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International Organization for Migration

Project Associate – Protection

Dublin, IrelandGrade G-5Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)IOM
14 days leftPosted Oct 10, 2026

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Ireland, and the direct supervision of the National IBG and Protection Officer and, in collaboration with relevant units at Headquarters (HQ), in the Regional Office (RO) and relevant Country Offices (COs), the Project Associate – Protection will be responsible and accountable for providing assistance with the implementation IOM Ireland protection activities.

  • Assist in the implementation and monitoring of protection activities, including but not limited to child protection and Counter Trafficking (CT) activities.
Retrieve, compile, summarise, analyse, and present information/data on specific project and
activity topics.
Act as focal point for the administrative coordination of activity implementation, liasing
extensively with relevant organisational units and external parties to initiate and follow up on
requests.
Assist in organising training sessions; prepare training materials and participate in the delivering
of capacity building workshops/ training.
Verify the availability of funds, obtain the required clearances, initiate the relevant administrative
processes, and follow up for completion in a timely manner.
Draft status reports, identifying shortfalls, bring them to the attention of the supervisor and
suggest remedial actions to address delivery gaps.
Draft correspondence on project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, graphics,
statistical tables, presentation and other forms of documentation.
Respond to complex information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records, and
organise meetings, workshops and training sessions.
Participate in meetings, workshops and conferences; assist in coordinating activities with local
authorities, partners, United Nation (UN) agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental
organisations, donors and other relevant stakeholders.
Assist in monitoring work of Implementing Partners (IPs) and report non-compliances to the
supervisor.
  • Provides guidance/training to new/junior staff.
  • Perform such other relevant duties as maybe assigned.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies,
Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution
with three years of relevant professional experience; or,
  • High School diploma with five years of relevant professional experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

Experience in working with migrants, refugees, victims of trafficking, unaccompanied minors,
and other vulnerable groups;
Prior work experience with international humanitarian organisations, non-government or
government institutions/organisation in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage;
  • Experience in project implementation, monitoring, and/or development;
  • Experience of migration issues in Europe and/or in Ireland is desirable; and,
  • Experience with training, training facilitation, and event planning is desirable.

Skills

  • Ability to work with vulnerable groups and/or migrants;
  • Proven competencies in liaising with a variety of stakeholders, including government authorities, international and national institutions, diplomatic missions, and non-governmental partners;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  • Strong organisational, administrative and time-management skills, with strong attention to detail;
  • Ability to work against tight deadlines and under pressure;
  • Ability to prepare clear and concise reports; and,
  • Demonstrated computer literacy, expecially with Microsoft Office suite.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
Integrity and 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.
Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural 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 actions and delegated work.
Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

As the right to live and work in Ireland is required, the contract issued may be shorter than the period mentioned in the advertisement, in order to align with expiry date of the work permit.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link official source link). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

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