Senior Protection Associate (GBV)

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

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 and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

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' stays, their return journey, and upon arrival in their home
countries
Under the overall supervision of the AVM Programme Manager and direct supervision of the Child Protection and GBV Officer the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the implementation of Gender-Based Violence prevention, response, and risk mitigation activities. The Senior Protection Associate will also support the integration of child protection and community-based protection into GBV-related programming. The successful candidate will contribute to the identification, support, and referral of survivors, facilitate outreach and awareness-raising initiatives.

Responsibilities

1. Assist the GBV and Child Protection Officer in implementing GBV programming within IOM Libya, providing technical guidance and monitoring consistency across activities
2.  Support the GBV and Child Protection officer, to coordinate closely with internal units including MHD, MHPSS, CBP, AVM, ATD, Community Hosting, RRT, and field staff to facilitate the mainstreaming of GBV risk mitigation and response.
3. Participate in the GBV Sub-Sector, technical working groups, and other inter-agency coordination forums, helping to make IOM’s contributions visible and aligned with sectoral standards.  
4. Assist in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of GBV activities under PxD projects, ensuring timely delivery, quality standards, and alignment with donor requirements.  Supervise the management of GBV case referrals, ensuring safe documentation, confidentiality, and adherence to IOM SOPs and survivor-centred principles. Participate in case conferencing with other AVM units on complex cases.
5. Conduct and monitor intake, risk assessments, safety planning, and referrals to specialized services, verifying cases are handled ethically and efficiently.
6.  Support the implementation of a survivor-centred, rights-based approach and moitor it is consistently applied in all GBV programming and staff conduct.
7.  Assist in building and maintaining strong partnerships with external service providers to facilitate timely access to health, psychosocial, legal, and shelter services for survivors.
8.  Provide inputs in the design and delivery of awareness-raising and prevention activities targeting migrants, displaced populations, and host communities, ensuring outreach is inclusive and culturally sensitive.
9. Assist in the facilitation of GBV sessions in coordination with Child protection and GBV Officer as well as the Policy and Capacity Building Officer in the rollout of GBV trainings for IOM staff and partners, including on safe referrals, handling disclosures, and survivor-centred care.
10. Support in ensuring that the GBV service mapping, referral pathways, and case documentation are regularly updated, accessible, and compliant with IOM’s data protection standards.
11. Provide   regular updates, analysis, and contributions to donor reports, internal briefings, and coordination updates, identifying gaps, challenges, and best practices for continuous improvement.
12. Adhere to core protection principles, including Do No Harm, confidentiality, and survivor-centred approaches, while upholding IOM’s gender equality commitments and PSEA policies.
13. Perform any other protection tasks that may be assigned.  
     

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Completed university degree from an accredited academic institution in Political or Social Sciences, Development Studies, Social Work, Human Rights, International Relations or Law, or other relevant field with four years of relevant experience, or 
• School diploma with six years of relevant experience.  
   

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

Experience

• Demonstrated management and leadership skills
  Minimum of four-year professional experience in the field of Protection and assistance to vulnerable population
• Experience in GBV case management, protection service delivery, or community outreach in humanitarian or development contexts.
• Demonstrated understanding of survivor-centered approaches and GBV guiding principles
• Effective organizational skills and ability to establish priorities and plans, ability to work under pressure and cope with deadlines.
• Demonstrated problem solving attitude and skills.
• Good written and spoken communications skills, good interpersonal skills, ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
   

Skills

• Knowledge of Case Management Software.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing emergency response plans. 
• Fluent in English and Arabic, both written and spoken, knowledge of French is considered an advantage.
• Good knowledge of MS Office applications Excel, Word, Outlook, etc
   

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Working knowledge of French 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 – behavioral indicators Level 2, if with direct reports

• 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

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 certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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.

No late applications will be accepted. 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

Required Skills

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