The International Organization for Migration (IOM) – Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and 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.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Project Officer (Protection)

Location: Maiduguri, Borno
Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P2
Type of Appointment: Special short-term graded, six months with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Context

• Since the beginning of 2014, north-east Nigeria has witnessed an increase in violence perpetrated by non-State armed groups (NSAGs), causing a major humanitarian crisis. The intensification of attacks has resulted in prolonged insecurity, exacerbating the plight of vulnerable civilians, and triggering waves of forced displacement as well as the violation of human rights.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has further aggravated the already dire living conditions and the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in north-east Nigeria According to IOM’s DTM December 2021 report, assessments identified the following movement triggers: camp closure / government-assisted relocation in Bakasi Camp, Jere LGA of Borno State (7,785 individuals or 71%), voluntary relocation (1,493 individuals or 14%), poor living conditions (772 individuals or 7%), improved security (333 individuals or 3%), seasonal farming (281 individuals or 2%), conflicts/attacks (205 individuals or 2%) and fear of attacks (109 individuals or 1%).
• For those displaced and affected by the crisis, the situation on the ground remains critical as the majority of them still heavily rely on humanitarian assistance.
• These populations face grave protection risks and abuse such as exploitation, family separation, restrictions on freedom of movement and violence, including gender-based violence (GBV). Vulnerabilities are exacerbated by pre-existing and emergency induced problems faced by the affected population, particularly for the more vulnerable sub-groups.
• Globally, IOM’s operations are mandated to safeguard the dignity and well-being of all crisis-affected persons, especially women and girls, and aim to ensure that their equitable access to services is prioritized, integrated and coordinated across all IOM crisis operations. Furthermore, IOM’s protection interventions are designed to reduce vulnerabilities, including to GBV, by building the capacity of field practitioners to identify, prevent and mitigate risks; and enhancing operational collaboration between IOM sectors, GBV and other specialized Protection actors. Embedded in its broader approach to protection, IOM’s work on GBV is guided by the Institutional Framework for Addressing GBV in Crises (GBViC Framework).
• Under the overall supervision of the Head of Sub-Office and Emergency Coordinator in Maiduguri and the direct supervision of the Programme Manager- MHPSS, the Project Officer (Protection) will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the project “Strengthening Response Mechanisms and Accountability to Gender Based Violence in North East Nigeria” in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States as part of Nigeria CO’s Protection response, including the capacity building of the project staff and providing technical support towards the comprehensive integrating of Protection principles into the project implementation.

Core Functions / Responsibilities

• Support and coordinate the overall implementation of the project in a timely manner, check the strict adherence to project scope and activities as set forth in the approved project proposal.
• Supervise and technically guide the project team, including consultants.
• Liaise and coordinate with relevant stakeholders such as government actors, UN agencies, NGOs and civil society in relation to the project activities, including participation in relevant Protection sector Child protection working group and other relevant meetings.
• Contribute with other members of the MHPSS Unit to the capacity building on protection, such as facilitating trainings for project staff, partners (police and civil defence corps), and other humanitarian actors, government officials and other implementing partners’ personnel, as well
• as liaising with national and international academic partners, when needed, and assisting with developing tools to monitor the quality of the training.
• Provide technical guidance to the MHPSS Team for monitoring the quality of the overall Protection response activities of Nigeria CO, checking that they are in line with internal and global standards.
• Act as a Protection Focal Point for Maiduguri Sub-Office, provide technical guidance in developing project proposals and contribute to mainstreaming protection across all IOM crisis response interventions in line with IOM’s internal guidance.
• Support the dissemination of Protection mainstreaming and relevant documents among CO’s programme/project staff including tip sheets, guidance notes, good practices, communication/awareness tools, protection checklists for specific measures in different sectors, etc. Support the MHPSS with protection related activities/approaches based on engagement with IOM’s multi-sector programme staff and identify challenges where targeted support is required.
• In close coordination with the Programme Manager-MHPSS, provide inputs for the development of key guidance notes and tools on Protection as necessary, and share challenges and good practices with other units in the CO to help enhance inter-sectorial interventions.
• Encourage the integration of cross-cutting issues such as gender, children, disability, and other vulnerable groups so they are considered across IOM programmes.
• Undertake frequent duty travel to very challenging areas.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Master’s Degree in Psychology, Social Sciences, International Relations, Human Rights Law 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 protection in emergencies and familiarity with related coordination mechanisms;
• Experience with providing technical guidance and conducting capacity building on protection principles and approaches for various stakeholders (including non-Protection specialized staff, partners (e.g., national authorities, implementing partners, etc.);
• Experience in project management and coordination; and,
• Participation in IOM corporate training in MHPSS is an asset.

Skills:

• Ability to formulate relevant programmatic inputs;
• Ability to work quickly and accurately and pay attention to detail;
• Capacity to assist efficiently in a very busy project environment;
• Excellent writing skills with the ability to analyse complex problems and identify and convey clear, rapid solutions;
• Effective resource management skills;
• Strong general analytical skills;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization; and,
• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming.

Languages:

• IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.
• External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese).
• For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of French 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
Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• 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.

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 action 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 potential.
• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

Other:

• 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, and security clearances. Subject to certain exemptions, vaccination against COVID-19 will in principle be required for individuals hired on or after 15 November 2021. This will be verified as part of the medical clearance process.
• Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

Application Closing Date
2nd February, 2022.