Project Assistant (Protection)

Job Description

Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and 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. 

Context: 

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the Programme Officer (Protection), the successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the implementation of protection project activities including its financial, administrative and technical implementation in compliance with IOM policies and standards, as well as donor requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support the Programme Officer (Protection) in the planning and implementing of protection, legal, MHPSS, and IBG activities including its financial, administrative and technical implementation, in compliance with IOM policies and standards, as well as Donor requirements, agreed timeline and deliverables

• Coordinate the provision of assistance to vulnerable migrants with implementing partners, service providers, and local authorities including access to safe shelter, healthcare, psychosocial support, and reintegration services

• Coordinate referrals and service delivery with relevant government entities, civil society actors, and service providers

• Identify protection trends and closely coordinate with supervisor to respond and report such concerns

• Support in conducting intake interviews, needs assessments, risk evaluation, and follow-up for vulnerable migrants and victims of trafficking; apply IOM's vulnerability model to assist migrants exposed to violence, exploitation, or abuse

• Collect and record accurate data using IOM's standard tools and case management system, ensuring compliance with data protection standards and informed consent.

• Support operational aspects of implementation, including logistics and procurement processes in close coordination with other IOM teams

• Coordinate mapping of service providers operating in target locations to help update internal and external referral pathways

• Maintain constructive relationships with community leaders, local government counterparts, and service providers. 

• Draft and/or produce progress and other reports and facilitate proper information exchange on all operational aspects of the programmes between IOM, the programmes’ donors and other stakeholders in line with IOM and donor requirements

• Organize training sessions for staff, partners and key stakeholders on migrant protection topics such as case management, counter-trafficking, GBV, trauma-informed care, referral pathways for victims of trafficking or survivors of gender-based violence, and rights-based approaches

• Perform such other duties related to strategic and priority areas of the mission as required.

Qualifications

Education

• School diploma with four years of relevant experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, law, social sciences or any relevant field from an accredited academic university or institute

Experience

• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience, preferably within a protection role. 

• Experience in coordinating implementing partner agreements, conduct regular quality and activity monitoring, and provide on the job capacity building

• Experience working with governmental, non-governmental institutions and UN agencies preferred

• Experience in providing direct assistance to beneficiaries

• Experience in organizing events, workshops, and meetings

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality, respect, non-discrimination and safety of beneficiaries at all times

• Good written and oral communication skills, effective in representation and liaison with external parties

• Ability to organize work, work independently and prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail 

• Good interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills.

  • Strong analytical and report writing skills.

  • Ability to work methodically and meet deadlines.

  • Ability to work with minimal supervision.

  • Awareness of victims of trafficking/ migration/ protection issues.

  • Ability to work effectively and harmoniously in a team with colleagues from varied cultures and professional backgrounds.

  • Excellent Computer and data base skills

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

Required

For this position, fluency in English and Khmer is required (oral and written).

Desirable

Working knowledge of any other languages spoken in Cambodia is an asset.

Competencies¹ 

 The incumbent is expected to demonstrate the following values and competencies: 

VALUES - All IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values: 

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion. 

• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct. 

• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges. 

• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.

• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
   

CORE COMPETENCIES - Behavioural indicators 

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results. 

• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes. 

• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate. 

• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work. 

• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way. 

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link- https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/aboutiom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview. 

Other: 

• Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. 

• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. 

• Only shortlisted candidates will be called for assessment.

• IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, 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 disabilities. 

• IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts. 

• IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. 

How to apply: 

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications via IOM e-Recruitment system within the above mentioned deadline by 11:59 PM (Phnom Penh Time) referring to this advertisement.

Applications should include:

• Cover letter 
• Curriculum vitae

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact: iomphnompenh@iom.int

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Posting period: 

From 25.05.2026 to 31.05.2026

Required Skills

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