Protection Associate

Position Title: Protection Associate

Duty Station City: Caracas
Duty Station Country: Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Grade: G5
Contract Type: Special Short-Term Graded
Recruiting Type: General Service
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: until 31 december 2026

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 internal and external candidates. 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, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission in Venezuela and the direct supervision of the Senior Protection Associate, and in close coordination with the Protection Officer and relevant programme teams, the Protection Associate will support the implementation of IOM Venezuela's protection activities. The incumbent will assist in the implementation of field-level protection interventions, community engagement activities, protection monitoring, referrals and information management, in accordance with IOM standards, protection principles and donor requirements.

Following the devastating earthquakes of 24 June 2026 that affected Caracas (Capital District), La Guaira, Miranda and surrounding states, causing widespread infrastructure damage, population displacement and the declaration of a state of emergency, IOM Venezuela is implementing a multisectoral humanitarian response to ensure timely access to life-saving assistance. Within this framework, the Protection Unit delivers interventions aimed at preventing, mitigating and responding to protection risks affecting displaced and earthquake-affected populations, with particular attention to women, children, older persons, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Activities include community-based protection, protection mainstreaming, information and awareness campaigns, accountability to affected populations, prevention of gender-based violence, child protection, family reunification support and access to specialized services through established referral pathways. 

The Protection Associate will support day-to-day implementation of protection activities, including community outreach, referrals, awareness-raising sessions, dissemination of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, collection of protection-related data, and follow-up of cases and community concerns. The incumbent will work closely with mobile protection teams, implementing partners and affected communities to facilitate safe access to services, support community-based protection activities, and provide inputs for monitoring and reporting activities. The incumbent will carry out assigned activities in a timely, confidential and survivor-centred manner, in accordance with IOM policies, protection principles, informed consent, data protection standards, Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP), Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and humanitarian principles.

1. Support the implementation of beneficiary registration, information collection and documentation activities in accordance with established procedures and IOM protection principles.
2. Support the implementation of initial and ongoing protection assessments for beneficiaries requiring specialized support, and document findings in accordance with established procedures.
3. Provide beneficiaries and communities with information and orientation on available protection services, referral pathways, assistance modalities, community resources and humanitarian support mechanisms.
4. Assist in the implementation and follow-up of protection response activities for persons with identified protection needs, in coordination with relevant IOM units, implementing partners and competent authorities.
5. Record, update and maintain information on beneficiaries’ protection needs, vulnerabilities and service received, in line with confidentiality, data protection and safeguarding standards.
6. Facilitate referrals to specialized services, including health, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), legal assistance, child protection, gender-based violence and social services, as required and in accordance with established referral procedures, and follow up on referrals, as appropriate.
7. Support coordination and information exchange with relevant internal units, service providers, humanitarian actors and local authorities on protection-related matters, in accordance with established procedures and data protection requirements.
8. Identify and promptly report protection concerns, safeguarding incidents and protection issues affecting beneficiaries through established reporting and escalation mechanisms.
9. Support community-based protection activities and engagement with community leaders, representative groups and local protection actors, as appropriate.
10. Support the organization and delivery of awareness-raising activities, information sessions, community outreach initiatives and dissemination of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials for affected populations.  
11. Draft case notes, activity summaries, referral documentation and inputs for internal coordination, monitoring and reporting purposes, as required.
12. Participate in field visits, protection monitoring activities and community consultations, as required.
13. Maintain the confidential handling of personal data and protection-related information in accordance with IOM data protection, safeguarding, AAP and PSEA requirements.
14. Undertake other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• High school diploma with five years of professional experience; or,

• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Social Work, Psychology, Political Science, Social Sciences, Humanities, International Relations or a related field from an accredited institution with three years of professional experience. 

   

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• Experience supporting protection activities with affected populations, migrants, internally displaced persons, survivors/persons at risk and communities in vulnerable situations.

• Experience in community outreach, referrals, beneficiary engagement, information dissemination, data collection and field monitoring.

• Previous working experience with children or semi-independent living units is an advantage.

• Previous experience and/or knowledge on child protection is an advantage.

• Training in protection, case management, GBV risk mitigation, child protection, counter-trafficking, AAP, PSEA, disability inclusion and/or humanitarian response is desirable.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in a multi-cultural setting.

• Good organizational and administrative skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records and handle sensitive information confidentially.

• Strong work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other relevant software.

   

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in Spanish is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of English is required/desirable according to operational needs.

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 1

• 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, if with direct reports

• 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

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 certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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.

No late applications will be accepted. 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