Programme Officer (Protection)
Organizational Context
The International Organization for Migration (IOM), a UN-related agency, is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to humane and orderly migration. Established in 1951, IOM supports migrants globally, offering expertise on migration policy and practice. The organization focuses on emergency response, building resilience for vulnerable populations, and enhancing government capacity to manage migration. Upholding human rights for all is central to its mission, ensuring the dignity and well-being of migrants.
Job Purpose
The Programme Officer (Protection) will implement protection activities and strategies for people on the move in Iran, including victims of trafficking and smuggling, unaccompanied minors, migrants, and displaced persons. Working under the supervision of the Chief of Mission and Head of Programmes, the role involves close coordination with UN agencies, humanitarian strategies, and government counterparts. The position requires contributing to strengthening referral mechanisms, capacities, and services for protection cases, particularly for Afghan migrants and vulnerable groups. The officer will also supervise one direct report, ensuring effective protection programming and mainstreaming across IOM Iran.
Responsibilities
The Programme Officer will support protection programming and mainstreaming across IOM Iran, providing technical assistance to other units. This includes strengthening referral mechanisms and services for vulnerable migrants, such as victims of trafficking and smuggling, in coordination with government, UN agencies, and CSOs. The role involves coordinating and implementing protection activities, developing SOPs and case management guidelines, and facilitating protection mainstreaming based on international standards. The officer will supervise the IOM Iran Protection Team and provide technical input for capacity-building activities for local actors on protection, GBV, and counter-trafficking. Responsibilities also include integrating protection elements into assessments, coordinating data analysis, establishing complaint and feedback mechanisms, and providing guidance to field colleagues. The role entails drafting reports, assisting in portfolio expansion, documenting service opportunities, and undertaking duty travel as required.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required, specifically in protection-related work such as child protection, counter-trafficking, or gender-based violence. Experience in team management, mentoring, and training is essential. Experience working with international agencies, including UN entities and NGOs, is also required. Project management, monitoring and evaluation, and regional coordination experience are considered assets.
Skills
Key competencies include inclusion, respect for diversity, integrity, transparency, professionalism, courage, empathy, and teamwork. The role requires strong delivery of results, knowledge management, accountability, and effective communication skills. Leadership, empowering others, building trust, strategic thinking, and humility are also important. Expertise in emergency preparedness, crisis response, and safety and security is necessary.