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. 

Eight 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, and trafficking in persons, and other protection concerns.

The IOM Protection Unit has been pivotal in addressing the urgent needs of these vulnerable populations. With specialized teams for Gender-Based Violence, 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 Protection Programme Officer, who will support the planning, coordination, monitoring, and reporting of protection activities in Cox’s Bazar, ensuring effective information flow, partner engagement, and administrative support to the Protection Unit.

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Protection Programme Coordinator, and in close coordination with the Head of Sub-Office & Senior Emergency Coordinator, the Head of Operations, the successful candidate will serve as the technical focal point for counter-trafficking (CT) programming and for irregular migration within the Protection Unit. The successful candidate will provide technical support to the work of IOM’s counter-trafficking teams in Cox’s Bazar, support the management of partnerships with implementing partners (IPs), and monitor the quality of activities in line with IOM’s global frameworks and inter-agency standards.

Programme Support & Administration

1. Contribute to donor compliance by tracking project deadlines, coordinating inputs for donor reports, and reviewing financial and programmatic documentation.
2. Assist the Protection Programme Coordinator in coordinating internal PSU and RMU processes, project tracking, financial review, procurement and budget follow-up.
3. Coordinate with relevant IOM support units (Finance, Procurement, PSU/RMU) to facilitate the smooth delivery of Protection projects in line with organizational rules.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

1. Support in the development and maintenance of M&E tools and results trackers in coordination with the M&E and Information Management teams.
2. Contribute with indicator tracking and assist in verifying partner and internal data for reporting.

Implementing Partner Support

1. Support the Protection Programme Coordinator, and the GBV and CT Specialists, in the review and monitoring of IP deliverables, including periodic reports, financial documentation, and output-level achievements.
2. Coordinate, with the Grants Unit, capacity-building efforts for IPs through training coordination, documentation, and follow-up. Assist in flagging delays, discrepancies, or quality issues in IP implementation and coordinate with relevant teams to follow up.

Advocacy, Knowledge Products, and Trainings

1. Contribute to data consolidation and analysis for reports, presentations, and other visibility products.
2. Support the final review and formatting of protection-related research and advocacy publications.
3. Support the planning and delivery of protection-related trainings, including on protection mainstreaming, case handling protocols, and internal knowledge sharing sessions.

Coordination and Communication

1. Assist the Protection Programme Coordinator in co-leading Protection Sector Working Groups, including note-taking, preparing inputs, and following up on action points.
2. Support the organization and documentation of technical workshops, inter-agency meetings, and field visits.

Other

1. Perform additional tasks as 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 two years of relevant professional experience; or,
• University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in supporting results-based project development and reporting, technical writing and editing, preferably in the international development/humanitarian sector;
• Experience in programme support functions in humanitarian or development contexts, including coordination, monitoring, reporting, and administrative processes;
• Exposure to protection programming in humanitarian settings, with demonstrated understanding of issues affecting vulnerable populations such as refugees, displaced persons, and migrants;
• Experience with donor reporting, project documentation, and compliance with organizational and donor standards; and,
• Previous work experience in Cox’s Bazar or other large-scale humanitarian operations is an advantage.

Skills

• Strong organizational, communication, and coordination skills;
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports and documentation;
• Capacity to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues and partners from varied cultures and professional backgrounds; and,
• Computer literacy, including MS Office applications and basic data management systems.

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), Bengali, and/or Rohingya 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.