Sr Programme Associate (Protection Mainstreaming)
Job Overview
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
Salary
Exact $109,353.96
Work Schedule
Flexible
Benefits
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental Insurance
Employee assistance program
flexible schedule
Health Insurance
Life insurance
Paid Time Off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Retirement Plan
Vision Insurance
Job Description
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Established in 1951, IOM has been at the forefront of migration management and humanitarian assistance, operating across the globe with a commitment to the dignity and well-being of migrants. As a part of the United Nations system, IOM works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to address the evolving challenges related to migration and displacement. The organization is known for its expertise in facilitating the safe movement of persons in need of international migration assistance, supporting migration governance, and providing humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations.
This position is based in Washington, DC and offers a one-year fixed-term contract as a Sr Programme Associate specialized in Protection Mainstreaming within the Movement Operations unit. The salary for this G7 grade position is USD 9,112.83 per month. The role operates within the Resettlement and Movement Management Unit (RMM) under the Department of Mobility Pathways and Inclusion at IOM's headquarters in Geneva. The Movement Operations Units are responsible for facilitating the resettlement and travel processes for migrants and refugees globally, ensuring their safe and dignified transit under IOM auspices. Protection mainstreaming has become a key focus area within RMM to integrate protection principles and accountability mechanisms more effectively into all stages of movement management.
The Senior Programme Associate will be chiefly responsible for mainstreaming protection principles in Movement Operations activities in the United States, coordinating closely with the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) Protection Mainstreaming team and other IOM offices. This entails ensuring compliance with protection standards and guidelines, managing initiatives that enhance access and accountability, and regularly assessing the accessibility and safety of migration processes and facilities. The role involves spearheading training programs to raise awareness and build capacities related to protection mainstreaming, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), and complaint and feedback mechanisms.
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the continuous improvement of migration operations by embedding protection-informed approaches and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The incumbent will conduct risk assessments to identify barriers and safety concerns within IOM-operated spaces and partner venues, develop accessible materials for vulnerable populations, and monitor the effectiveness of feedback mechanisms. In addition, the Senior Programme Associate will play an active role in supporting PSEA protocols across US airport offices, ensuring staff compliance, delivering training, and providing expert advice.
Beyond direct operational roles, this position requires strategic collaboration with global and local stakeholders, including community-based organizations and civil society groups, to align protection mainstreaming efforts across different operational areas. Monitoring and reporting responsibilities include analyzing operational data to inform protective strategies and briefing teams on identifying and addressing risks. The Senior Programme Associate will also facilitate knowledge sharing and documentation of best practices within IOM and partner networks to enhance programmatic learning and responsiveness.
The role demands an individual with a strong analytical mindset, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to think strategically while managing complex operational environments. Sensitivity to cultural diversity, sound judgment in handling sensitive protection matters, and a commitment to upholding IOM's values of inclusion, integrity, professionalism, courage, and empathy are essential. With a hybrid work arrangement in Washington, DC, this position offers the benefit of flexible schedules alongside comprehensive benefits and support programs. This is a pivotal role within IOM’s mission to promote safe, dignified, and accountable migration processes, ensuring that the rights and well-being of migrants remain at the center of operational planning and delivery.
This position is based in Washington, DC and offers a one-year fixed-term contract as a Sr Programme Associate specialized in Protection Mainstreaming within the Movement Operations unit. The salary for this G7 grade position is USD 9,112.83 per month. The role operates within the Resettlement and Movement Management Unit (RMM) under the Department of Mobility Pathways and Inclusion at IOM's headquarters in Geneva. The Movement Operations Units are responsible for facilitating the resettlement and travel processes for migrants and refugees globally, ensuring their safe and dignified transit under IOM auspices. Protection mainstreaming has become a key focus area within RMM to integrate protection principles and accountability mechanisms more effectively into all stages of movement management.
The Senior Programme Associate will be chiefly responsible for mainstreaming protection principles in Movement Operations activities in the United States, coordinating closely with the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) Protection Mainstreaming team and other IOM offices. This entails ensuring compliance with protection standards and guidelines, managing initiatives that enhance access and accountability, and regularly assessing the accessibility and safety of migration processes and facilities. The role involves spearheading training programs to raise awareness and build capacities related to protection mainstreaming, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), and complaint and feedback mechanisms.
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the continuous improvement of migration operations by embedding protection-informed approaches and fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders. The incumbent will conduct risk assessments to identify barriers and safety concerns within IOM-operated spaces and partner venues, develop accessible materials for vulnerable populations, and monitor the effectiveness of feedback mechanisms. In addition, the Senior Programme Associate will play an active role in supporting PSEA protocols across US airport offices, ensuring staff compliance, delivering training, and providing expert advice.
Beyond direct operational roles, this position requires strategic collaboration with global and local stakeholders, including community-based organizations and civil society groups, to align protection mainstreaming efforts across different operational areas. Monitoring and reporting responsibilities include analyzing operational data to inform protective strategies and briefing teams on identifying and addressing risks. The Senior Programme Associate will also facilitate knowledge sharing and documentation of best practices within IOM and partner networks to enhance programmatic learning and responsiveness.
The role demands an individual with a strong analytical mindset, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to think strategically while managing complex operational environments. Sensitivity to cultural diversity, sound judgment in handling sensitive protection matters, and a commitment to upholding IOM's values of inclusion, integrity, professionalism, courage, and empathy are essential. With a hybrid work arrangement in Washington, DC, this position offers the benefit of flexible schedules alongside comprehensive benefits and support programs. This is a pivotal role within IOM’s mission to promote safe, dignified, and accountable migration processes, ensuring that the rights and well-being of migrants remain at the center of operational planning and delivery.
Job Requirements
- University degree in international relations, political science, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of work experience
- completed secondary education with seven years of relevant working experience
- at least 5-7 years of relevant experience in protection mainstreaming, migrant assistance, refugee resettlement, monitoring and evaluation, diversity, equality and inclusion, social work
- experience planning, facilitating, and evaluating training
- experience facilitating training in a humanitarian setting preferred
- prior experience with protection analysis and/or the production of reports preferred
- experience with USRAP programs preferred
- experience with processing systems such as MiMOSA and iGATOR preferred
- experience working in a multi-cultural setting
- thorough knowledge of English
- strong interpersonal and communication skills
- attention to detail and ability to organise
- strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- sound judgment and discretion handling sensitive protection, PSEA, and accountability matters
- excellent stakeholder engagement skills
- self-motivated, objective driven and able to use own initiative
- computer/software literate with good knowledge in Microsoft Office
Job Qualifications
- University degree in international relations, political science, or a related field with five years of work experience
- completed secondary education with seven years of relevant working experience
- at least 5-7 years of relevant experience in protection mainstreaming, migrant assistance, refugee resettlement, monitoring and evaluation, diversity, equality and inclusion, or social work
- experience planning, facilitating, and evaluating training
- experience facilitating training in a humanitarian setting preferred
- prior experience with protection analysis and/or the production of reports preferred
- experience with USRAP programs preferred
- experience with processing systems such as MiMOSA and iGATOR preferred
- experience working in a multi-cultural setting
- thorough knowledge of English
- strong interpersonal and communication skills
- attention to detail and ability to organise
- strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- sound judgment and discretion handling sensitive protection, PSEA, and accountability matters
- excellent stakeholder engagement skills
- self-motivated, objective driven and able to use own initiative
- computer/software literate with good knowledge in Microsoft Office
Job Duties
- Undertake protection mainstreaming activities in relation to Movement Operations activities in the United States, including ensuring protection mainstreaming standards and guidelines are implemented and upheld
- spearhead and manage initiatives that promote meaningful and sustained access for all relevant populations
- regularly review and advise on the accessibility of processes and premises
- enhance accountability mechanisms including complaints and feedback mechanisms
- provide relevant training as needed
- Advance and support the implementation of RMM and USRAP protection mainstreaming principles and minimum standards and their associated tools in the United States
- monitor, collect and report feedback on their implementation
- integrate new tools as needed
- ensure dissemination and understanding of the principles and minimum standards among personnel
- identify knowledge gaps and facilitate targeted capacity-building measures
- ensure all personnel have access to relevant trainings and guidance
- contribute to the design of new guidance and tools as needed
- Engage with Movement Operations colleagues on support provided to vulnerable individuals and provide updates on them to management regularly
- ensure visual materials, communications materials, and other tools are fit for purpose and appropriate for a range of individuals
- liaise with the Protection Mainstreaming team on these materials and topics such as data collection and protection
- Conduct risk analysis exercises to assess the accessibility, safety and suitability of IOM and third-party premises and other spaces
- work closely with coordinators and teams to resolve accessibility issues
- ensure SOPs, training and guidance include accessibility considerations
- provide briefings as requested
- Oversee and continuously strengthen the performance of community feedback mechanisms (CFMs)
- ensure multiple channels for feedback
- ensure structured recording and response to feedback
- improve outreach and record CFM metrics
- provide capacity building
- harmonize feedback mechanisms
- address issues raised
- Facilitate day to day management of prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) activities in US airport offices
- ensure operational workplans include clear actions
- ensure CFMs inclusive of PSEA measures
- ensure staff awareness of PSEA protocols
- Provide regular, effective PSEA training to staff in airport offices
- ensure training follows institutional directives
- serve as a resource on PSEA issues and reporting
- Design, deliver and evaluate protection mainstreaming knowledge-building initiatives for airport office personnel
- provide accurate, accessible, and inclusive information
- support and provide training on protection mainstreaming topics
- ensure linkage of training to daily work and evaluate effectiveness
- Ensure all operational SOPs, trainings, tools, and materials used in the US are accessible to all personnel and beneficiaries
- promote coordination, collaboration, and documentation of best practices
- Contribute to designing and strengthening monitoring approaches
- analyze operational data
- advise on monitoring mechanisms
- brief teams on protection mainstreaming risks and trends
- establish connections with community-based and civil society organizations
- Coordinate closely with other IOM units in the US to align national protection mainstreaming activities
- participate in related meetings and ensure information sharing
- Maintain and promote confidentiality and integrity of paperwork
- alert supervisors on non-compliance
- Perform other relevant duties as assigned
Job Criteria
Experience
Mid Level (3-7 years)
Job Location
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