Protection Assistant At International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Context:

An inclusive and human rights-based approach that guarantees the availability and accessibility of psychosocial support and mental health care for all migrants (irrespective of their status) and their host communities can contribute to positive social, economic and cultural outcomes for migrants, their families, communities, and also the societies of both origin and destination countries. Under the general supervision of the non-resident IOM Malta Officer in Charge seated in Rome and the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the incumbent will perform the duties listed below, as Protection Assistant for Facilitated Movements and Integration activities.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

• Participate in assessments of psychosocial and psychological needs, identify problems/gaps and propose/prioritize timely practical actions to respond to particular mental health and psychosocial issues related to beneficiaries of relocation/resettlement.
• Support the Project Manager in assessing needs for operation/medical escorts for individuals with particular protection requirements.
• When needed, facilitate response to individual cases of concern, in close coordination with the other relevant stakeholders (AWAS, MHSE, Open and closed Centres, health services, social workers, NGOs, EUAA, UNHCR) and refer for treatment as appropriate (e.g., screening, interview, counselling, referral or assistance, depending on program capacities).
• Participate in inter-agency protection fora/meetings (child-protection, gender-based violence, health, counter trafficking in particular the THB roundtable by Appogg, Working group on detention).
• When required, monitor specific protection needs of beneficiaries and report within IOM and externally if needed.
• Liaise with government authorities to establish a comprehensive mechanism in the best interest of the child for movement of children, UMCs and separated children, in particular (sharing of case reports, communication with legal guardians, if applicable in country of origin, departure and arrival).
• Liaise with authorities on procedures and possible IOM support for resettled LGBTQI refugees in Malta.
• Prepare periodic statistical/narrative updates and background information as required, including specific information requested by Officials and other entities.
• Grow partnerships of IOM on psychosocial and mental health interventions and represent IOM in mental health/ protection relevant coordination groups and fora.
• Draft SOPs with external entities to coordinate efforts.
• Perform any other duty as may be required.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

University degree in social science with three years of relevant experience in assisting migrants in protection contexts.

Experience:

• Working experience with an operational UN agency or a major international NGO in the field of protection and assistance of refugees, internally displaced people, and migrants; and
• Experience with counter trafficking, gender-based violence, child protection or case management assistance for vulnerable migrants;
• Experience in assisting with movements of vulnerable populations;
• Proven experience in humanitarian settings is considered an advantage; Experience in humanitarian affairs, emergency preparedness, protection and human rights;
• Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, other national/international institutions, and NGOs, as well as in the Mediterranean Region, is an asset.

Skills:

• Interpersonal Skills
• Intercultural communication skills
• Counselling and training skills
• Knowledge of international protection standards
• Use of MiMOSA

Languages:

• Fluency in English (oral and written)
• Knowledge of Arabic, French, Spanish and/or Maltese would be considered as an asset.

Required 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.

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 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 at this link.

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates will be requested to provide evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19.

This post is subject to local recruitment. Only persons holding a valid residence and work permit for Italy will be eligible for consideration.