Chief, Migrant Protection Unit

Position Title: Chief, Migrant Protection Unit (MPX)

Job Code: VN 2024 380

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P5

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 12 August 2024

Context:

IOM, UN Migration Agency in Geneva, Switzerland is looking for a Chief, Migration Protection Unit (MPX) who will be responsible for leading and advancing IOM’s global migrant protection policy and programming related to migrants in vulnerable situations. This includes IOM’s commitments as a leading global actor in specialized protection areas including child protection; counter-trafficking; addressing gender-based violence; advancing ethical recruitment; return and reintegration, among others.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Manage the non-humanitarian portfolio on protection including developing strategies, global policies related to the protection and assistance of migrants in vulnerable situations, including victims of exploitation and migrant children. Contribute to the rollout of the new IOM’s Strategic Plan and the Protection Division Global Strategy in addition to providing advice and support to the development of Regional and Country Office Strategies.
2. Represent IOM and promote its policy vision and strategy with governments, civil society, and the private sector, as well as media organizations. Promote and facilitate inter-agency collaboration and contribute to relevant UN processes, such as the Inter-Agency Coordination Group against Trafficking in Persons (ICAT), the UN Network on Migration, and the 2030 Development Agenda.
3. Advise and provide substantial and technical inputs and guidance to governmental counterparts and internal stakeholders notably Regional Thematic Specialists (RTS) and Country Offices in the development of non- humanitarian protection programmes and interventions that fall within the Unit’s purview by leading capacity development of staff capacity and professionalize IOM’s expertise on protection mainstreaming as well as specialized protection services in non- humanitarian settings.
4. Contribute and strengthen compliance with policies and commitment on Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse measures and its operational implementation and coordination with protection services.
5. Ensure regular liaison with, and participate in, meetings with governments, international organizations, and private sector partners to set common policies and standards, promote cooperation, and raise funds for new programmes and projects.
6. Stay abreast of non-humanitarian protection issues and legal framework for migrants by addressing emerging issues, in close collaboration with Regional Offices, Country Offices, and relevant HQ Departments and Divisions.
7. Engage and actively participate in relevant international and regional fora and forge regional partnerships to advocate for key protection and mandate issues while engaging in cross-cutting protection-related matters including mixed migration and climate change induced migration governance responses.
8. Lead the Unit’s priorities and activities. Direct and monitor the work carried out by the Unit in general and provide direct supervision of relevant staff members.
9. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in International Human Rights Law, Political Science, Social Science or a related field with ten years of relevant professional experience; or,
• Bachelors degree in the above with twelve years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• At least ten years (twelve years for bachelor’s degree holders) of experience in protection work, with a focus on protection issues such as gender-based violence, child protection, and counter-trafficking including 4 years in managerial capacity;
• Experience in working in various contexts, and in leading and managing protection teams and projects; and,
• Experience in capacity development on protection, complex programme development and implementation experience, including budget management.

Skills

• Excellent knowledge of international humanitarian and human rights law and standards, and of protection principles and approaches; and,
• In-depth knowledge in the development of legislation and policy relating to the protection of vulnerable non-national groups, such as asylum seekers and refugees, unaccompanied migrant children, or foreign victims of trafficking.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish. All staff members are required to be fluent in one of the three languages.

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.