Senior Protection Associate (Protection Coordination)

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

Türkiye hosts a large and diverse population of migrants and refugees who face a range of protection risks, including barriers to accessing essential services, exploitation, trafficking, gender-based violence (GBV), and heightened socio-economic vulnerabilities. These risks may be further exacerbated in emergency contexts and disproportionately affect individuals with specific needs.

In response, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) implements humanitarian protection programming through Emergency Case Management (ECM), Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), and the Voluntary Return and Advisory Desks, which serve as accessible entry points for information, counselling and referrals, including for Syrians under Temporary Protection. Programming includes outreach, identification and referral of individuals with protection needs, including victims of trafficking and survivors of GBV, ensuring access to appropriate assistance and specialized services through coordinated referral pathways in line with protection principles. It also includes capacity-building of staff and partners, as well as coordination with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the quality, consistency and accessibility of protection services.

This Job Requisition is for 2 positions based in Gaziantep and Sanliurfa. 

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Protection Coordinator and the direct supervision of the National Protection Officer (HPX), and in close coordination with the Head of Sub-Office in Gaziantep, the Senior Protection Associate  will assist in coordinating  the day-to-day implementation of the Voluntary Return and Advisory Desks, including outreach, protection counselling, case management, referrals, coordination with the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC) Community Centre management, and  monitoring of the quality and consistency of service delivery.

The incumbent will be based at the Voluntary Return and Advisory Desks located within the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC) Community Centres.

1. Assist in the planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of project activities, including outreach, identification of vulnerable individuals, protection counselling, case management and referral services, in accordance with project Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), protection principles and quality standards. 

2. Provide protection counselling and case management services for individuals with specific needs, including the management of complex protection cases, in accordance with project SOPs, protection principles and quality standards. Provide technical guidance to staff on case planning, referrals, case conferences and case closure, as required.

3. Monitor  case management activities, case records and reporting systems,  checking timely documentation, data quality, and compliance with IOM data protection, confidentiality and information-sharing principles.

4. ​ Assist in coordinating  the financial, administrative and technical aspects of project implementation, including monitoring budgets, preparing and tracking Purchase Requests (PRs), Payment Request Forms (PRFs) and other procurement documentation in  compliance with IOM policies and donor requirements. 

5. Act as the primary focal point with the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC) Community Centre management and other partners to coordinate outreach, counselling, referral and case management activities and strengthen referral pathways. 

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6. Plan, coordinate and conduct capacity building workshops for relevant internal and external parties, on protection counselling, case management, referral pathways and protection principles  

7. ​Participate in meetings and conferences. Maintain effective liaison and coordination with local authorities, partners, United Nation (UN) agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project.   

8. Coordinate the preparation of correspondence, briefing notes, presentations, narrative and financial reports; ensure status reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner, ; and maintain case management statistics, tracking tools and other project monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

9. Identify and document good practices and lessons learned; contribute to the development of Standard Operations Procedures (SOP), policies and concept papers and support the development of new projects.

10. Supervise and provide guidance and training to reporting staff, including technical oversight and quality assurance of counselling and case management services. 

11. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• School diploma with  six years of relevant experience; or,

• Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work, Law, Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution with  four years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

• Experience in protection case management, including outreach, case assessment, case planning, referrals, follow-up and case closure, preferably in humanitarian or migration contexts; Experience providing direct assistance and accompanying beneficiaries to access healthcare, legal assistance, social services or other protection services is an advantage

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• Experience working with vulnerable migrants and refugees, including survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), victims of trafficking (VoTs), unaccompanied and separated children (UASC), persons with disabilities, individuals with serious medical conditions, and other individuals with specific protection needs.

• Experience liaising and coordinating with government authorities, United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations and other service providers to facilitate access to protection services and referrals.

• Experience maintaining case records and using case management and information management systems, with a strong understanding of data protection, confidentiality and information-sharing principles.

• Experience in preparing reports, maintaining accurate documentation and supporting project implementation, monitoring and reporting.

• Previous experience working with international organizations, humanitarian agencies, government institutions or non-governmental organizations in a multicultural environment is desirable.

   

Skills

• Strong knowledge of protection principles, case management methodologies, referral mechanisms and survivor-centred approaches. 

• Sound understanding of humanitarian principles, confidentiality, data protection, informed consent and the Do No Harm principle. 

• Strong communication, interpersonal and counselling skills, with the ability to work effectively with vulnerable individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

• Strong organizational, coordination and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple cases and competing priorities. 

• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with government authorities, United Nations agencies, implementing partners and other stakeholders. 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with attention to detail and accuracy. 

• Excellent report writing, documentation and information management skills, including maintaining accurate case records and ensuring data quality. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint); experience with MiMOSA or other case management information systems is an advantage. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.

   

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 English and Turkish is required (oral and written). Desirable language: working knowledge of Arabic.

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, 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

This Job Requisition is for 2 positions based in Gaziantep and Sanliurfa. 

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