Protection Assistant

SPECIAL VACANCY NOTICE

SVN/2022/009 – IOM-ZM

Open to Internal/External Candidates

Position Title: Protection Assistant

Duty Station: Lusaka, Zambia

Classification: G5

Type of Appointment: SST Graded (With a possibility of extension)

Estimated Start Date: 01.11.2022

Closing Date: 17th October 2022

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.

Context:

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, IOM Zambia, and the direct 

supervision of the Programme Officer responsible for Migrant Protection Assistance, the 

Protection Assistant will perform the following duties:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Provide assistance for the Coordination of activities under IOM Zambia’s direct assistance

program for vulnerable migrants, including:

• Interview vulnerable migrants to assess eligibility of potential beneficiary to 

enter/access program assistance according to set criteria while maintaining strict 

confidentiality.

• Provide first-line assistant upon referrals of vulnerable migrants 

• Access the vulnerable migrants’ protection needs and refer according to the 

appropriate protective services.

• Assist in coordinating with relevant government departments, ministries, embassies, 

relevant IOM missions and other institutions on cases.

• Liaise with service providers and the NGO partners operating the shelters and other 

services, meeting victim’s protection needs while under the direct assistance 

programme. 

• Case management for vulnerable migrants, including identification of translation 

and other specialized services, ensuring confidentiality and security

• Organize in coordination with relevant Units (OPS, Health) the safe return and 

reintegration of victims of trafficking, assess beneficiaries travel document 

requirements and follow-up with relevant authorities/Embassies to obtain such.

• Ensure beneficiary data is included in MIMOSA and other relevant databases;

• Draft regular up to date and comprehensive progress reports on protection 

programme. 

• Provide support for raising awareness among government and civil society partners 

as well as communities on protection needs of vulnerable migrants; 

• Assist in the development and implementation of IOM’s migration management 

training activities (with particular emphasis on protection);

• Assist in the development and dissemination of IOM’s counter trafficking awareness 

raising materials; 

• Contribute to support the government and partners for establishment and 

institutionalization of cases management systems, BIA/ BID and other relevant 

systems;

• Represent IOM in meetings and undertake duty travel as required.

• Any other duties as reasonably required.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• University degree in social sciences or closely related field. 

Experience

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in provision of protection services, working with 

vulnerable migrants

• Counselling experience and added advantage

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in liaising with government authorities and other 

national/international institutions and other NGOs, as well as other stakeholders’

groups

Skills

In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the 

Organization; and,

• Personal Commitment, initiative, drive for results, sensitivity, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work effectively/ harmoniously with colleagues and beneficiaries in a multicultural environment.

• Excellent writing and organizational skills and attention to detail

Languages

Fluency in English (oral and written) and working knowledge of local languages spoken in 

the duty station. 

Required Competencies

The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies:



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 wherever possible.

• Integrity and transparency: maintain 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.

Technical 

• Effectively applies knowledge of migration issues within the context of the 

organization

• Correctly frames Migration within their region, global and political context.

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, 

How to apply:

Interested applicants should submit their electronic applications (Motivation letter and CV 

only) addressed to Resource Management Officer (RMO), IOM Lusaka using Recruitment 

email address: iomlusakarecruitment@iom.int not later than 17th October 2022.

Remember to quote the Vacancy No. SVN/2022/009 – IOM-ZM and position title: Protection Assistant in the subject line. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Posting period: 03.10.2022 to 17.10.2022