Protection Associate - Consultant

About the role

This consultancy sits within the Protection Unit of IOM and supports protection programming in Camp As Saliyah during an operational transition and closure period. The role works under the supervision of the Protection Coordinator, with day-to-day guidance from the Protection Officer, and coordinates closely with relevant units and partners. The assignment focuses on delivering temporary operational support aligned with internal policies, SOPs, and Inter-Agency Standing Committee guidance on protection, including gender-based violence and child protection in humanitarian settings.

Organization overview

IOM, established in 1951, is a related organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency working on migration. It partners with governments, intergovernmental bodies, and non-governmental organizations to promote safe, orderly, and humane migration, support solutions for displacement, and provide services and advice to migrants and governments.

IOM also states that it is committed to an inclusive and respectful workplace and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds. Reasonable accommodation is available during the recruitment process when needed.

What you will do

The consultant will contribute to protection assessment work, case support, community-based interventions, and closure-related documentation. The assignment also includes information management, service mapping, handover preparation, and general operational support required to wrap up activities responsibly.

Key duties

• Assist with targeted protection assessments and consultations with affected communities through focus groups, household follow-ups, key informant interviews, and similar participatory methods to identify unresolved protection concerns during the transition and closure phase.
• Provide short-term support for protection case management by following up pending cases, coordinating referrals and service providers, documenting actions taken, and supporting in-kind assistance where immediate protection needs require a rapid response.
• Contribute to the delivery of ongoing protection activities, including Child Friendly Space support and community-based protection work.
• Help plan, organize, and document protection assessments, community activities, and case-closure consultations, including drafting notes and summarizing findings.
• Collect, organize, summarize, and present protection information and data, while keeping trackers, monitoring tools, case follow-up lists, closure checklists, and operational records updated for reporting and handover.
• Support the development of closure materials such as activity summaries, pending action logs, lessons learned, updated service maps, referral details, filing systems, and handover documentation.
• Carry out additional related tasks within the scope of the consultancy and temporary operational support as assigned.

Expected performance

• All agreed outputs should be completed on time and in line with the workplan and deadlines.
• Deliverables must be accurate, technically sound, and relevant to operations, while respecting protection principles, confidentiality, do-no-harm, PSEA, child safeguarding, and data protection standards.
• The consultant should coordinate effectively with the supervisor, colleagues, and stakeholders, keeping communication timely and incorporating feedback as needed.
• The assignment should add value to protection programming, tools, guidance, capacity development, and/or service delivery.

Qualifications and experience

Candidates should have either a high school diploma with five years of relevant experience, or a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or another related discipline from an accredited institution with three years of relevant professional experience.

Relevant background in case management for at-risk people in emergency settings is required. Experience supporting at-risk individuals and/or unaccompanied and separated children is considered an advantage. Applicants should also demonstrate strong interpersonal, counselling, communication, outreach, analytical, writing, reporting, and computer skills, including use of MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. The ability to locate and apply key inter-agency protection resources is also needed.

Language requirements

Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of Pashto or Dari will be considered an advantage.

Competencies

IOM states that candidates will be assessed against its competency framework during selection. The organization’s values include inclusion and respect for diversity, integrity and transparency, professionalism, courage, and empathy. Core behavioral competencies include teamwork, delivering results, managing and sharing knowledge, accountability, and communication.

Notes and conditions

IOM provides consultants with free coverage for occupational accidents and illnesses under its Compensation Plan for the duration of the consultancy. However, it does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for non-occupational accidents or illnesses. The consultant must arrange personal medical insurance for non-occupational coverage and provide written proof before starting work.

Any appointment offer is subject to funding confirmation. Employment is also subject to medical fitness certification, accreditation, and any required residency, visa, or security clearances.

IOM follows a zero-tolerance policy for conduct inconsistent with UN and IOM principles, 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 disability.

IOM does not charge any fee at any stage of recruitment and does not request bank account details. Applications are only accepted through IOM’s e-recruitment system. Late applications are not accepted, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.