JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary

IOM, UN Migration Agency in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh is looking for a General Protection and Protection Research Specialist who will lead the General Protection (GP) and Protection Research (PR) teams, ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality protection services and evidence-based programming. The successful candidate will be instrumental in providing key inputs and advice for the development of innovative strategies, providing technical expertise, and fostering collaborative partnerships with stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

1. Oversee and manage GP and PR program development, coordination and implementation, ensuring alignment with IOM’s global frameworks and inter-agency protection standards
2. Develop, refine, and regularly update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for case management and protection strategies to enhance the quality and consistency of services.
3. Spearhead the design, update and execution of protection monitoring and analysis to identify and respond to trends, risks, and emerging issues affecting vulnerable populations.
4. Provide technical advice and guidance to the GP team on responding to protection concerns, including those related to safety/security and HLP, to ensure adherence to international protection principles and best practices.
5. Provide technical advice and guidance on PIM and PAF to the GP and PR teams to ensure adherence to international protection principles and best practices.
6. Develop and deliver capacity-building initiatives for protection staff and partners, focusing on case management, protection monitoring, and integrated protection approaches.
7. Develop and deliver protection mainstreaming capacity-building initiatives for non-protection staff and partners.
9. In coordination with the Protection Program Coordinator, represent IOM at relevant protection forums, including the Protection Sector and inter-agency working groups. Foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders. Support the Protection Program Coordinator in IOM”s role as co-lead of several high-profile protection working groups.
10. Support the Protection Program Coordinator in advocacy efforts, promoting evidence-based solutions and integrated protection programming.
11. Prepare high-quality reports for donors, stakeholders, and IOM management, highlighting program achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
12. Lead the Protection Research team in conducting studies to address knowledge gaps, inform program strategies, and support advocacy.
13. Promote the use of research findings to enhance protection programming and contribute to the global body of knowledge on humanitarian protection.
14. Contribute to IOM’s emergency preparedness efforts by integrating protection considerations into contingency planning and response strategies.
15. Along with other P3s in the Protection Unit, may serve as OIC of the Unit when the Protection Program Coordinator is not in Cox’s Bazar (currently a RnR Duty Station).
17. Perform such other tasks as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Law, International Relations or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Proven experience in managing and implementing General Protection programming, including case management, protection monitoring, and community-based protection initiatives;
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for case management and protection strategies;
• Proven track record in designing and conducting Protection research in complex humanitarian settings, applying ethical research standards;
• Strong expertise in applying Protection Information Management (PIM) guidelines and using the Protection Analysis Framework (PAF);
• Experience working with and analyzing protection concerns using Human Rights or Humanitarian Law;
• Demonstrated experience in conducting research and writing on Humanitarian Protection concerns; and,
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions, and fostering collaborative partnerships.

Skills

• In-depth understanding of protection issues, including displacement, conflict, human rights, and vulnerable populations, with a focus on refugees and internally displaced people;
• Proven ability to oversee and provide technical support to protection monitoring and analysis activities, ensuring alignment with global standards;
• Familiarity with international and inter-agency coordination mechanisms for protection programming, including active participation in relevant working groups;
• Demonstrated strong planning and coordination skills;
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;
• Sound ability to communicate practical knowledge on actions to address Protection issues at the operational level and demonstrated experience with training already skilled Protection national staff;
• Demonstrated analytical, writing and reporting skills; and,
• Demonstrated skills in analyzing and synthesizing complex data to inform humanitarian programming and policy recommendations.

Languages

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

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) and/or Bengoli 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

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 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.

Notes

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 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, security clearances.

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, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

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 e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies.