SVN 21-10/26 Protection and MHPSS Area Coordination Assistant

IOM · Bihac, Bosnia and Herzegovina · Deadline: 08 Nov 2026

Grade: G-5

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

Under the overall supervision of the Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator and direct supervision of the Head of the Sub-Office; and, in collaboration with the Protection Coordinator, the Protection and MHPSS Area Coordination Assistant will be responsible and accountable for the following functions in the Sub-Office.

Supports the implementation and monitoring of the MHPSS and protection activities at the cantonal level in a timely manner.
• Regularly coordinates case management mechanisms with the Protection and MHPSS Assistants
and field staff, making sure that all vulnerable cases are managed ethically, referred to, and followed
up.
• Liaises (in close coordination with the Head of SO) with other agencies and key actors, relevant
line ministries, and other civil society actors for mainstreaming protection and MHPSS activities
in the mixed migration flow response at the cantonal level.
• Participates in relevant sector meetings at the cantonal level as well as working groups, mapping,
planning, and reporting exercises; takes the lead in such thematic exercises when necessary and
in the interest of the IOM.
• Ensures that a service mapping in all sites is in place, organizes and conducts regular participatory
assessments, implements information provision activities, and prepares informative materials, e.g.
presentations, leaflets, skills assessments, etc.
• Assists Head of SO and Protection Coordinator in identifying gaps, needs, and potential solutions
in service provision for vulnerable migrants; keeps meaningful referral pathways up to date.
• Ensures timely reporting on protection and MHPSS activities at the cantonal level and regularly
shares them with the Protection Coordinator.
• Coordinates daily work assignments and administers leave and other entitlements of Protection
and MHPSS Assistants operating at the sites.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

  • University degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Anthropology, or a related field from an
    accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or
    • High School Degree/Certificate with four years of relevant professional experience.
    • Professional accreditation with a recognized psychological association society is a distinct
    advantage.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

  • Experience in implementing and coordinating protection and psychosocial activities in a
    humanitarian setting;
    • Experience in working within the mixed migration flow emergency response;
    • Knowledge and experience in facilitating training;
    • Proficient in MS Office applications;
    • Experience in clinical counseling psychology, or psychotherapy and counseling for social workers
    is an asset;
    • Experience in working within the United Nations system is an advantage; and,
    • Familiarity with the region is an advantage.

Skills

  • In-depth knowledge of the broad range of migration-related subject areas dealt with by the
    Organization.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

For this position, fluency in English and one of the three official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian languages) is required (oral and written).

DESIRABLE
Working knowledge of one or more of the following languages: Arabic, Farsi, Kurdish, Pashto, Urdu, Dari,
Punjabi, and Turkish.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

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 Level 1

  • 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.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2, if with direct reports

  • Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
  • Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
  • Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
  • Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
  • Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings.

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

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

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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 e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

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