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.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Applications from qualified female and LGBTIQ+ candidates (persons identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, or any other identity associated with having a diverse sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics – SOGIESC) are especially encouraged. 

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, and the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission, the incumbent will be responsible for the implementation, coordination and monitoring of IOM Colombia’s protection activities and initiatives. The Protection Officer will facilitate synergies with concurrent protection programming in country.

  1. Carry out preliminary assessments of migrant protection and assistance needs at the national level, identify problems/gaps, and propose/prioritize timely practical actions to respond to particular protection problems.
  2. Collaborate with appropriate IOM units and suboffices, in order to facilitate timely and qualitative delivery of protection assistance.
  3. Monitor the response to individual cases of concern, in close coordination with the MHPSS  Officer (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support), guide the team of Protection Assistants to ensure quality of assistance (e.g. screening, interview, counselling, referral or assistance, depending on programme capacities), including individualized and vulnerability based response. 
  4. Coordinate the development and maintenance of data collection and analysis mechanisms for IOM’s protection related projects and share relevant information with partners within the humanitarian community.
  5. Regularly participate and contribute in inter-agency protection fora (e.g. protection cluster, child-protection sub-cluster, gender -based violence sub-cluster, relevant task forces, etc.) by providing technical and operational input, as needed.
  6. 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.
  7. Provide technical support for the development of IOM Colombia protection portfolio, including protection in emergencies, trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, GBV and LGBTQI+, child protection related activities and prevention of risky migration of vulnerable groups. 
  8. Evaluate the training and capacity building needs on protection issues among field-based colleagues, local authorities, local NGOs, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the UN country team, and other stakeholders.
  9. Supervise national project staff in relevant project locations, providing technical and administrative guidance and facilitating staff ability to complete activities required of them as per their Post Description (PDs) and work plans.
  10. Undertake duty travels, in line with prevailing security restrictions, relating to project assessments, liaison with counterparts, and project implementation, as required.
  11. Act as a Gender Focal Point of the Mission.
  12. Act as an Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) Focal Point.
  13. Perform such other related duties as required by the supervisor. 

    Education

  14. Master's degree in International Law, Development Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Social 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

Previous work on protection (e.g. child protection, counter-trafficking) including in the provision of direct assistance to vulnerable groups is a must; Experience in supervising teams, guiding and delivering trainings; Experience working    with    specialized    international agencies    (UN Agencies, International Organizations, and International NGOs); Experience in project management and monitoring and evaluation an asset; Experience in regional coordination between different stakeholders an asset; and,  Experience in working effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the broader community to advance country office or regional objectives.

Skills

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;
Demonstrated writing skills; and,  Good understanding of regional migration trends and dynamics; Strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as strong strategic and creative thinking; Familiarity with inter-agency coordination mechanisms and processes could be an advantage.

Languages 

For all applicants, fluency in English C1 and Spanish is required (oral and written), United Nations Language Framework.

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 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) (applicable only if position is with direct reports) 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. Notes 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. This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. Vaccination against COVID-19 will be required for IOM personnel who are hired or otherwise engaged by IOM. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates will be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination. 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 online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

If you would like to know an IOM salary reference, please check the following link Referencia Salarial OIM Colombia.

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