Protection Associate (Assessments and Referrals)

The Protection Associate (Assessments and Referrals) supports the implementation of pre-departure activities by collecting and processing migrants' information to facilitate their return and reintegration. The role involves receiving and processing referrals, conducting screenings, categorizing cases, maintaining records, and coordinating with relevant units and partners to provide appropriate assistance.

Responsibilities

• Receive and process referrals from multiple entry points, including consoler support, detention centers, embassies, hotline, and other IOM units and receiving missions.
• Conduct AVM screening activities for all received and referred migrants, supporting the accurate collection of biodata, documentation, and protection screenings in line with established SOPs.
• Categorize cases into Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) or Assistance to Vulnerable Migrants (AVM), following established procedures for case classification and documentation prior to case processing.
• Input and update assessments in MiMOSA with complete supporting documentation, photographs, and required country-specific forms, in line with established data entry procedures.
• Review and verify paperwork for single-headed families to support eligibility and compliance checks with IOM requirements; upload all necessary documents to MiMOSA after cross-checking for accuracy.
• Refer cases promptly and correctly to relevant IOM units or external partners (Medical, MHPSS, Specialized Protection, Consular Support), to support the provision of appropriate assistance.
• Support timely and accurate follow-up on all referred cases using MiMOSA’s reporting functions, maintaining up-to-date records and documentation.
• Arrange with the AVM unit for clearance of vulnerable cases prior to the handover of the Travel Ready cases, to further complete the VHR process.
• Support the handover of all travel-ready cases to the VHR Pre-Departure Case Management Team only once required documentation have been completed.
• Conduct field missions to embassies, detention centers and other locations as required for assessments and assistance.
• Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date case records for all assigned caseloads, including timely data entry and reporting support.
• Maintain adherence to protection principles, confidentiality, and dignity throughout the assessment and referral process.
• Participate in joint information sessions with migrants alongside UNHCR available assistance options, rights, responsibilities, and available services.
• Follow the nationality-specific information-sharing requirements in terms of data collected, documented, and updated (e.g., Ethiopian GOE lists, Syrian declaration forms, Syria Tracker sheet, JC shared sheet).
• Keep track of all cases who have been provided information jointly with UNHCR, who has opted for IOM and who has opted for UNHCR, and support follow-up cases interested in returning to these countries and track completion of the required procedures.
• Upload all records, signed forms, and requirments are uploaded to MiMOSA for each case.
• Conduct routine checks of cases prior to Travel Ready status, including review of documentation, assessments, and MiMOSA entries.
• Support quality checks prior to handed over of travel-ready cases, including review of documentation, system entries, data and referrals.
• Support the handling and documentation of no-show cases, maintaining records related to travel documents through liaison with the Consoler Support Team.
• Contribute to daily and weekly reporting by highlighting case quality indicators and documenting corrections made.
• Perform other duties as assigned in line with the operational needs of the Migrant Protection Unit.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in political or social sciences, Development Studies, Human Rights, International Relations, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience; OR High school diploma with at least five years of relevant working experience.
• Previous working experience with NGOs or international organizations is an advantage.
• Demonstrate accuracy in handling and reporting data.
• Strong computer skills.
• At least an intermediate level of MS office skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Good communication skills.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
• Working knowledge of French is an advantage.
• Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Skills

• Data Handling
• Case Management
• Referral processing
• Screening and Assessment
• Records Keeping
• Coordination with Partners
• Migrant Protection
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Computer Literacy
• Organizational Skills
• English Language Proficiency
• Language Proficiency in Arabic

Languages

English, Arabic, French