Protection Officer

Position Title: Protection Officer

Duty Station: Khartoum, Sudan

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P2

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 23 March 2023

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

Context:

Under the general guidance of the Chief of Mission (CoM), the overall supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission/ Head of Programme and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator, the Protection Officer will be responsible for the implementation and monitoring of Protection mainstreaming in IOM Sudan activities in relation to migrant protection projects, including all Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR), counter-trafficking projects as well as supporting the humanitarian portfolio of IOM Sudan in response to forced displacement.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Carry out assessments of protection needs, document problems/gaps and coordinate responses to particular protection problems related to the migrants transiting Sudan and populations affected by forced displacement in close coordination with the IOM Protection Coordinator in Khartoum.
2. Closely collaborate with appropriate IOM units and field offices, including with protection, operations and communication units, in order to facilitate the timely and qualitative delivery of protection assistance.
3. Support the MRRC/MRC Programme Officer in the implementation of IOM Sudan’s Protection Division (PXD) activities, Tincluding, direct assistance and referral services via MRRC/MRCs in Khartoum, Gedaref and Kassala States and Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) and Counter Trafficking activities.
4. Coordinate the Pre-departure and return logistical and operational activities, return and reintegration counselling to returnees; support early identification of complex vulnerabilities to facilitate effective returnee referrals for enhanced assistance and strong maintenance of case-management.
5. Monitor the response to individual cases of concern, in close coordination with the ProtectionCoordinator and relevant field team staff, to facilitate quality of assistance (e.g. screening, interview, counselling, referral or assistance, depending on programme capacities), including individualized and vulnerability based response.
6. Evaluate training needs on protection issues and need for capacity building among field-based colleagues, local authorities, local NGOs, international NGOs, the UN country team and other stakeholders.
7. Provide technical inputs to support the development of IOM Sudan protection portfolio, including protection in emergencies, and child protection related activities and prevention of risky migration of vulnerable groups.
8. Support staff in collecting timely and accurate AVRR data, and prepare it for further processing, analysis, reporting and filing purposes, including specialized data such as that relating to Victims of Trafficking (VoT) and Unaccompanied and separated Children (UASC).
9. 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 close coordination with the Protection Coordinator based in Khartoum.
10. Draft regular reports covering protection activities; facilitate the preparation of briefing, statistical/narrative reports and background information as required, including specific information requested by Officials and other entities.
11. Assist with the drafting and coordination of cooperation agreements, Memoranda of Understanding with government entities, donors, partner agencies, NGOS, contractors and other stakeholders, in close coordination with Program Managers and colleagues from the Procurement and Logistic unit.
12. Undertake duty travels, in line with prevailing security restrictions, relating to project assessments, liaison with counterparts, and project implementation, as required.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Humanitarian Affairs, Political Science, Law, Human Rights, Development 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 liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions and NGOs, as well as in the region, is an asset; 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 migrants.

Skills

• Ability to work in dynamic, fast pace environment;
• Knowledge of international protection standards;
• Knowledge of case management principles an asset;
• Knowledge of IASC cluster systems especially the Protection Cluster principles; and,
• Good writing skills in required languages an asset.

Languages

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

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.

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

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

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 2

• 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.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

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.

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

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. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.