Protection Caseworker Avr+mhpss

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a UN-related agency established in 1951, dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration. It works with governments and partners to save lives, protect people on the move, resolve displacement, and facilitate legal migration pathways. The organization fosters an inclusive and supportive workplace to maximize the potential of migration and enhance support for migrants.

Job Purpose

This role supports the Global Assisted Voluntary Return (GAVR) Program, ensuring safe, dignified, and consent-based returns for migrants. It also provides independent, needs-based post-arrival assistance upon request from countries of origin or reception, with explicit migrant consent. The Protection Caseworker, under the direct supervision of the Protection Coordinator, will be based in Santo Domingo and will be responsible for implementing protection activities within the GAVR Program, contributing to the overall mandate of IOM in assisting and protecting vulnerable migrants.

Responsibilities

Conduct individual protection assessments for arriving migrants in the Dominican Republic, identifying vulnerabilities and protection risks, including for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and trafficking, at-risk children, and individuals with serious health conditions or psychosocial needs. Develop individualized care plans and provide case management services, ensuring follow-up and referral to specialized services such as legal, health, and psychosocial support. Support the implementation of safe and dignified post-arrival assistance, maintaining privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent. Maintain accurate case records in IOM systems, adhering to data protection standards. Coordinate with the Protection Coordinator and operational staff to ensure timely service delivery and report any operational limitations. Participate in protection coordination meetings and collaborate with local partners to strengthen referral networks. Contribute to reporting, case work summaries, and project monitoring indicators related to protection activities.

Work Experience

Experience in protection case management, particularly with survivors of GBV and trafficking, and at-risk children in humanitarian or migration contexts. Experience working with vulnerable populations, including returned or migrant individuals with complex needs. Experience in referrals and coordination with local protection actors, NGOs, or government services is essential. Experience in programs involving movement operations is valued, as is prior experience with UN agencies.

Skills

Knowledge of international protection standards and IOM operational guidelines, including Case Management Guidelines. Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel) and case management software. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact respectfully with vulnerable individuals and maintain effective working relationships across diverse cultures. Ability to provide assistance in challenging conditions, demonstrating adaptability and good judgment. Fluency in Spanish is required; English fluency is desirable.

Explore related opportunities