Programme Officer (Protection Mainstreaming) (P)

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. 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, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

- Internal candidates
- Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories: Bahamas, Barbados, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Support Officer, USRAP, and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator, Protection Mainstreaming, and in close coordination with Movement Operations and Resettlement Support Center (RSC) Protection Mainstreaming colleagues and other relevant colleagues at the HQ level, the Programme Officer (Protection Mainstreaming) will support the USRAP by providing technical support and recommendations on a range of protection mainstreaming topics. In this capacity, they will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

- Master’s degree in Social Science, International Relations, Regional Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or,
- Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

- Experience working on protection mainstreaming issues in relation to programming in resettlement and complementary pathways, migration, United Nations, or international organization contexts is essential;
- Experience developing guidance and training, and experience giving training, is required;
- Experience in the USRAP, and particularly in activities requiring interaction with beneficiaries, is highly preferrable;
- Experience speaking publicly on protection mainstreaming issues is an advantage.

Skills

- Knowledge of current issues in the refugee context related to the protection of, and assistance to, a variety of populations is an advantage;
- A demonstrated background and knowledge of issues related to migration, preferably in the international context, is essential;
- Demonstrated proficiency with Stabilizing At-Risk Communities and Enhancing Migration Management to Enable Smooth Transitions (START) is an advantage;
- Excellent computer skills and a high level of proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications;
- Demonstrated knowledge of protection mainstreaming principles, including safety, dignity, accessibility, accountability, and beneficiary-centered approaches;
- Proven analytical skills, including the ability to assess risks, identify protection gaps, and translate findings into practical recommendations;
- Demonstrated training and facilitation skills, with the ability to deliver clear, practical, and engaging learning sessions to diverse audiences;
- Excellent communication skills, including preparation of interim, final, and ad‑hoc situation reports;
- Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to plan work, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines;
- Ability to consolidate and analyze information from multiple sources and produce high‑quality reports for donors, partners, and internal stakeholders;
- Demonstrated interpersonal and coordination skills, including engagement with UN agencies, government counterparts, and implementing partners;
- High degree of judgment, initiative, and ability to work independently within assigned areas.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) 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. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category. 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.

Appointment will be subject to all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. 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, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.

IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the  IOM WAVE 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