Context
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.
IOM protection work in Libya is multi-fold and aims to improve service delivery to populations in vulnerable situations including but not limited to survivors of gender-based violence, unaccompanied and separated children and victims of trafficking; implement community based protection programming to raise awareness and foster resilience; strengthen institutional mechanisms through capacity building and advocacy on topics such as counter trafficking and smuggling of migrants, child protection, access to education, and human rights; and advocate for the decriminalization of irregular migration and establishment of alternatives to detention, especially for migrants in the most vulnerable situations including but not limited to children, women and migrants with health needs.
Under the overall supervision of the Programme Manager- Assistance to Vulnerable Migrants and the direct supervision of the CBP Officer (P2), the Senior Protection Associate (CBP and Outreach) will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities
Support the Outreach and CBP officer in planning, implementation, and monitoring of outreach activities in migrant communities across Libya, in close synergy with IOM Libya Units including the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) and relevant PxD teams.
Identify and mobilize migrants interested in IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) assistance, ensuring protection-sensitive engagement and respect for informed decision-making.
Support the Outreach and Community based Officer in planning and coordinating participatory and community-based protection interventions, in developing a community-based protection strategy, and planning community-based protection activities in close cooperation with relevant colleagues to ensure a coordinated and complimentary approach.
In close coordination with the Outreach and Community based Protection officer and data teams, prepare and adapt tools to collect information on the capacities of migrant communities of concern and risks they face, notably in terms of child protection.
Coordinate with local community groups and networks to conduct community-based focus groups and participatory sessions related to protection notably, working closely with relevant teams as required.
Coordinate the provision of information on key protection topics including access to education.
Supervise the team that will in conduct community-based protection activities in close coordination with the outreach team to provide information on services to migrants in a vulnerable situation.
Support the Outreach and CBP Officer in planning and coordinating the implementation of community-based protection activities that integrate protection principles, including Do No Harm, confidentiality, and inclusiveness, and ensure activities are implemented in line with IOM standards and SOPs.
Support the Outreach and CBP Officer in the design and dissemination of information materials and sessions on community-based protection and other relevant protection topics, ensuring that messaging is clear, accessible, and culturally appropriate.
Safeguard the confidentiality, accuracy, and integrity of all outreach and protection documentation, adhering to IOM’s data protection rules and code of conduct.
Ensure full adherence to core protection principles, including Do No Harm, confidentiality, and survivor-centred approaches, while upholding IOM’s gender equality commitments and PSEA policies.
Perform any other community-based protection-related duties as may be assigned by PxD management
Knowledge of community based protection and outreach activities
Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing response plans and
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