Germany: Protection Associate (Child Protection) (m/f/d)

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 candidates are considered first-tier candidates. Second tier candidates include all external candidates.

Context:

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants affected by the ongoing emergency.

IOM’s operations cover diverse thematic areas such as: Humanitarian Relief Assistance, Protection (including Gender based Violence and Child Protection), Shelter and Non-food items, Health and Psychosocial Support, Resettlement, and Movement Management.

Under the overall guidance of the AP Coordinator and the Protection Coordinator, under the direct supervision of the Project Officer (Protection), and in collaboration with relevant teams onsite, the incumbent will be responsible and accountable for the following:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Assist with assessments on the protection needs of the affected population, with particular focus on children, including Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC).
2. Support quality case management services for children and UASC, including coordination with service providers, provide referrals and conduct follow-ups in line with IOM and interagency standards.
3. Contribute to a Child Best Interest Procedure (BIP), particularly to Best Interest Assessment (BIA) as directed by supervisor.
4. Adhere to data protection principles and information sharing protocols when maintaining PIM records, with quality data that is sufficiently detailed and accurate.
5. Support coordination and delivery of other protection interventions and activities, such as, management of women and girl friendly spaces (WGFS), Child Friendly Spaces (CFS) and community-based protection in close coordination with MHPSS-teams.
6. Assist in organizing protection assessment activities and community based protection interventions.
7. Retrieve, compile, summarize, analyse, and present information/data on specific project topics, including regular update of unit and project trackers.
8. Support IOM sectors and units on protection mainstreaming, child safeguarding and GBV risk mitigation efforts, including through organizing and delivering capacity building.
9. Draft status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, bring them to the attention of the supervisor and suggest remedial actions.
10. Respond to complex information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records; organize meetings, workshops and training sessions.
11. Participate in internal and external coordination meetings as requested by supervisor.
12. Assist in monitoring work of implementing partners as/if relevant and report non-compliances to the supervisor.
13. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience: 

Education: 

• Bachelors’ degree (or higher) in Social Work, Psychology, Pedagogy or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with at least three years of relevant professional experience, preferably in similar roles; OR
• Completed High School degree from an accredited academic institution, with at least five years of relevant working experience, preferably in similar roles.

Experience: 

• Experience with case management for at-risk individuals, particularly for children, including unaccompanied and separated children.
• Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups.
• Experience in child safeguarding mechanisms and contributing to Child Best Interest Procedures.
• Experience in organizing and running child friendly spaces in displacement and transit settings.
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting.

Skills: 

• Sound ability to apply practical knowledge on actions to address child protection and safeguarding issues at the operational level.
• Strict adherence to humanitarian, protection, including child protection principles and standards, as well as organizational policies including Code of Conduct and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to work in a multi-cultural environment. • Strong skills in community outreach and building relations with key community leaders and groups.
• Ability to locate and apply key Inter-Agency Protection, particularly Child Protection Resources.
• Demonstrated analytical, writing and reporting skills.
• Solid computer skills (MS Excel, Word and PowerPoint).

Languages: 

• REQUIRED: For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written).
• DESIRABLE: Working knowledge of German, Dari and/or Pashto is an advantage.

Required Competencies: 

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:

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.
• 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 action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

IOM’s competency framework can be found under the following link.

Other: 

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.

The 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. This post is subject to local recruitment. Only applicants holding a valid residence and work permit in Germany will be eligible for consideration.

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates are invited to submit their application through our platform, latest by midnight on the day of closing of the vacancy. Late applications will not be considered. Only applications submitted via our platform (https://germany-careers.iom.int/Careers.aspx) will be considered.