Migrant Protection Officer

Organizational Context

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-related agency established in 1951, promotes humane and orderly migration. The IOM Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) focuses on safeguarding the rights of individuals through its protection approach, working with states to reduce risks and fulfill rights. This Migrant Protection Officer role supports the development and implementation of protection programs, including Return, Readmission, and Reintegration (RRR) and Counter Trafficking in Persons, operating under the Senior Protection Coordinator.

Job Purpose

The Migrant Protection Officer in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is responsible for the effective delivery of the migrant protection program, ensuring adherence to international standards, operational parameters, and IOM policies. This role supports the development and implementation of key program portfolios such as Return, Readmission, and Reintegration (RRR) and Counter Trafficking in Persons. The officer will operate under the direct supervision of the Senior Protection Coordinator and the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM) in DRC. The purpose of this role is to safeguard the rights of individuals on the move, reduce their exposure to risks, and ensure their needs are met through various operational pillars, contributing to IOM's mandate of promoting humane and orderly migration.

Responsibilities

The Migrant Protection Officer will conduct migrant protection assessments to identify risk mitigation measures for programs including RRR and counter-trafficking. Responsibilities include supporting the development of programmatic strategies, risk planning, and staff guidance, ensuring adherence to IOM policies and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEAH) standards. The officer will provide technical guidance to national staff on case management and program development, and liaise with national authorities and protection actors for referrals to appropriate services. This role involves contributing to protection information management, identifying programmatic development priorities, and collaborating with relevant staff to ensure smooth program operations and continuous access to services for migrants. The officer will also report on activities, participate in coordination mechanisms, represent the program in meetings, and monitor the implementation of protection activities against objectives.

Work Experience

Required experience includes working with migrants, civil society, and governments. Proven experience in managing protection programming across multiple countries and mainstreaming protection across operations is essential. The role also requires experience in providing protection and assistance to vulnerable migrants and communicating with individuals with complex needs. Experience with IOM or other UN agencies, particularly in assisted voluntary return and reintegration or specialized protection programs, is preferred.

Skills

Key skills include a strong understanding of IOM and inter-agency protection standards, operational procedures, and guidelines. The role requires solid coordination, strong writing, editing, presentation, and training facilitation skills. Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and email/internet software is necessary. The ability to gather and consolidate information from multiple sources, exercise judgment and initiative, and work independently is important. Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, along with the ability to establish effective working relationships with diverse individuals, are also crucial. Completion of mandatory IOM trainings is required.

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