SVN-EC011-2026-PAPC - Project Associate Protection Caseworker

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-affiliated agency founded in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. Working with governments and partners, IOM saves lives, protects people on the move, and facilitates regular migration pathways. The organization fosters a respectful, inclusive, and supportive work environment. This role is part of the Global Assisted Voluntary Return (GAVR) program, focusing on safe and dignified returns in the Western Hemisphere.

Job Purpose

This Project Associate Protection Caseworker role supports the Global Assisted Voluntary Return (GAVR) program in Ecuador. The primary purpose is to facilitate the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of migrants, ensuring their consent and providing post-arrival assistance based on their needs. The role involves conducting individual protection assessments, managing cases, and coordinating referrals to specialized services. By ensuring comprehensive protection and support, the caseworker contributes to the well-being of migrants throughout the return process, upholding IOM's mandate to promote humane migration and protect individuals on the move. This position is crucial for the effective implementation of AVR activities and the provision of essential protection services.

Responsibilities

Conduct individual protection assessments for migrants, identifying vulnerabilities and risks, including those related to gender-based violence, human trafficking, and child protection. Develop individualized case plans and provide case management services, ensuring follow-up and coordination of referrals to specialized services (legal, health, psychosocial). Collaborate in the implementation of safe and dignified post-arrival assistance, ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent. Support communication with beneficiaries, ensuring messages are culturally, linguistically, and age-appropriately conveyed. Maintain accurate data records in IOM's case management systems, adhering to data protection and confidentiality standards. Coordinate with protection officers and operational staff to ensure timely service delivery and report operational limitations. Participate in protection coordination forums and collaborate with partners to strengthen referral networks. Assist in reporting, case management summaries, and contribute to protection assessments and lessons learned.

Work Experience

Experience in protection case management, particularly with vulnerable populations in humanitarian or migration contexts, including survivors of gender-based violence and trafficking, and at-risk children. Experience in referrals and coordination with local protection actors, NGOs, or government services is valued. Experience with returnees or deported migrants is desirable. Preference for candidates with experience in IOM or other UN agencies, especially in assisted voluntary return and reintegration programs.

Skills

Knowledge of IOM's protection standards and operational guidelines, including Case Management Guidelines. Familiarity with human rights and international migration law is valued. Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills. Ability to provide assistance in difficult conditions, demonstrating adaptability and sound judgment. Good written and verbal communication skills for case notes and reports. Proficiency in MS Office and case management tools. Advanced English proficiency required.

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