Regional Protection Assistant

Context

Irregular migration along the Mediterranean route remains to be increasingly dangerous for migrants. Crossing the Mediterranean is by far the deadliest route, with over 26,924 missing migrants recorded since 2014 in addition to those who perish along the desert. In addition, migrants are exposed to various forms of violence, abuse and exploitation, including trafficking in persons, during their migration journey and end up with varying physical and mental health issues and worsened economic status.

To address these issues, IOM and member states have collaborated on migration management, focusing on enhancing protection, combatting irregular migration and human trafficking while promoting regular, safe and orderly migration. With support from the European Union (EU), IOM has developed targeted interventions in 16 countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan and The Gambia) to protect the safety, dignity and rights of migrants along this important and dangerous migration route and to help in improving the reintegration of returnees through an innovative approach. This will be achieved through different types of interventions including protection and assistance to vulnerable and stranded migrants, provision of direct assistance through search and rescue support, identification, referral and direct assistance to vulnerable migrants, assistance for voluntary return, and support for sustainable reintegration.

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Regional Programme Coordinator (MPRR-SSA) and direct supervision of the Regional (SSA) Protection Officer, in collaboration with relevant units and offices, the successful candidate will provide support to the implementation of the targeted interventions protection component.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

1. Assist in the coordination, implementation and monitoring of protection activities, in collaboration with other members of the Central Coordination Unit.

2. Assist in the coordination of assistance to individual cases of concern supported under the Regional Direct Assistance Fund (RDAF) in line with IOM standards and guidelines and in collaboration with relevant colleagues at the country and regional level.

3. Collect and archive individual documents related to migrants assisted under RDAF, in line with IOM’s data protection principles and compile programmatic information and data on direct assistance provided under the fund.

4. Assist in carrying out assessments of migrant protection and assistance needs at the regional level as well as training needs on protection.

5. Assist in compiling and sharing information on protection tools and best practices.

6. Organize remote or in person trainings, meetings, workshops and other events with relevant colleagues at the regional, country and global level (by supporting preparation of agenda, material needed, attendance sheet notably) and ensure timely information sharing, reporting and follow up.

7. Draft correspondence, reports, briefing notes, graphics, presentations and other forms of documentation needed for the targeted interventions.

8. Organize internal meetings for the follow up of the targeted interventions protection activities, take notes and file appropriately.

9. Participate in meetings and conferences as per need.

10. Undertake duty travel as per need.

11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

· Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, International Studies, Law, Political or Social sciences, Development Studies, Education, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant experience; or,

· High Scholl degree in the above fields with Five years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
• Previous experience with regional programmes and/or working with different countries in Sub-Saharan Africa is an asset.

Skills

• Good understanding of social protection and/ or migration issues, in particular migrants’ rights and migrants’ protection is a strong advantage.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

Required Competencies

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

Values

• Inclusion & respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity & transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core competencies Behavioral indicators – level 1

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication and explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Other:

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment,

accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Female candidates with the above qualifications are encouraged to apply.

Please note that this position is subject to funding confirmation.