams and protection programming across multiple countries is essential. Experience providing protection and assistance to vulnerable migrants and communicating with individuals with complex needs is necessary. Experience in programs with a movement operations component is advantageous. Prior experience with IOM or other UN agencies, particularly in AVR and specialized protection programs, is preferred.

Skills

Supervision and guidance, case management, vulnerability assessment, protection principles, capacity building, SOP development, inter-agency coordination, stakeholder representation, communication with vulnerable individuals.

Explore related opportunities