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.
Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. 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, the following are considered first-tier candidates:
- Internal candidates
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.
Organizational Context and Scope
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission in Venezuela and the direct supervision of the Head of Programmes and Field Operations, and in close coordination with the Protection Division at the Regional Office (RO) and Headquarters (HQ), the Protection Officer will be responsible and accountable for coordinating the implementation and monitoring and participating in the development of protection activities in Internationa Organization for Migration (IOM) Venezuela Country Office (CO), with a focus on Counter Trafficking, Child Protection and Gender Based Violence. Additionally, the Protection Officer will be responsible to foster protection mainstreaming into other areas of intervention such as Assisted Voluntary Return & Reintegration, Emergency Responses, Immigration and Border Management, Transition and Recovery. The activities will be carried out in coordination with the United Nations (UN) coordinated humanitarian strategies and government counterparts.
Assist the Head of Programs in the implementation and monitoring (financial, reporting, operational) of programmes and directly supervise and coordinate the projects assigned, in compliance with donor and IOM institutional requirements.
- Supervise the daily activities of protection team members in coordination with the Head of Programs and other Protection team members; organize and assist the team in achieving their tasks, provide technical guidance and training, and ensure compliance to IOM guidelines, policy and standards.
- Facilitate protection mainstreaming (including GBV) and integration of cross-cutting issues (disability, Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), gender) in IOM regular programmes and crisis response activities (including assistance to returnees). This shall include tip sheets, guidance notes, communication / awareness tools, protection checklists for specific measures in different sectors, good practices, and more.
- Coordinate the implementation of CO’s GBViC action plan in consultation with relevant units.
- Participate in inter-agency protection fora/meetings (e.g., protection, child-protection, gender-based violence, health, relevant task forces) when needed and monitor the protection needs of mobile populations, as well as communities affected by mobility in coordination with the Head of Programs.
In close coordination with relevant operational and case management collegues/units, follow up on the response to individual cases of concern and coordinate case management mechanisms and reporting.
- Contribute to knowledge management and capacity development by providing technical guidance in the field of protection to colleagues and partners, implementing capacity building activities and producing briefs.
- Support developing and maintaining strong working relationships with government authorities and partners and facilitate the timely and qualitative information sharing.
- Contribute to the improvement of the Protection unit’s information management and communication capacities in coordination with IOM Communication and Data & Research Units.
- Undertake duty travels, in line with prevailing security restrictions, relating to project assessments, liaison with counterparts, and project implementation, as required.
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Education
- Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Economic Development, Business or Public Administration, International Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or
- University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- Experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, protection and human rights;
- Experience in protection / GBV in emergencies and familiarity with related coordination mechanisms;
- Experience with providing technical guidance and conducting capacity building on protection / GBV principles and approaches for various stakeholders (including non-Protection / GBV specialized staff, partners (e.g., national authorities, implementing partners, etc.);
- Experience in project management and coordination;
- Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions and Non-Government Ogranizations (NGOs); and,
- Working experience with an operational UN agency or a major international NGO in the field of protection and assistance of refugees, internally displaced people, and/or migrants, is an asset.
Skills
- Ability to supervise and lead multidisciplinary teams;
- Ability to work in dynamic, fast pace environment; Ability to formulate relevant programmatic inputs;
- Ability to work quickly and accurately and pay attention to detail;
- Good writing skills with the ability to analyse complex problems and identify and propose clear, rapid solutions;
- Good communication skills in multicultural environments;
- knowledge of the broad range of migration-related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;
- Knowledge of international protection standards;
- Knowledge of case management principles is an asset; and,
- Strong IT skills and knowledge of data analytics programs is an asset.
Languages
For this position, fluency in English and Spanish is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, and Russian) is an advantage.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Required Competencies
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2
Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2
Notes
Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.
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, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.
IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.
IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.