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:

1. Internal candidates
2. Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories:

Bahamas, Barbados, Cabo Verde, 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 and the strategic guidance of the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCoM), and direct supervision of the Head of Programmes and Operations (HoPo), as well as in coordination with the Programme Support Unit, the Programme Coordinator (Protection) will be responsible for the management, implementation, coordination, execution, and monitoring of IOM Afghanistan’s protection projects.

The Programme Coordinator (Protection) will elevate the reduction of protection risks at the mission strategic level (in line with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Protection Policy) and ensure synergies with concurrent programming in the country. In doing so, the Programme Coordinator (Protection) will work in a coordinated manner with the Afghanistan Protection Cluster, relevant protection-related working groups, and de facto authorities at national and sub-national levels. In addition, the Programme Coordinator (Protection) will support IOM Afghanistan Country Office (CO) through provision of protection mainstreaming expertise to other units and a coordination role with the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) network.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Business Administration, Migration Studies, International Relations, Law, 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.

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

Experience

• Demonstrated extensive experience in direct implementation of protection programming in contexts of conflict, crisis, migration, internal displacement and/or refugee assistance and protection;

• Prior experience directly implementing protection work in specialized fields such as addressing GBV, in Child Protection, Housing Land and Property and in Human Trafficking;

• Prior experience implementing community-based protection and case management;

• Demonstrated analysis and advocacy skills and experience, including in developing or managing protection monitoring, or in the field of protection information management;

• Experience managing and coordinating protection teams and staff, and in protection project management;

• Prior experience in strategic representation and/or coordination in protection cluster/sector or platforms, including technical working groups such as on Child Protection, or on Case Management;

• Experience in emergency operations and liaison with other UN and non-UN humanitarian actors;

• Experience with cash-based intervention in humanitarian settings; and,

• Working experience in the region is an asset.

Skills

• Analytical skills;

• Advocacy skills compounded by strong communication skills;

• Understanding of complex social-political environments;

• Knowledge of the Afghan conflict and return/displacement dynamics and the impact on the affected population;

• Knowledge of the humanitarian architecture, especially in relation to protection (focus on internal displacement, child protection, gender-based violence, identity documentation, etc.);

• Understanding and knowledge of human trafficking phenomena;

• Knowledge of border and migration management policy and actors in the region;

• Knowledge of the project management cycle an advantage;

• Works effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the broader community to advance country office or regional objectives;

• Excellent report writing skills as well as managerial & organizational Skills; and,

• Advanced level of computer literacy.

Languages

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

Working knowledge of another official UN languages (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, and any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time in 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