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.
- Working closely with the Head of Office and Project Manager to assist in planning, implementation and monitoring of activities relating to CTIP in Vanuatu;
- Prepare and review reports and publications in line with IOM’s CT objectives.
- Assist in planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of project activities including coordination of National Steering Committee on Migrant Protection and Assistance.
- Develop and deliver CT training programs, update tools and support field staff to enhance operational capacity.
- Compile, summarize, analyse, and present information/data on CTiP project topics, highlighting noteworthy issues for the consideration of the Project Manager and HoO;
- 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.
- Attend and represent IOM in national, regional and international meetings relating to the CTiP and provide update from meetings to guide in the response;
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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;
- Contribute to implementation of IOM projects and activities to support the resolution of internal displacement;
- In coordination with relevant colleagues/units, support donor engagement and resource mobilization efforts;
- Undertake necessary duty travel; and
- Perform any other duties as may be assigned.
Education
- School diploma with five years of relevant experience; or;
- Bachelor’s degree in international development, Public Policy, Political Science, Social Sciences or other relevant fields, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
- Demonstrated experience in implementation, management, and evaluation, especially in the field of CTiP;
- Specific experience working within the protection sectors, including project development and implementation, program coordination and representation;
- Demonstrated experience in developing policies, operational guidance and tools on counter-trafficking, such as position papers, strategies, and advocacy note;
- Experience in designing and training modules to various stakeholders, including thematic experts, management, and leadership teams, on counter-trafficking and related topics;
- Experience in assessment, review, and development of guidelines, polices, or SOPs;
- Experience in conducting trainings for various audiences;
- Experience working with various stakeholders including government as well as communities, civil societies, UN agencies, NGOs, and donors;
- Previous experience with international organizations in the development and humanitarian sectors, including experience working in the UN/INGO system is desired;
- Experience in leading and organizing events such as consultations, roundtables, workshops, and webinars; and,
- First-hand experience in delivering of protection and assistance to trafficked persons.
Skills
- Proven ability to liaise, coordinate and communicate with multiple stakeholders, and provide strategic advice and guidance on counter-trafficking.
- In depth knowledge of counter-trafficking field and activities.
- Proven leadership and negotiation skills, particularly in a multi-stakeholder and multi-cultural environment, and in complex socio-political contexts.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems.
- Proven ability to create networks and build relationships in conflict-affected, dynamic settings with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Speaks and writes clearly and effectively in English; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
- Proven high-level representation skills- speaking/presenting at meetings and providing situational analysis.
- Excellent organizational, monitoring and evaluation skills applied in counter trafficking programming.
- Proven capacity to work effectively in small teams.
Languages
- Fluency in English language is required. Working knowledge of Bislama an advantage
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 three 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.
Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1) (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.