Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.
IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn 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:
Second tier candidates include:
All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.
Organizational Context and Scope
Türkiye hosts a large and diverse population of migrants and refugees within a complex and evolving migration and displacement context. Affected populations face a range of protection risks, including barriers to accessing services, exposure to exploitation and abuse, and challenges linked to legal status and socio-economic vulnerability.
In response, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) implements a comprehensive portfolio of Protection projects aimed at promoting the safety, dignity, and rights of migrants, refugees, and other vulnerable groups. The programme combines migrant protection and protection in humanitarian settings delivered in close coordination with national authorities and partners.
Under the migrant protection portfolio, IOM implements Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR), supporting approximately 30,000 returnees with protection-sensitive return and reintegration assistance, alongside Counter-Trafficking (CT) and Child Protection interventions. These activities provide specialized case management for victims of trafficking and unaccompanied and separated children (UASC), while facilitating access to essential services through established referral pathways, including Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). Complementing this, IOM delivers nationwide Emergency Case Management (ECM) under its humanitarian protection programming, providing life-saving, individualized assistance to highly vulnerable migrants. This includes direct financial and material support, legal and medical assistance, safe access to services, and support for return preparedness to Syria, with a focus on individuals facing heightened risks and barriers.
A cross-cutting focus on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), disability inclusion, MHPSS, and protection mainstreaming is embedded across the portfolio to ensure safe, inclusive, and rights-based programming.
The Protection Information Management and Reporting sub-unit serves as a sub-unit within Protection Unit, responsible for supporting programme implementation and ensuring the systematic collection, management, analysis, and dissemination of protection-related data. It plays a central role in supporting evidence-based decision-making, strengthening programme implementation, monitoring, and reporting, and ensuring high-quality internal and external outputs across protection interventions, while coordinating Protection Information Management (PIM) systems and processes across sub-units
Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCOM) and the direct supervision of the Senior Protection Coordinator, and in close coordination with the Head of Sub-Office in Istanbul, the Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) at the Regional Office in Vienna, and relevant Divisions/Units at Headquarters (HQ), the Protection Officer will support the planning, implementation, and monitoring of Protection programming in Türkiye, with a particular focus on programme support, the establishment and strengthening of data and case management systems, protection information management, and reporting.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Economic Development, Business or Public Administration, International Studies 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.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
Skills
Languages
All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).
At least a working knowledge of another language (including one of the six official UN languages, and/or a language that may be widely spoken in the country context) is desirable.
For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian and Spanish) 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:
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2
Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2
Notes
Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. 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 all clearances, including medical and security as well as accreditation, any residency or visa requirements. 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, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.
IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.
IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM WAVE 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