Job Identification (Reference Number): 13054
Position Title: General Protection and Protection Research Specialist (P)
Duty Station City: Cox’s Bazar
Duty Station Country: Bangladesh
Grade: P-3
Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to six months with possibility of extension)
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: Six months
Closing date: 09 October 2025

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 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 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, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

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

Organizational Context and Scope

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization providing services to governments and migrants in the field of migration. With 173 member states and offices in more than 100 countries, IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM is characterized by its strong field presence, its provision of services, including in very remote areas, advice to governments, and direct contact with crisis-affected communities. 

Seven years have passed since the Rohingya were compelled to flee Myanmar due to systemic discrimination and violence. Despite ongoing support from the Bangladesh government and international aid, challenges persist, with stateless Rohingya largely reliant on humanitarian assistance and facing uncertain futures. Today, Cox’s Bazar hosts the world’s largest refugee settlement, with nearly one million Rohingya living in challenging conditions across 33 camps. These communities are grappling with not just the trauma of displacement but also the ongoing threats of gender-based violence, child protection, abuse and neglect of extremely vulnerable populations, and trafficking in persons. 

The situation in the refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, has significantly deteriorated in 2024, with the situation in the refugee camps in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, has significantly deteriorated in 2024, with a reduced rule of law and increased criminal activity—including killings, abductions, extortion, trafficking, and other violent incidents. These developments have undermined the sense of safety within the camps and posed challenges to maintaining their civilian and humanitarian nature, impacting the overall well-being of refugees.

This situation is further exacerbated by restrictions on freedom of movement and the lack of meaningful economic, livelihood, and educational opportunities for Rohingya refugees. These challenges leave young people particularly vulnerable to trafficking, dangerous onward journeys by land and sea, exploitation by criminal groups, and other harmful coping mechanisms, such as child marriage. Groups at heightened risk include young people, children, adolescent girls, single women, widows, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, refugee volunteers and community leaders face direct threats and coercion from criminal groups, further undermining safety and community cohesion.

The IOM Protection Unit has been pivotal in addressing the urgent needs of these vulnerable populations. With specialized teams for Gender-Based Violence, Child Protection, Counter-Trafficking, General Protection, and Protection Research, the Unit’s integrated approach enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the humanitarian response. The synergy among these teams fosters a deep, nuanced understanding of the dynamic and complex protection landscape in Cox’s Bazar, ensuring a proactive and responsive humanitarian operation.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to join its humanitarian protection operations in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, as the General Protection and Protection Research Specialist. This role is central to one of IOM’s largest and most complex protection responses globally, addressing critical needs in a dynamic and challenging humanitarian context.

The General Protection and Protection Research Specialist will lead the General Protection (GP) and Protection Research (PR) teams, ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality protection services and evidence-based programming. The successful candidate will be instrumental in providing key inputs and advice for the development of innovative strategies, providing technical expertise, and fostering collaborative partnerships with stakeholders. The successful candidate will also be involved in supporting the broader protection portfolio, including supporting the coordinator in her responsibilities as co-lead of relevant working groups.  

The successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Protection Program Coordinator and overall supervision of the Head of Operations and Head of Sub-Office. The incumbent will be responsible for the following: 

1. Oversee and manage GP and PR program development, coordination and implementation, ensuring alignment with IOM’s global frameworks and inter-agency protection standards
2. Develop, refine, and regularly update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for case management and protection strategies to enhance the quality and consistency of services.
3. Spearhead the design, update and execution of protection monitoring and analysis to identify and respond to trends, risks, and emerging issues affecting vulnerable populations.
4. Provide technical advice and guidance to the GP team on responding to protection concerns, including those related to safety/security and HLP, to ensure adherence to international protection principles and best practices.
5. Provide technical advice and guidance on PIM and PAF to the GP and PR teams to ensure adherence to international protection principles and best practices.
6. Develop and deliver capacity-building initiatives for protection staff and partners, focusing on case management, protection monitoring, and integrated protection approaches.
7. Develop and deliver protection mainstreaming capacity-building initiatives for non-protection staff and partners.
8. In coordination with the Protection Program Coordinator, represent IOM at relevant protection forums, including the Protection Sector and inter-agency working groups. Foster collaborative relationships with stakeholders. Support the Protection Program Coordinator in IOM's role as co-lead of several high-profile protection working groups. 
9. Support the Protection Program Coordinator in advocacy efforts, promoting evidence-based solutions and integrated protection programming.
10. Prepare high-quality reports for donors, stakeholders, and IOM management, highlighting program achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
11. Lead the Protection Research team in conducting studies to address knowledge gaps, inform program strategies, and support advocacy.
12. Promote the use of research findings to enhance protection programming and contribute to the global body of knowledge on humanitarian protection.
13. Contribute to IOM’s emergency preparedness efforts by integrating protection considerations into contingency planning and response strategies.
14. Along with other P3s in the Protection Unit, may serve as OIC of the Unit when the Protection Program Coordinator is not in Cox’s Bazar (currently a RnR Duty Station).
15. Perform such other tasks as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Law, International Relations 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.

Experience

• Proven experience in managing and implementing General Protection programming, including case management, protection monitoring, and community-based protection initiatives;
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for case management and protection strategies;
• Proven track record in designing and conducting Protection research in complex humanitarian settings, applying ethical research standards;
• Strong expertise in applying Protection Information Management (PIM) guidelines and using the Protection Analysis Framework (PAF);
• Experience working with and analyzing protection concerns using Human Rights or Humanitarian Law;
• Demonstrated experience in conducting research and writing on Humanitarian Protection concerns; and,
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions, and fostering collaborative partnerships.

Skills

• In-depth understanding of protection issues, including displacement, conflict, human rights, and vulnerable populations, with a focus on refugees and internally displaced people;
• Proven ability to oversee and provide technical support to protection monitoring and analysis activities, ensuring alignment with global standards;
• Familiarity with international and inter-agency coordination mechanisms for protection programming, including active participation in relevant working groups;
• Demonstrated strong planning and coordination skills;
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;
• Sound ability to communicate practical knowledge on actions to address Protection issues at the operational level and demonstrated experience with training already skilled Protection national staff;
• Demonstrated analytical, writing and reporting skills; and,
• Demonstrated skills in analyzing and synthesizing complex data to inform humanitarian programming and policy recommendations.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. 

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) and/or Bengali 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.

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.