The Protection Unit within the mission is responsible for protection interventions aimed at addressing risks and responding to potential violation of rights as defined by international instruments, including migration, human rights, refugee and international humanitarian law. The unit ensures the upholding and restoration of the rights of individuals vulnerable to violence, abuse, exploitation, discrimination, neglect, and deprivation. It also supports the integration of protection principles across IOM’s operations and initiatives.

The unit plays a crucial role in implementing and integrating counter-trafficking (CT) initiatives into IOM’s global operations. It provides technical support and guidance to field missions, ensuring compliance with international protection standards. By embedding CT into broader protection strategies, the unit addresses the vulnerabilities of those at risk and strengthens IOM’s capacity to respond to emerging challenges. It collaborates closely with relevant divisions and external partners to ensure that CT interventions align with IOM’s global protection commitments. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office (HoO) and in close coordination with the Program Manager and the Protection Unit the Programme Assistant (Counter-Trafficking in Persons (CTiP)) will formulate, develop, and align IOM’s global CT policies with its protection framework. The incumbent will ensure policy coherence across humanitarian and non-humanitarian settings, provide expert guidance, and integrate CT considerations into operations to enhance alignment with global protection strategies. 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 candidates are considered first-tier candidates.

1. Working closely with the Head of Office and Project Manager  to assist in planning, implementation and monitoring of activities relating to CTIP in Vanuatu;
2. Prepare and review reports and publications in line with IOM’s CT objectives.
3. Assist in planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of project activities including coordination of National Steering Committee on Migrant Protection and Assistance.
4. Develop and deliver CT training programs, update tools and support field staff to enhance operational capacity.
5. Compile, summarize, analyse, and present information/data on CTiP project topics, highlighting noteworthy issues for the consideration of the Project Manager and HoO;
6. Maintain effective liaison and coordination with the MoIA, VIS, VPF, DoL, DCIR, other government authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project.
7. Attend and represent IOM in national, regional and international meetings relating to the CTiP and provide update from meetings to guide in the response;
8. Act as focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, follow-up on administrative actions, etc.
9. Support project monitoring & evaluation. Monitor the work of implementing partners, report any non-compliance to the supervisor, and assist in responding to complex information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records.
10. Draft correspondence on project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, and other forms of documentation including drafting status reports; identifying shortfalls in delivery, and bring them to the attention of the Project Manager and suggest corrective measures.
11. Provide inputs for the drafting of strategic documents, proposals, concept notes, donor reports, case studies and information materials including other regular or ad-hoc project reporting and documentation as required by facilitating and compiling inputs from field teams.
12. Coordinate the delivery of training and technical assistance to government partners, including technical assistance to draft solutions-specific or solutions-inclusive strategies, laws, policies, and plans;
13. Contribute to implementation of IOM projects and activities to support the resolution of internal displacement;
14. In coordination with relevant colleagues/units, support donor engagement and resource mobilization efforts;
15. Undertake necessary duty travel; and
16. Perform any other duties as may be assigned.