Context:
Irregular migration along the Central Mediterranean route is increasingly dangerous for
migrants. Crossing the Mediterranean to Italy is by far the deadliest route, with 1 death recorded
for 35 arrivals (IOM, 2016). In addition, human trafficking and other exploitative practices along
the route are heavily affecting migrants during their migratory journey along the routes of the
Central Mediterran
Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director, with the thematic support of the Regional
Specialist on Migrant Assistance, and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator in
Dakar, the Regional Protection Officer is responsible for coordinating migrant assistance and
protection activities in the region and assisting regional and national authorities and technical
partners to formulate protection policies for migrants in distress, victims of trafficking and
smuggling, unaccompanied minors, migrants and displaced persons in need of psychosocial
and mental health support. Activities will be carried out in coordination with the United Nations,
coordinated humanitarian strategies and government counterparts.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
1. Oversee the overall planning and development of migrant protection activities in the region, in
due coordination with involved IOM field offices and relevant Departments in IOM Headquarters.
2. Carry out assessments of migrant protection and assistance needs at the regional level,
identify problems/gaps and propose/prioritise timely practical actions to respond to particular
protection problems.
3. In coordination with the Regional MHPSS officer, support IOM field offices in setting up and
ensuring case-management processes and protocols related to referral and treatment (e.g.
screening, interview, counselling, referral or assistance, depending on programme capacities),
in line with IOM standards and guidelines.
4. Support IOM field offices in the establishment of referral mechanisms and in the selection and
monitoring of implementing partners in charge of providing protection services in line with IOM
standards and guidelines.
5. Support IOM field offices in the establishment and management of transit centres for migrants
and shelters for victims of trafficking in line with IOM counter-trafficking and protection
standards.
6. Respond to requests for information on regional migrant protection programming as
requested by donors/external parties, IOM Missions, the Regional Office, Headquarters and
other relevant counterparts.
7. Review proposals and reports related to migrant protection activities prepared by IOM field
offices for consistency and accuracy and ensure proper information exchange on policy and
operational aspects of the projects between IOM, donors and other stakeholders.
8. Ensure knowledge management in the region by building a regional repository of protection
tools and best practices.
9. Assess training needs on protection issues and need for capacity building among IOM staff
and relevant counterparts (government, civil society).
10. Develop and deliver relevant training curricula to IOM’s staff and relevant counterparts at the
regional and at the national level.
11. Represent IOM in programme related meetings and conferences on a national and
international level; guarantee that the Organization’s interests, goals and positions are properly
represented, and new conceptual ideas and initiatives introduced and discussed with IOM’s
counterparts.
12. In coordination with the Regional Emergency and Post Crisis Unit, participate in inter-agency
regional protection fora (e.g. protection cluster, child-protection sub-cluster, Gender -Based
Violence sub-cluster, relevant task forces, etc.) and establish partnerships to respond to
protection needs of mobile populations.
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13. Undertake duty travel as per need.
14. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education
• Master’s degree in International Law, Development Studies, Political Science, International
Relations, Social Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five
years of relevant professional experience; or
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
• Previous work on protection (e.g. child protection, counter-trafficking) including in the provision
of direct assistance to vulnerable groups;
• Experience in managing teams, mentoring and delivering trainings;
• Experience working with specialized international agencies (UN Agencies, International
Organizations, and International NGOs);
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as strong strategic and creative thinking;
• Experience in project management and monitoring and evaluation an asset;
• Experience in regional coordination between different stakeholders an asset;
• Efficiency, flexibility, high level of professionalism and ability to work under pressure and
adhere to strict deadlines;
• Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and
professional backgrounds;
• Ability to guide and supervise staff and coordinate administrative matters;
• Works effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the broader community
to advance country office or regional objectives.
Languages
Fluency in English and working knowledge of French is required. Working knowledge of
Portuguese is an advantage.
Desirable Competencies:
Behavioral
• Accountability – takes responsibility for action and manages constructive criticisms;
• Client Orientation – works effectively well with client and stakeholders;
• Continuous Learning – promotes continuous learning for self and others;
• Communication – listens and communicates clearly, adapting delivery to the audience;
• Creativity and Initiative – actively seeks new ways of improving programmes or services;
• Leadership and Negotiation – develops effective partnerships with internal and external
stakeholders;
• Performance Management – identify ways and implement actions to improve performance of
self and others;
• Planning and Organizing – plans work, anticipates risks, and sets goals within area of
responsibility;
• Professionalism – displays mastery of subject matter;
• Teamwork – contributes to a collegial team environment; incorporates gender related needs,
perspectives, concerns and promotes equal gender participation;
• Technological Awareness – displays awareness of relevant technological solutions;
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• Resource Mobilization – works with internal and external stakeholders to meet resource needs
of IOM.
Other:
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding
confirmation.
The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in
the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are
nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment,
accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
How to apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via PRISM, IOM e-Recruitment
system, by 10 April 2018 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.
For further information, please refer to:…
In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts online profiles duly
completed.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. You can track the progress of your application on
your personal application page in the IOM e-recruitment system.