Position Title : Protection Assistant
Duty Station : Nicosia, Cyprus
Classification : Grade G4
Type of Appointment :Special Short Term-Graded, with
possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date : As soon as possible
Closing Date : 28 May 2026
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
Internal and external candidates will be considered for this vacancy. For the purposes of this vacancy, internal candidates are defined as staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded or ungraded contract, including Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), staff on Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP), UN Volunteers with at least twelve (12) months of continuous service in IOM, and staff members on secondment/loan released by the Organization, unless otherwise specified in their contract. Staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded contract will not retain their contract type if appointed to an ungraded position.
Context:
Under direct supervision of the National Project Officer and in close coordination with the AVR Hub team and in the framework of the accommodation services for individuals and families in vulnerable situations, the Protection Assistant will have the following duties and responsibilities:
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
1. Support the AVR Hub team by reporting protection-related needs of beneficiaries, based on available information and specific needs, in line with IOM protection principles.
2. Assist in conducting initial and ongoing protection screenings for beneficiaries requiring specialized support, focusing on identified vulnerabilities, protection concerns, and document findings in accordance with established procedures.
3. Provide basic information and practical guidance to beneficiaries to support daily life within the AVR Hub and preparation for departure, within the scope of non-clinical protection assistance. 4. Assist in the implementation and follow up of individual protection or care plans, in coordination with relevant IOM staff and competent authorities
5. Record, maintain, and communicate identified protection needs and vulnerabilities to relevant IOM units in line with confidentiality, data protection, and safeguarding standards.
6. Provide basic information and orientation to beneficiaries regarding AVR Hub procedures, daily routines, available services, and referral pathways.
7. Facilitate referrals to specialized services (e.g. medical, psychosocial, legal or social support), when required and under guidance, and assist with related follow-up actions up to departure. 8. Support coordination and information exchange with relevant internal teams, service providers, and authorities on case-based protection matters, in accordance with agreed protocols. 9. Support the Project Associate (AVR Hub) by reporting protection-related concerns affecting individual beneficiaries, including safeguarding concerns, through established reporting mechanisms. 10. Support follow up of community-based or family support mechanisms for individual cases, where relevant and applicable.
11. Organise information activities and group sessions for AVR Hub residents. Handle personal data and case information at all times, in compliance with IOM data protection and safeguarding policies. 12. Draft case-related notes, summaries, and inputs for internal coordination and reporting purposes, as required.
13. Undertake other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
• High school diploma with four years of professional experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology preferably a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with two years of professional experience.
• Licensed Social Worker would be an advantage.
Experience
• Experience working with migrants and/or refugees or familiarity in working in a multi-cultural environment is desirable.
• Previous working experience with vulnerable migrants or semi-independent living units is an advantage.
• Previous experience and/or knowledge on child protection is an advantage.
Skills
• Good interpersonal and communication skills in a multi-cultural setting.
• Good organizational and administrative skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records and handle sensitive information confidentially.
• Strong work ethics and commitment to humanitarian principles.
• Good level of computer literacy.
Languages
Fluency in English and Greek (written and oral) is required.
Any other IOM Official language is an advantage.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five 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.
▪ Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
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 actions and delegated work.
▪ Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Notes
Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.
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. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The accommodation facility will operate on a 24/7 basis, including weekends and public holidays. Staffing will be organized through rotating shifts to ensure continuous care and supervision.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies
Οι ενδιαφερόμενοι υποψήφιοι παρακαλούνται να στείλουν το βιογραφικό τους στον Διευθυντή Ανθρώπινου Δυναμικού στο sliveras@iom.int.
