National Protection Officer (Assistance to Vulnerable Migrants)

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.Context 

The Central Mediterranean Route remains one of the most dangerous migration corridors 
globally, with significant protection concerns affecting vulnerable individuals transiting through 
and residing in Libya. According to IOM data, a considerable number of migrants continue to 
experience exploitative practices, necessitating protection services and comprehensive 
support, especially for those undertaking voluntary humanitarian return (VHR). The Voluntary 
Humanitarian Return (VHR) program, led by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 
provides lifesaving, humane, and dignified assistance to foreigners stranded in crisis-affected 
countries, such as Libya. Established in 2015, the program facilitates safe and expedited return 
for vulnerable migrants, including women, unaccompanied children, the elderly, and medically 
vulnerable individuals. VHR operates on a rights-based, protection-centered approach, offering 
tailored support during migrants' stay, their return journey, and upon arrival in their home 
countries.

IOM protection work in Libya is multi-fold and aims to improve service delivery to populations in vulnerable situations including but not limited to survivors of gender-based violence, unaccompanied and separated children and victims of trafficking; implement community based protection programming to raise awareness and foster resilience; strengthen institutional mechanisms through capacity building and advocacy on topics such as counter trafficking and smuggling of migrants, child protection, access to education, and human rights; and advocate for the decriminalization of irregular migration and establishment of alternatives to detention, especially for migrants in the most vulnerable situations including but not limited to children, women and migrants with health needs.

Under the guidance of the Senior Programme Coordinator (Protection) and direct supervision of the Programme Officer (Assistance to Vulnerable Migrants), the National Protection Officer will provide support in developing, implementing, and monitoring protection activities at IOM Libya. The focus areas include case management related to migrants in vulnerable situations, including victims of trafficking.
 

1. Assist in implementation of programmes (financial, reporting, operational) and contribute to the coordination of assigned project activities in line with donor and IOM requirements. Assist in preparing donor briefings, participating in meetings, and communicating programme achievements and needs. 
2. Keep the supervisor informed on the status of project implementation; identify gaps and suggest actions to improve implementation of AVM projects. 
3. Supervise and provide technical guidance to project staff under their supervision focused on providing training and individual support on case management of migrants in vulnerable situations including VoTs, advocacy for alternatives to detention, multisectoral responses and protection in emergencies.
4. Contribute to the preparation of donor briefings and participate in donor meetings in coordination with the AVM Programme Manager to support programme visibility by communicating programme achievements and future needs.
5. Maintain effective relationships with communities, government entities, NGOs, and partners to enhance protection responses through migrant-centred, victim centred, and gender-responsive approaches. Support consultative processes with national and local counterparts on integrated strategies addressing key protection priorities. 
6. Support teams in conducting vulnerability screenings, protection assessments, including MiMOSA compliance, to promote standardized and appropriate support for individuals at risk. Participate in inter-agency meetings and contribute technical inputs for reports.
7. Assist in tracking and following up on briefs, analysis, and reports related to specialized protection and other activities as required, ensuring data and reporting are up-to-date and compliant with IOM’s data protection principles. 
8. Assist in developing training materials and contribute to delivering training sessions for staff involved in Specialized Protection activities to enhance their skills in identifying vulnerabilities and providing appropriate support.
9. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Education

•  Bachelor’s degree in political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• Master’s degree in the above-mentioned fields.Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Experience
  • Experience in the field of assistance to vulnerable individuals. 
  • Experience in working with international or non-governmental organizations. 
  • Experience in project implementation, monitoring and reporting.
  • Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and nongovernmental organizations
  • Experience supervising staff is an advantage.Skills
    • Excellent operational, organization and communication skills.
    • High level of interpersonal communication; commitment, efficiency, flexibility, drive for results.
    • Demonstrated ability of working effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds to achieve desired goals.
    • Ability to communicate clearly and adapt to changing priorities and procedures.
    • Strong computer skills (Word, Excel and Internet); familiarity with systems (e.g. PRISM) is an advantage.Languages
      • Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Working knowledge of French is an advantageIOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.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 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.