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.
Context Under the overall supervision of the Senior Programme Coordinator (EPC), and the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator (Protection), the incumbent will manage, monitor and technically oversee protection operations and implementing partners (IPs), as part of IOMโs programme in Pakistan. The National Programme Officer (Protection) will be responsible for the following tasks:
- Provide strategic leadership in the management, coordination, and oversight of a network of multiple international and/or national protection Implementing Partners (IPs) across different locations and provinces in Pakistan โ including Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, and Sindh โ and, in close coordination with relevant thematic experts and field teams in the Protection Unit, ensure the overall quality and strategic relevance of IP protection interventions, such as protection case management, community-based protection, legal protection, housing land and property (HLP) and other specialized thematic areas, as needed.
- Lead the identification of new strategic partnerships to enhance and localize the provision of protection services through IPs in Pakistan and provide inputs into the selection process of new protection IPs, in line with internal IOM compliance standards and policies, while contributing to the strategic development of long-term partnership frameworks and institutional capacity building of local actors.
- Take a leading role in the conceptualization, design, and development of new protection projects, jointly with the Programme Coordinator (Protection), to expand the scope of IOMโs protection programme to ensure the centrality of protection, including through resource mobilization strategies, donor liaison and project development.
- Directly supervise and oversee the work of the protection field teams across the country, ensuring effective coordination, performance management, and the harmonization of approaches across all provinces. Closely coordinate with respective Protection Team Leaders in each province to discuss and define strategic and programmatic priorities, plan field activities and streamline coordination and advocacy efforts on sensitive protection issues with Government stakeholders, other UN agencies and NGOsย in each field location.
- Design and implement capacity development strategies for the Protection Unitโs field staff across the country, ensuring structured training plans, on-the-job mentoring, and continuous learning initiatives, while monitoring staffing needs and leading the recruitment of new staff in the Protection Unit, in line with budgets and project commitments.ย
- In coordination with the Senior Programme Coordinator and the Programme Coordinator (Protection), represent IOM Pakistan in relevant Inter-Agency meetings and coordination mechanisms with Government stakeholders, other UN agencies and NGOs, and proactively contribute to the articulation of IOMโs protection vision in Pakistan.
- Undertake regular duty travel, as required, and in line with prevailing security restrictions, related to programme implementation and oversight, staff training, and liaison with Government stakeholders, other UN agencies and NGOs in each field location, to coordinate, develop and support programme implementation.
- Perform other such duties, as may be assigned. Education
- Masterโs degree in Humanitarian Affairs, Political Science, Law, Human Rights, Development Studies, Social Sciences or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or
- Bachelorโs degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. ย Experience
- Extensive and robust experience in protection IP management and coordination, especially managing, coordinating and overseeing the work of multiple protection IPs across complex operational environments.
- Strong experience in managing and overseeing the implementation of specialized protection interventions for displaced Afghan communities in Pakistan, including protection case management, community-based protection and legal protection.
- Strong experience developing internal management processes and monitoring tools to ensure the supervision of field teams and IPs. ย
- Demonstrated experience in setting up, scaling up and supervising large field teams across different locations and provinces.
- In-depth exposure to and experience engaging with protection coordination mechanisms and forums in Pakistan.
- Robust experience liaising with Government stakeholders, other UN agencies and NGOs.
- Experienceย in the field of migration, internally displaced person (IDP) and refugee assistance and protection as well as the Afghanistan regional crisis Skills
- Excellent knowledge of IOMโs project management and IP management standards and policies.ย
- Robust understanding of complex and sensitive socio-political dynamics related to migration and forced displacement.ย
- In-depth knowledge of global standards and policies on protection, gender-based violence (GBV), child protection, protection mainstreaming and protection information management.
- Extensive knowledge of the Afghanistan regional crisis as well as internal and regional dynamics impacting Afghan communities in Pakistan, including provincial specificities.
- Strong knowledge of the protection coordination architecture in Pakistan as well as Inter-Agency dynamics.
- Ability to work effectively with local Government stakeholders, other UN agencies and NGOs.
- Ability to think strategically and identify positioning opportunities for IOM.ย
- Excellent report w
- riting skills, as well as managerial, planning and organizational skills.ย
- Advanced level of computer literacy Languages ย IOMโs official languages are English, French and Spanish.
REQUIRED
For this position, fluency in English and Urdu is required (oral and written).
DESIRABLE
Working knowledge of Dari or Pashto or any other local language/s.
Required Competencies ย 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.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.