Protection Caseworker

About the role

IOM's Global Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) program supports safe, dignified returns of migrants, based on their free, prior and informed consent, and provides needs-based post-arrival assistance. The Protection Caseworker is based in Kingston, Jamaica, under the Chief of Mission and directly supervised by the Programme Coordinator.

Key responsibilities

• Screen migrants individually on arrival for protection risks (survivors of GBV and human trafficking, children at risk, serious health or psychosocial needs) and prepare individualized case plans.
• Follow up cases, ensure delivery of post-arrival services, coordinate referrals to legal, health, psychosocial, family tracing and child protection services, and maintain continuity of assistance.
• Ensure privacy, confidentiality and informed consent, and coordinate with consular, migration and local government authorities.
• Communicate clearly with beneficiaries, using culturally, age and linguistically appropriate messages.
• Maintain accurate case notes in IOM's case management systems (e.g. MiMOSA) and report on case outcomes and protection indicators.
• Travel within the Caribbean for AVR and case management operations, field visits and monitoring, and take part in local protection coordination forums and partner collaboration.

Required profile

• Master's degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Research, Law or a related field with two years of relevant experience; or Bachelor's degree with four years of experience.
• Experience in protection case management, including for survivors of GBV and human trafficking and children at risk, in humanitarian or migration contexts.
• Experience with vulnerable persons, ideally returnees or deported migrants, and with referrals to local protection actors, NGOs or government services.
• Experience in programs with a movement operations component is an advantage; experience with IOM or other UN agencies on AVR programs is preferred.
• Fluency in English (oral and written); working knowledge of Spanish is an advantage.

Required skills

• Knowledge of IOM and inter-agency protection standards and guidelines, including IOM Case Management Guidelines.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel) and case management tools.
• Good written and verbal communication, teamwork and adaptability.
• Strong asset: knowledge of MiMOSA and of human rights and international migration law.