SVN-EC009-2025-PAS Protection Associate

Quito

Organization: IOM - International Organization for Migration
Location: Quito
Grade: Administrative support - GS-5, General Service - No need for Higher Education - Locally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Protection Officer (Refugee)
Closing Date:

Job Description

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

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Ecuador and direct supervision of the Protection Coordinator, and, in collaboration with relevant units and field offices, the Protection Associate will provide administrative and operational support for the internal implementation of protection activities, contributing to the efficient execution of projects and compliance with institutional standards.

Responsibilities

Assist in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of protection activities at national and local levels.
Contribute to documentation of good practices and recommendations for protection plans and projects.
Support coordination with national and local counterparts to design and implement protection strategies for vulnerable individuals.
Participate in the formulation and execution of response plans with IOM field teams and partner agencies.
Support the design of new protection interventions based on emerging needs.
Systematize and collect data on project progress and execution.
Organize and coordinate meetings with partners, government entities, and civil society.
Support logistical coordination and co-facilitation of training sessions for IOM staff and counterparts.
Assist in drafting Terms of Reference and agreements with protection partners.
Perform other related duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education

High school diploma with 5 years of work experience; or
Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or related fields from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience

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

Experience

Minimum of three years of experience in migration-related topics.
At least two years of direct experience working with vulnerable migrant populations.
Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
Experience in organizing and facilitating community outreach and sensitization workshops on protection topics such as human trafficking, GBV, child protection, and access to services.
Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups; and,
Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organizations in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
Previous experience delivering workshops and training on Migrant Protection and Human Rights-related subjects.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong analytical and synthesis abilities.
Capacity to draft and edit technical documents.

Skills

Ability to contribute to the design and implementation of protection response plans, including coordination with field teams and partners, and alignment with national frameworks and IOM standards.
Strong knowledge of protection case management, including documentation, follow-up, and referral of vulnerable individuals, while ensuring confidentiality and ethical standards.
Ability to draft and edit technical documents, training materials, and informational content for diverse audiences.
Clear and respectful communication with internal teams, beneficiaries, and external stakeholders; ability to respond to general inquiries and draft basic reports.
Capacity to work effectively within a multidisciplinary protection team and support coordination across units and with field staff.
Knowledge of key protection principles (e.g., do no harm, confidentiality, informed consent) and ability to apply them in daily tasks.
Willingness to take on varied tasks and adapt to changing priorities in a dynamic operational environment.

Languages

For this position, fluency in Spanish is required (oral and written).
Oral and written fluency of beneficiary’s languages (English) is an advantage.

IOM’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.
Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1)

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.

Notes

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.
This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
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 online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

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

Important: Add the cover letter in the “Supporting Documents” section of your application.

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
Initial Contract Duration: 3 months
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type: General Service
Grade: G-5

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

Apply