Job Description

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates

2. Candidates from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda, 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, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

Context

The Central Mediterranean Route (CMR) remains one of the most dangerous migration routes worldwide. A significant number of migrants continue to travel from their countries of origin to Northern Africa and enroute to Europe, in search of better economic opportunities. International Organization for Migration (IOM) data shows that from 2017 to date, 30% of migrants in transit and destination countries in the CMR route experience exploitative practices during their migratory journey and need protection services. Those identified in Libya receive need-based support from the IOM protection teams. IOM continues to address these challenges and support affected populations, with the support from the European Commission (EU), the governments of The Netherlands, Italy, the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom to implement comprehensive protection programmes aimed at promoting the safety, dignity and rights of migrants along this dangerous migration route.

Since 2023, the instability at the borders with neighboring countries impacted migration to and from Libya and further exacerbated risks and vulnerabilities inside Libya. As of May 2024, 147,382 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) were monitored and 726,396 are identified as returnees (previously displaced persons returned to their locations of origin). As of July 2025, IOM Libya's Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) programme identified over 867,000 migrants in Libya. Around eight in ten (78%) were men, 11 per cent were women, and 11 per cent were unaccompanied children. The main nationalities were Niger, Egypt, Sudan, Chad and Nigeria, which remain similar for each round of data collection . The protection crisis in Libya disproportionately affects the most vulnerable groups, and severe human rights violations continue to be perpetrated with impunity. 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 qand 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 overall supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator (Protection), the direct supervision of the Protection Officer (Policy and Capacity Development), and in coordination with the Migrant Protection (MPX) Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) in the Regional office for Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the Counter Trafficking Officer will contribute to and support the development and implementation of structural counter-trafficking interventions in IOM Libya with a focus on counter-trafficking coordination and policy development.

1. Support coordination of the inter-agency working group on trafficking in persons to enhance coordination using the outlined approaches and strategies.
2. Collaborate with United Nation (UN) missions and partners addressing counter-trafficking concerns, including joint programming and ensuring inter-agency inputs to annual Trafficking in Persons (TiP) report requests.
3. Support the development of Standard Operating Procedures, focusing on referral pathways and assist in the development of a national referral mechanism once feasible.
4. Provide technical inputs to the drafting of national legal frameworks, policies, Counter Trafficking (CT) Strategy and Action Plan for Libya, informed by consultations with the government entities, UN agencies, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), and survivors, and aligned with the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons.
5. Support the development and delivery of CT training modules for relevant stakeholders and beneficiaries, including victim identification, trauma-informed interviewing, and referral mechanisms; adapt materials to local contexts and monitor post-training implementation.
6. Integrate CT considerations into IOM’s migration management programmes, including counter-smuggling initiatives, voluntary return and reintegration assistance, and livelihood projects, in line with IOM’s Counter-Trafficking Theory of Change
7. Support the mapping of CT service providers (shelters, legal aid, healthcare etc.) and identification of gaps in geographic/programmatic coverage; collaborate with partners to inform targeted interventions.
8. Support coordination of trafficking in persons-related research and data analysis activities with relevant teams and partners.
9. Participate in coordination platforms, providing technical inputs and sharing relevant practices from IOM’s global and country experience.
10. Draft donor and other reports when requested for and support the development of funding proposals with robust CT components, emphasizing measurable outcomes.
11. Undertake duty travel as required.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
    

Education

• Master’s degree in Law, International Relations, Psychology, Social Sciences, Development Studies and Planning 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 in the fields of protection, counter trafficking, gender mainstreaming and/or humanitarian affairs;
• Experience working with the UN system and amongst interagency partners, including governments, NGOs, and communities;
• Experience in capacity development, including organizing and facilitating CT trainings and developing technical materials;
• Experience supporting coordination forums with communities, partners, and UN and other key stakeholders; and,
• Experience in drafting reports, proposals, and standard operating procedures and related documents.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to work across a wide variety of sectors/teams on cross-cutting themes;
• Ability to organize work, work independently and prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks, maintain attention to detail, and coordination with a variety of stakeholders;
• Good written and oral communication skills, including drafting and stakeholder liaison;
• Knowledge of IOM’s institutional approach on CT and related strategies, policies, rules and regulations;
• Knowledge of the UN system and coordination mechanisms;
• Knowledge of mainstreaming best practices and partnership models to ensure coordination of the same across a diversified range of actors; and,
• Ability to work with and maintain strict confidentiality, when necessary.

Language

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 Arabic is highly desirable.

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 onIOM 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.

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

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category