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. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, and the direct supervision of the Deputy Chief of Mission, the incumbent will be responsible for the implementation, coordination and monitoring of IOM Colombia’s protection activities and initiatives. The Protection Officer will facilitate synergies with concurrent protection programming in country. RESPONSIBILITIES Carry out preliminary assessments of migrant protection and assistance needs at the national level, identify problems/gaps, and propose/prioritize timely practical actions to respond to particular protection problems. - Collaborate with appropriate IOM units and suboffices, in order to facilitate timely and qualitative delivery of protection assistance. - Monitor the response to individual cases of concern, in close coordination with the MHPSS Officer (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support), guide the team of Protection Assistants to ensure quality of assistance (e.g. screening, interview, counselling, referral or assistance, depending on programme capacities), including individualized and vulnerability based response. - Coordinate the development and maintenance of data collection and analysis mechanisms for IOM’s protection related projects and share relevant information with partners within the humanitarian community. - Regularly participate and contribute in inter-agency protection fora (e.g. protection cluster, child-protection sub-cluster, gender -based violence sub-cluster, relevant task forces, etc.) by providing technical and operational input, as needed. - Draft regular reports covering protection activities; facilitate the preparation of briefing, statistical/narrative reports, and background information as required, including specific information requested by Officials and other entities. - Provide technical support for the development of IOM Colombia protection portfolio, including protection in emergencies, trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, GBV and LGBTQI+, child protection related activities and prevention of risky migration of vulnerable groups. - Evaluate the training and capacity building needs on protection issues among field-based colleagues, local authorities, local NGOs, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the UN country team, and other stakeholders. - Supervise national project staff in relevant project locations, providing technical and administrative guidance and facilitating staff ability to complete activities required of them as per their Post Description (PDs) and work plans. - Undertake duty travels, in line with prevailing security restrictions, relating to project assessments, liaison with counterparts, and project implementation, as required. - Act as a Gender Focal Point of the Mission. - Act as an Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) Focal Point. - Perform such other related duties as required by the supervisor. **QUALIFICATIONS Education** - Master's degree in International Law, Development Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Social Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or - University degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience. **Experience** - Previous work on protection (e.g. child protection, counter-trafficking) including in the provision of direct assistance to vulnerable groups is a must; - Experience in supervising teams, guiding and delivering trainings; - Experience working with specialized international agencies (UN Agencies, International Organizations, and International NGOs); - Experience in project management and monitoring and evaluation an asset; - Experience in regional coordination between different stakeholders an asset; and, - Experience in working effectively with local authorities, stakeholders, beneficiaries, and the broader community to advance country office or regional objectives. **Skills** - Efficiency, flexibility, high level of professionalism and ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines; - Ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds; - Ability to guide and supervise staff and coordinate administrative matters; Demonstrated writing skills; and, - Good understanding of regional migration trends and dynamics; - Strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as strong strategic and creative thinking; - Familiarity with inter-agency coordination mechanisms and processes could be an advantage. **Languages** For all applicants, fluency in English