The Protection Unit within the mission is responsible for protection interventions aimed at addressing risks and responding to potential violation of rights as defined by international instruments, including migration, human rights, refugee and international humanitarian law. The unit ensures the upholding and restoration of the rights of individuals vulnerable to violence, abuse, exploitation, discrimination, neglect, and deprivation. It also supports the integration of protection principles across IOM's operations and initiatives.ย
The unit plays a crucial role in implementing and integrating counter-trafficking (CT) initiatives into IOMโs global operations. It provides technical support and guidance to field missions, ensuring compliance with international protection standards. By embedding CT into broader protection strategies, the unit addresses the vulnerabilities of those at risk and strengthens IOMโs capacity to respond to emerging challenges. It collaborates closely with relevant divisions and external partners to ensure that CT interventions align with IOMโs global protection commitments. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Office (HoO) and in close coordination with the Program Manager and the Protection Unit the Programme Assistant (Counter-Trafficking in Persons (CTiP)) will formulate, develop, and align IOMโs global CT policies with its protection framework. The incumbent will ensure policy coherence across humanitarian and non-humanitarian settings, provide expert guidance, and integrate CT considerations into operations to enhance alignment with global protection strategies. 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 candidates are considered first-tier candidates.
- Working closely with the Head of Office and Project Managerย to assist in planning, implementation and monitoring of activities relating to CTIP in Vanuatu;
- Prepare and review reports and publications in line with IOMโs CT objectives.
- Assist in planning, coordination, implementation and monitoring of project activities including coordination of National Steering Committee on Migrant Protection and Assistance.
- Develop and deliver CT training programs, update tools and support field staff to enhance operational capacity.
- Compile, summarize, analyse, and present information/data on CTiP project topics,ย highlighting noteworthy issues for the consideration of the Project Manager and HoO;
- Maintain effective liaison and coordination with the MoIA, VIS, VPF, DoL, DCIR, other government authorities, partners, United Nation agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and other stakeholders relevant to the project.ย
- Attend and represent IOM in national, regional and international meetings relating to the CTiP and provide update from meetings to guide in the response;
- Act as focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units and external parties to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, follow-up on administrative actions, etc.
- Support project monitoring & evaluation. Monitor the work of implementing partners, report any non-compliance to the supervisor, and assist in responding to complex information requests and inquiries; set up and maintain files/records.
- Draft correspondence on project issues; prepare and update reports, briefing notes, and other forms of documentation including drafting status reports; identifying shortfalls in delivery, and bring them to the attention of theย Project Manager and suggest corrective measures.ย
- Provide inputs for the drafting of strategic documents, proposals, concept notes, donor reports, case studies and information materials including other regular or ad-hoc project reporting and documentation as required by facilitating and compiling inputs from field teams.
- Coordinate the delivery of training and technical assistance to government partners, including technical assistance to draft solutions-specific or solutions-inclusive strategies, laws, policies, and plans;
- Contribute to implementation of IOM projects and activities to support the resolution of internal displacement;
- In coordination with relevant colleagues/units, support donor engagement and resource mobilization efforts;ย
- Undertake necessary duty travel; and
- Perform any other duties as may be assigned. Education
- School diploma with five years of relevant experience; or;
- Bachelor's degree in international development, Public Policy, Political Science, Social Sciences or other relevant fields, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience.ย ย Experience
- Demonstrated experience in implementation, management, and evaluation, especially in the field of CTiP;
- Specific experience working within the protection sectors, including project development and implementation, program coordination and representation;
- Demonstrated experience in developing policies, operational guidance and tools on counter-trafficking, such as position papers, strategies, and advocacy note;
- Experience in designing and training modules to various stakeholders, including thematic experts, management, and leadership teams, on counter-trafficking and related topics;
- Experience in assessment, review, and development of guidelines, polices, or SOPs;
- Experience in conducting trainings for various audiences;
- Experience working with various stakeholders including government as well as communities, civil societies, UN agencies, NGOs, and donors;ย
- Previous experience with international organizations in the development and humanitarian sectors, including experience working in the UN/INGO system is desired;
- Experience in leading and organizing events such as consultations, roundtables, workshops, and webinars; and,ย
- First-hand experience in delivering of protection and assistance to trafficked persons.Skills
- Proven ability to liaise, coordinate and communicate with multiple stakeholders, and provide strategic advice and guidance on counter-trafficking.
- In depth knowledge of counter-trafficking field and activities.
- Proven leadership and negotiation skills, particularly in a multi-stakeholder and multi-cultural environment, and in complex socio-political contexts.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems.
- Proven ability to create networks and build relationships in conflict-affected, dynamic settings with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Speaks and writes clearly and effectively in English; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
- Proven high-level representation skills- speaking/presenting at meetings and providing situational analysis.
- Excellent organizational, monitoring and evaluation skills applied in counter trafficking programming.
- Proven capacity to work effectively in small teams.Languages
- Fluency in English language is required. Working knowledge of Bislama an advantageRequired Competenciesย IOMโs competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.ย 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.
- 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.