Expedited VN 2026-02: Senior Programme Associate (Migrant Protection and Capacity Building), G7, Internal Applicants only
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Associate Full-time Locallly Recruited 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
This is an expedited recruitment process open only to:
a) internal candidates and
b) former IOM staff members who were separated in the last 12 months due to the structural adjustment process.
This process is not open to external applicants, their applications will not be considered at this time.
Context
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission in Slovakia and the direct supervision of the Head of the Migrant Protection Unit, and in close coordination with relevant units, the incumbent will be responsible for coordinating and strengthening protection assistance for vulnerable migrants, with a particular focus on the AVRR programme.
The role includes providing specialized counselling, supporting staff and partners through capacity-building activities, and ensuring effective identification, protection, and assistance of vulnerable migrants in line with IOM standards.
1. Protection Program Implementation
Support the development, implementation and monitoring of AVRR initiatives aimed at reducing protection risks for migrants in vulnerable situations, focusing on those facing abuse, exploitation, violence, and neglect.
Monitor the effectiveness of protection measures and provide recommendations to adapt strategies to ensure alignment with IOM’s AVRR program.
2. Direct Assistance Management
Provide direct support and services to individuals and families in need, ensuring that programs address their immediate and long-term needs (e.g., shelter, healthcare, education, and income generation).
Facilitate safe and dignified return or sustainable reintegration processes, including family reunification and counseling services, tailored to individual needs.
3. Capacity Building and Training
Design and deliver training programs for individuals, communities, and government duty bearers to build capacity in AVRR program, migrant protection and rights promotion.
Coordinate with local partners to strengthen communities’ resilience and the abilities of government stakeholders to fulfill their roles in upholding migrant rights.
4. Data Management and Research Coordination
Lead data collection, research, and analysis initiatives to gather insights on protection threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices.
Contribute to research outputs and prepare learning materials to inform program strategies and policy advocacy.
5. Advocacy and Communication
Participate in the development of advocacy strategies to promote awareness of migrant rights and protection needs, engaging with both local and international audiences.
Communicate IOM’s AVRR, migrant protection work and program impacts through various channels, ensuring transparency and alignment with the organization’s mission.
6. Thematic Guidance and Policy Development
Provide technical guidance to internal teams and partners on protection and assistance strategies, ensuring that all activities adhere to legal frameworks and human rights standards. Contribute to policy development, especially on issues of protection risks, migrant assistance, and government capacity enhancement.
7. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
Foster partnerships with NGOs, community organizations, government bodies, and international entities to enhance collaborative efforts in migrant protection and assistance.
Participate in dialogue forums and convening activities to promote unified efforts toward migrant rights and protection.
8. Protection Standards Compliance
Verify all program activities align with international protection standards and relevant legal frameworks governing migrant rights.
Regularly review and update protection protocols to remain in compliance with the highest standards of migrant welfare and rights.
9. Quality of Assistance Provided
Maintain high standards in delivering assistance to individuals and families, with a focus on responsiveness, safety, and dignity.
Monitor the accuracy and timeliness of assistance delivery, ensuring comprehensive support and positive outcomes for beneficiaries.
10. Resource Allocation and Management
Monitor budgeting and resource allocation for protection and assistance activities, ensuring optimal utilization of resources within financial guidelines.
Ensure transparent and ethical use of funds in program implementation, maintaining accountability for expenditures.
11. Monitoring and Reporting
Develop and submit detailed reports on program activities, progress, challenges, and outcomes to relevant stakeholders within IOM and its partners.
Ensure data collection and reporting processes are accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational accountability requirements.
12. Capacity Development Outcomes
Measure and report on the impact of training and capacity-building efforts for communities and duty bearers.
Help capacity development initiatives translate into tangible improvements in stakeholder abilities to protect and assist migrant populations.
13. Research Integrity and Knowledge Sharing
Ensure the integrity and ethical standards of all research activities, prioritizing transparency, accuracy, and confidentiality where appropriate.
Disseminate research findings and insights to improve organizational learning and inform policy advocacy.
14. Advocacy Impact
Support the effectiveness of advocacy and communication efforts, including public awareness, stakeholder support, and policy influence.
Verify all advocacy messages are consistent with IOM’s mission and contribute to broader understanding and support of migrant protection.
15. Risk Management
Identify and provide recommendations to mitigate risks associated with program implementation, particularly those that could impact migrant safety and program effectiveness.
Participate in the development of and maintain protocols to address potential threats, ensuring a proactive approach to safeguarding migrants and staff.
16. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience
EDUCATION
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 five years of relevant professional experience, or completed High School degree from an accredited academic institution, with at least seven years of relevant working experience, preferably in similar roles.
• Experience in protection work with vulnerable migrants, including case management and direct assistance programming.
• Experience in capacity-building and training for staff, government stakeholders, and community partners on migrant protection and rights.
• Experience in multi-sectoral assistance (shelter, healthcare, education, employment) and needs assessments for vulnerable groups.
• Skills in developing training programs, workshops, and informational materials for diverse audiences.
• Experience in external communication, including report writing, presentations, and liaising with partners and donors.
• Prior work with international organizations, NGOs, or government institutions in multi-cultural settings is an advantage.
Strong knowledge of protection principles, case management techniques, and psychosocial support for vulnerable populations.
Ability to design, develop, and conduct training programs tailored to diverse audiences, including government officials, community workers, and field staff.
Skilled in participatory training methods and culturally appropriate facilitation to ensure engagement and effective learning. Skills in program planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
Skills in analyzing policies affecting migrant protection and making recommendations for policy improvements.
Strong interpersonal and public speaking skills with a commitment to provide respectful, culturally-competent communication, including an awareness and acceptance of cultural differences;
Knowledge of diverse cultures and environments; and the skills to adapt communication skills to fit cultural context;
Ability to create advocacy materials and communicate complex issues in an accessible way to raise awareness and support for migrant protection.
Driving license B – active driver.
IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.
For this position, fluency in Slovak and English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.
This vacancy is open only to internal candidates. Staff members who were separated from service due to funding constraints will be considered as equivalent to internal candidates for 12 months following their separation (or from their commencement of SLWOP, as the case may be).
This position is available on both a full-time and part-time basis.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
