Background

Irregular migration along the Central Mediterranean route is increasingly dangerous for migrants. Crossing the Mediterranean to Italy is by far the deadliest route, with 1 death recorded for 35 arrivals (IOM, 2016). In addition, over 70% of the migrants interviewed by IOM on their arrival in Italy report that they were victims of trafficking or other exploitative practices during their migratory journey along the routes of the Central Mediterranean.

To meet these challenges, the European Union (EU) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have developed the Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration in Africa (hereinafter “Joint Initiative”). Implemented in 14 countries (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and The Gambia) through 14 specific actions, it aims to protect the security, dignity and rights of migrants along this important and dangerous migration route and to help improving the reintegration of returnees through an innovative approach. This will be achieved through different types of interventions including protection and assistance to vulnerable and stranded migrants, assistance for voluntary return, and support for sustainable reintegration in the communities of origin, the dissemination of accurate information on migration to migrants, potential migrants and communities, and the collection of data on migration flows. The Initiative aims at strengthening the technical and material capacities of the authorities and organizations involved in these areas so that they can ultimately take over policies and programmes related to the protection and reintegration of migrants in the region, with a view to improving the governance of migration in the region.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission, and the direct supervision of the Reintegration Officer, the successful candidate will be responsible and accountable for protection activities in countries of origin under EU-funded initiative “Protection and reintegration of returnees along the central Mediterranean migration route” and other AVR program for IOM Mission in Cameroon.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Assist the project officer in the implementation of the EUTF project in accordance with the work plan and, in particular, in the implementation of the activities for the identification of vulnerable migrants and effective direct assistance;

  2. Assist in the identification of the problems linked to the protection of people on the move (initially, in transit or on arrival) in Cameroon including in the return areas;

  3. Participate in coordinated efforts of protection (identification of vulnerable migrants and those with specific needs and communities at risk, documenting cases, monitoring and/or referencing-against referencing the most vulnerable cases, ensure logistical organisation, in charge of training on protection principles as recognised at international level and apply in emergency contexts and on specific tools developed, etc.);

  4. Internally coordinate, prepare and submit reports (monthly and specific) protection to the EUTF project manager within IOM Cameroon on key trends and ad hoc needs regarding protection issues to guide the response humanitarian aid and support advocacy efforts on return migrants;

  5. Elaborate and manage a database on vulnerable migrants assisted and monitored within the framework of the EUTF. Compile data for Yaoundé and Douala.

  6. Report regularly on the status of identifications and documentations of vulnerable individuals and communities and participate in the discussion of results to identify the different implications for the work of the protection unit;

  7. Assist vulnerable migrants from time of case identification and ensure monitoring of the direct assistance process;

  8. Seek technical feedback with the PSS officer, coordinate protection assistance under EUTF with the protection assistant assigned to Yaoundé;

  9. Coordinate field efforts with the relevant authorities in terms of protection, in particular with MINAS and other relevant stakeholders in Cameroon;

  10. In coordination with project partners and NGOs, provide general assistance and complementary support to vulnerable migrants, including unaccompanied migrant children and trafficked persons;

  11. In coordination with the reintegration unit of IOM Cameroon, assist in the departure and arrival of vulnerable migrants;

  12. Under the technical supervision of the PSS officer, assist in providing psychosocial support to the most vulnerable migrants, where appropriate and conduct field visits where necessary;

Perform such other duties as may be assigned

Competencies

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

Values

  • Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

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

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

    Establishes strong relationships with colleagues and partners; relates well to people at all levels.

  • Is fully aware of the team purpose, respects and understands individual and collective responsibilities.

  • Willingly puts in extra effort without being asked and adopts a "hands-on" approach whenever necessary to achieve team objectives.

  • Coordinates own work with that of the team to meet agreed priorities and deadlines.

    Delivering results

  • Produces quality results and provides quality services to clients.

  • Meets goals and timelines for delivery of products or services.

  • Manages time and resources efficiently, monitoring progress and making adjustments as necessary.

  • Shows understanding of own role and responsibilities in relation to expected results.

    Managing and sharing knowledge

  • Keeps abreast of new developments in own field of competence and creates opportunities for knowledge management initiatives.

  • Shares knowledge and learning willingly, and proactively seeks to learn from the experiences of others.

  • Puts new learning into practice and draws on diverse sources of ideas and inspiration.

  • Contributes to the identification of improvements to work processes and assists in implementing them.

    Accountability

  • Accepts personal responsibility for quality and timeliness of work.

  • Takes ownership of all responsibilities within own role and honours commitments to others and to the Organization.

  • Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.

  • Accepts and gives constructive criticism; acknowledges and corrects mistakes and apply lessons learned for improvement.

    Communication

  • Presents information using language and sequence of ideas that is easy for recipients to understand.

  • Adapts communication to the recipient’s needs, asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication.

  • Encourages others to share their views, using active listening to demonstrate openness and to build understanding of different perspectives.

Listens carefully and genuinely to the views and positions of others; acts on received information.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

University degree from an accredited educational institution preferably in social sciences, business and administration with four years of relevant working experience,

Or

Minimum diploma from an accredited academic institution with six years of relevant working experience.

Experience

  • Excellent computer skills, MS Office applications such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, Internet Explorer. Working knowledge of SAP is an advantage;

  • General knowledge of Migration;

  • Experience working within challenging environments.

  • Previous work experience with international organizations, governmental and diplomatic authorities is an asset;

 

Languages

Fluency in English and French is required.

 

 

All applicants are requested to attach the application file as a single PDF file consisting of:
Letter of motivation + CV + Diploma, CNI / Passport, Certificate of work