The National Project Officer – Protection will be based in Nouadhibou (with travel to Nouakchott as needed) and will work under the direct supervision of the Head of Mission and the functional supervision of the Protection Officer. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating activities related to disembarkation assistance to ensure vulnerability identification and handling of migrants in vulnerable situations, as well as case management, and will provide specialized support in the implementation of Protection activities in Nouadhibou. 

The selected candidate will work closely with other units in the office and will be responsible for the following specific tasks: 

1. Oversee the budgetary and administrative functions of the Nouadhibou sub-office in accordance with the Organization’s regulations and procedures.
2. In close coordination with relevant thematic staff and the CoM, ensure the consistency and quality of IOM response and programming in the supervised sites (Nouadhibou and Chami).
3. Identify and analyze gaps, operational challenges and constraints and recommend measures to address them in close consultation with the CoM and other relevant staff (including the Resource Manager) to streamline the sub-office’s programmatic and administrative processes and align them with IOM policies and standards.
4. Coordinate, supervise and implement project activities related to assistance to migrants rescued at sea during disembarkation and in the center, under the supervision of the Protection Officer and in coordination with the Resource Management Unit, ensuring their compliance with current SOPs and international standards;
5. Ensure operational coordination of emergency responses during landings and carry out vulnerability screening according to established protocols, guaranteeing the quality and consistency of interventions with the other protection actors involved;
6. Oversee and coordinate the work plan and all aspects of project implementation as well as the project team to ensure optimal allocation and management of resources for the Nouadhibou sub-office;
7. Identify assistance and protection options, ensure referral to appropriate services, and escalate complex cases to the national project manager (Protection/AVRR) in Nouakchott and/or the Protection Officer;
8. Supervise the project team, provide methodological guidance and technical support under the supervision of the Protection Officer as well as to the protection actors involved in assistance operations, as needed;
9. Ensure the collection, recording and analysis of data relating to disembarkation activities, ensuring their quality, confidentiality and compliance with IOM internal procedures;
10. Develop, maintain and strengthen working relationships with regional and local government authorities, international and local organizations and other relevant stakeholders. Represent the IOM mission within the UN system coordination platforms in Nouadhibou
11. Facilitate the exchange of information between partners, participate in sectoral or intersectoral coordination meetings, and represent the project in technical and strategic bodies;
12. Provide support to the Protection Officer in the implementation of capacity building activities for government and non-government actors on key protection-related issues and other related issues;
13. Take necessary measures, as appropriate, in close coordination with relevant members of the Project Management Team, Project Managers and thematic staff, in particular the Protection Unit and PSEA focal points, to ensure compliance with IOM policies and procedures, including the implementation of internal control measures to prevent fraud, mismanagement, sexual exploitation and abuse, and other unethical practices.
14. Liaise with relevant security actors – in particular the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) – to ensure the safety of IOM staff.

15. Any other tasks identified and assigned by the supervisor.

EDUCATION

Have a master’s degree in project management, international law, international relations, law, international affairs from an accredited academic institution; or 

A university degree in the above fields with two to two years of relevant professional experience.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience working on similar projects in the field of protection and direct assistance to migrants is required; 
• Experience in coordinating emergency responses as well as assisting migrants rescued at sea is an asset;
• Proven experience in protection case management; 
• Work experience in Mauritania or in developing countries, preferably in the Sahel or Maghreb regions; 
• Demonstrated ability to work with government partners and international organizations, ability to liaise with authorities;
• Good knowledge of the migration context in Mauritania;
• Experience in project management with international organizations and/or Mauritanian associations; 
• Experience in writing reports and other knowledge products. 
• Very good time organization and work planning skills;
• Ability to work harmoniously with colleagues from diverse cultures and professional backgrounds;
• Personal commitment, flexibility, efficiency and desire for results;
• Experience in an international or United Nations agency is an advantage.

SKILLS

The holder must demonstrate the following skills: 

• Accountability – takes responsibility for action and handles constructive criticism; 
• Customer focus – works effectively with the customer and stakeholders; 
• Lifelong learning – promotes lifelong learning for oneself and others; 
• Communication – listens and communicates clearly, adapting the performance to the audience; 
• Creativity and initiative – actively seeks new ways to improve programs or services; 
• Leadership and Negotiation – develops effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders; 
• Performance management – ​​identifies ways and implements actions to improve the performance of oneself and others; 
• Planning and organizing – plans work, anticipates risks and sets objectives in the area of ​​responsibility; 
• Professionalism – demonstrates mastery of the subject matter; 
• Teamwork – contributes to a collegial team environment; incorporates gender needs, perspectives, concerns and promotes equal gender participation; 
• Technological Awareness – displays knowledge of relevant technological solutions. 
• Autonomy – works independently with little supervision 
• Writing skills 
• Capacity building 

LANGUAGES 

REQUIRED

For all candidates, fluency in French and English (oral and written) is required.

DESIRABLE

  Knowledge of Arabic and local languages ​​is a strong asset.

SKILLS

VALUES – All IOM staff members must respect and demonstrate these five values:

Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respect and promote individual and cultural differences. Encourage diversity and inclusion.

Integrity and Transparency: Maintain high ethical standards and act in accordance with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

Professionalism: Demonstrate the ability to work in a calm, competent and committed manner, and exercise careful judgment in meeting daily challenges.

Courage: Demonstrating a willingness to take a stand on important issues.

Empathy: Showing compassion towards others, making them feel safe, respected, and treated fairly.

Core Competencies
Teamwork: Develop and foster effective collaboration within and across units to achieve common goals and optimize results.

Results Achievement: Produce and deliver quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Be action-oriented and committed to achieving agreed results.

Knowledge Management and Sharing: Continually seek to learn, share knowledge and innovate.

Accountability: Ensure that the Organization’s priorities are addressed and take responsibility for own actions and delegated work.

Communication: Encourage and contribute to clear and open communication. Explain complex topics in an informative, inspiring, and motivating manner.

APPLY NOW