Protection Officer (P)

IOM Vacancy Announcement: Protection Officer (P-2)

International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Job Identification Number: 17962

Position Title: Protection Officer (P)
Grade: P-2
Contract Type: Special Short-Term Graded (up to 9 months)
Initial Duration: 6 months
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Recruiting Type: Professional
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Closing Date: 02 January 2026

Organizational Context

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading intergovernmental agency in the field of migration. IOM works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.

IOM has been operating in Ethiopia since 1995, with its Country Office in Addis Ababa and several field offices and Migrant Response Centers across key migratory routes. Migration dynamics in Ethiopia are shaped by economic hardship, conflict, political instability, and climate change. IOM Ethiopia places the rights, dignity, and well-being of migrants at the core of its programming, ensuring protection is mainstreamed across all interventions in line with international standards and the “do no harm” principle.

Position Context

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Programmes and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer (Protection), the Protection Officer will support the coordination and implementation of protection-related programmes within the Country Office. The role involves technical, operational, financial, and administrative support to protection projects, as well as close collaboration with internal thematic units and external partners.

The Protection Officer will contribute to integrated approaches addressing migrant protection, protection in emergencies, return and reintegration, child protection, counter-trafficking, prevention of violence against women, men and boys, and assistance to vulnerable migrants.

Key Responsibilities

The Protection Officer will:

1. Provide technical support to protection programming and protection mainstreaming across the Country Office.
2. Support management of protection projects, ensuring coherence with other thematic units and organizational priorities.
3. Build and maintain strong partnerships with UN agencies, government institutions, NGOs, donors, and community stakeholders.
4. Support coordination meetings, working groups, and protection-related events, documenting outcomes and follow-up actions.
5. Assist with operational, financial, and administrative management of protection projects, including staff supervision and capacity building.
6. Support development and implementation of protection SOPs, guidelines, and case management systems aligned with IOM standards.
7. Contribute to high-quality programme reporting, situation updates, and lessons learned.
8. Support monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities, including harmonized reporting and impact evaluation.
9. Identify new protection programming opportunities and contribute to project proposals and concept notes.
10. Support development of visibility and communication materials in coordination with the Public Information team.
11. Represent IOM in relevant meetings, briefings, and conferences at national and international levels.
12. Ensure coordination across protection and other programme units to strengthen integrated approaches.
13. Maintain programme databases, financial tracking, and budget monitoring in coordination with support units.
14. Conduct regular field visits to sub-offices to support programme implementation.
15. Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Humanitarian Affairs, Development, Business or Public Administration, International Studies, or a related field, with two years of relevant experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience.

(Only degrees from accredited institutions listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database are accepted.)

Experience

• Programme development and capacity-building experience
• Liaising with government authorities, diplomatic missions, and international organizations
• Organizing consultations, workshops, and high-level stakeholder meetings

Skills

• Strong programme, project, and budget management skills
• Knowledge of protection programming, migration dynamics, and UN systems
• Ability to negotiate with government authorities
• Strong analytical, writing, and communication skills
• Proven leadership and coordination abilities
• High computer proficiency (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and internet research)
• Ability to assess capacity needs and develop training plans

Languages

• Fluency in English (written and spoken) is required
• Working knowledge of Amharic is an advantage

Language proficiency will be assessed during the selection process.

Required Competencies

All candidates must demonstrate IOM’s core values and competencies, including:

Values

• Inclusion and respect for diversity
• Integrity and transparency
• Professionalism
• Courage
• Empathy

Core Competencies (Level 2)

• Teamwork
• Delivering results
• Managing and sharing knowledge
• Accountability
• Effective communication

Additional Notes

• This position is open to internationally recruited professional staff only; nationals of Ethiopia are not eligible.
• Female candidates and applicants from IOM non-represented member states are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Appointment is subject to funding confirmation, medical clearance, security checks, and visa requirements.
• IOM has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, discrimination, and misconduct.
• IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online only through the IOM e-Recruitment system:

🔗 Apply here:
https://fa-evlj-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX/job/17962/apply/email

⏰ Deadline: 02 January 2026 (23:59 Geneva time)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.