Protection Assistant - Case Management

Organizational Context

IOM, established in 1951, is a leading UN agency promoting humane and orderly migration. It protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates regular migration pathways. The Global Assisted Voluntary Return (GAVR) programme provides safe and dignified return assistance. This Protection Assistant role, based in Mbabane, Eswatini, supports migrants within the GAVR framework.

Job Purpose

The Protection Assistant - Case Management role is crucial for delivering protection and assistance services to migrants within IOM's Global Assisted Voluntary Return (GAVR) programme in Eswatini. The purpose is to ensure that migrants receive safe, dignified, and voluntary return assistance, based on their free, prior, and informed consent. This involves identifying and addressing the complex needs of vulnerable migrants, facilitating access to specialized services, and coordinating case management activities. The role directly contributes to IOM's mandate of protecting people on the move and facilitating orderly migration, ensuring that assistance is needs-based, confidential, and adheres to international legal frameworks and IOM's principles of do-no-harm.

Responsibilities

Facilitate individual protection screenings to identify migrant risks and vulnerabilities, documenting needs and developing case management plans with migrant participation. Provide direct case management support, including individualized assistance, referrals for specialized services (e.g., health, psychosocial, voluntary return), and monitoring progress. Coordinate case management activities with internal IOM units and external stakeholders, sharing case files and facilitating consular assistance when necessary. Maintain accurate and timely data collection and case records in IOM's systems, adhering to data protection and confidentiality standards. Assist in preparing reports, summaries, and lessons learned from case work. Undertake duty travel as required and attend case management and coordination meetings, providing updates on case status.

Work Experience

Experience in protection case management, particularly for vulnerable groups like GBV survivors, trafficking victims, and at-risk children in humanitarian or migration contexts. Experience working with individuals with complex needs, including returnees or deported migrants, and coordinating with local protection actors, NGOs, or government services is essential. Experience with movement operations is advantageous.

Skills

Knowledge of IOM and inter-agency protection standards and guidelines, including case management. Ability to interact respectfully with migrants facing trauma or complex needs. Proven ability to establish effective working relationships with diverse cultural backgrounds. Good interpersonal and teamwork skills. Adaptability, good judgment, and ability to deliver assistance in challenging conditions. Strong written and verbal communication skills for case notes and reports. Proficiency in MS Office and case management tools.

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