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Regional Protection Officer (P)

IOM - International Organization for Migration Nairobi International Professional Posted 2026-09-17
CountyNairobiCityNairobiContractInternational ProfessionalPosted2026-09-17Close dateNot specifiedExperienceNot specifiedSourceImpactpool Kenya
protection officerIOMNairobiinternational professionalP-3migrationAVRRreintegrationEast AfricaUN agencysecurityhospitality
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AI summary

IOM is recruiting a Regional Protection Officer (P-3) based in Nairobi to support protection, return and reintegration programmes across the East Horn and Southern Africa region. The role involves protection assessments, risk mitigation, and coordination with IOM offices, governments and partners. Applications are welcome, with priority given to internal candidates, qualified female candidates and nationals of non-represented IOM member states.

  • P-3 international professional position based in Nairobi
  • Focus on protection, assisted voluntary return and reintegration programmes
  • Coordination with IOM Regional Office, HQ, country offices and government partners
  • Priority consideration for internal candidates, women and non-represented member states
  • Mid-level internationally recruited role under Deputy Regional Director for Operations

AI job guide

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AI salary guide

Not enough public data

Not enough public salary data is available for this exact role. Before applying, prepare to ask about gross pay, benefits, contract length, probation period, transport and any allowances.

Can you qualify for this role?

  • UnclearRelated work experienceThe text mentions experience, but the exact level should be confirmed at source.
  • RequiredEducation or certification mentioned in the postThe captured text mentions education, a diploma, certificate, or licence.
  • PreferredPractical evidence in security, hospitality, internshipThe tags and summary point to skills connected with this role.
  • RequiredAvailability to work in NairobiThe vacancy is associated with this location.
  • UnclearComfort with the International Professional contract termsConfirm hours, duration, probation and benefits at the original source.

Documents to prepare

  • Likely requiredUpdated CV
  • Role specificCover letter or short employer message
  • OptionalProfessional references
  • Role specificAcademic or professional certificates
  • VerifyID or passport only after verifying the employer

Application tips for this job

  • Place your strongest Regional Protection Officer (P) evidence in the first half of your CV.
  • In your cover letter or employer message, connect your experience to IOM - International Organization for Migration and the role in Nairobi.
  • Add concrete examples related to security, hospitality, internship, ideally with measurable outcomes or clear responsibilities.
  • Follow the instructions from Impactpool Kenya; avoid sending documents to unofficial contacts or copied links.
  • Confirm the deadline, interview location and employer contact before sharing personal documents.
  • Prepare a polite question about pay, benefits and contract terms for later interview stages.

Source and safety check

  • Impactpool Kenya
  • Original source link available
  • Application method is clear
  • Deadline not specified
  • No major risk signal was detected in the captured text.

Never pay for interviews, shortlisting, medical checks, uniforms, or job placement. Confirm every application at the original source before sharing personal documents. Report suspicious listing.

Interview preparation

  • What experience makes you a strong fit for this Regional Protection Officer (P) role in security, hospitality?
  • How have you handled responsibilities similar to those in this job post?
  • Are you available to work in Nairobi under the listed contract or schedule?
  • Prepare examples with clear responsibilities, tools used and measurable outcomes.
  • Review the source and research IOM - International Organization for Migration before the interview.

Ask what the first priorities will be in the role and how success will be measured.

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Original source description

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 first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. 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, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

Internal candidates

Candidates from the following IOM Member States that are not represented among staff members in the Professional and higher categories:

Bahamas, Barbados, Cabo Verde, Comoros, Congo (the), Cook Islands, Dominica, Federated States of Micronesia, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See, Iceland, Israel, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Namibia, Nauru, Palau, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM.

Organizational Context and Scope

Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) is one of the core areas of IOM expertise, and a field in which the organization has over 40 years of experience. The Migrant Protection (MPX) Unit within the Regional Office (RO) East Horn and Southern Africa (EHSA) is responsible for thematic oversight and technical support for all Protection, Return and Reintegration programmes implemented within the EHSA Region. Together with IOM Headquarters, IOM Global Office in Washington, D.C., and IOM in respective Country Offices, RO EHSA works to provide eligible beneficiaries with access to protection services, including assisted voluntary return to their countries of origin or of legal status, in a safe and dignified manner. In addition to travel arrangements, IOM’s assistance may include protection screening, counselling, acquisition of travel documents, provision of medical or other escorts, departure, transit and arrival assistance.

Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Regional Director for Operations, the direct supervision of the Senior Regional Migrant Assistance Thematic Specialist and in coordination with IOM Global Office in Washington, D.C. colleagues, and relevant IOM Country Offices, the Regional Protection Officer will have the following duties and

Responsibilities

In close coordination with the Regional Office and IOM Global Office in Washington, D.C., relevant Units at Headquarters (HQ), the IOM offices in the region, Government counterparts and other relevant public/private sector partner organizations in the geographical area of the response, contribute to drafting/reviewing protection assessments and identify risk mitigation strategies focusing on, among others, operational settings and accessibility of services, including shelter, legal frameworks, protection risks for specific vulnerable groups, key protection actors on the ground and available referral pathways, safe environments for return in Countries of Origin (COO), etc.

In coordination with the MPX Regional Thematic Specialist (RTS) and IOM Global Office in Washington, D.C., provide technical guidance and support to national and international protection staff in the EHSA Region to ensure high-quality outcomes for migrants, while advising on operational coordination and ensuring adherence to IOM policies.

Ensure appropriate coordination in line with IOM and interagency standards. Participate in relevant coordination mechanisms or task forces at the local level and/or at the regional level, as relevant. Contribute to the implementation of inter-agency coordination standards and the development of context-specific guidance as relevant.

Provide remote and in-person thematic support to Country Offices in the context of the setup of the response and provision of assistance, ensuring a coherent approach across all interventions. Be available for short-notice international deployments outside the duty and home station, when required, in order to support urgent protection responses.

Represent RO EHSA in technical meetings and forums, including with donors, partners, and stakeholders, as required.

Identify emerging operational priorities and contribute to the design and development of project proposals and activities based on solid results frameworks, in response to emerging trends and priorities, as well as donor interests and requirements.

Support the Senior Regional Migrant Assistance Specialist in case management coordination, including providing technical input to the review of complex Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) cases and internal approval processes, in line with IOM protection policies and standards.

Contribute to developing and delivering specialized training on AVR, case management, and protection interventions. Contribute to the exchange of lessons learned, best practices, and tools at the regional and intra-regional level.

Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and

Experience

working with migrants, civil society, and governments;

working in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams;

Proven

supporting protection programming, as well as mainstreaming protection across operations, preferably across multiple countries;

Proven

providing protection and assistance to migrants in vulnerable situations and communicating with individuals who have complex needs;

working in return and reintegration programs;

in capacity building, training delivery, and the development of operational tools and guidance is preferred; and,

with IOM or other UN agencies, and specialized protection programs, is preferred.

Skills

Strong knowledge of IOM and inter-agency protection standards and operational procedures and guidelines;

Solid coordination skills;

Ability to research and adapt to different operational and cultural contexts;

Strong writing, editing, presentation, and training facilitation skills;

Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email/internet software, and relevant statistical analysis packages;

Knowledge of UN cooperation frameworks and bilateral donor programming requirements;

Ability to gather, consolidate, and attribute information from multiple sources;

High degree of judgment and initiative, with the ability to work independently within assigned responsibilities;

Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills; and,

Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of diverse cultural and national backgrounds.

Languages

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

Working knowledge of Portuguese and other official UN languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish) is an advantage.

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 2

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

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

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile. 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 all clearances, including medical and security, as well as accreditation, and any residency or visa requirements. Vacancies close at 23:59 local time in Geneva, Switzerland, on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.

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, harassment, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and any forms of discrimination. IOM is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.

IOM conducts reference checks and background verification, including through system-wide databases such as ClearCheck, to help ensure that candidates have no record of misconduct, including on sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, or fraud. Candidates are expected to uphold these standards and principles at all times.

IOM does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process—whether for application, interview, processing, training, or otherwise—and does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the

IOM WAVE system

(for internal candidates,

link here

). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application. 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

.

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Fixed-term (1 year with possibility of extension)

Initial Contract Duration: 1 year with possibility of extension

Org Type: Regional Office

Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice

Recruiting Type: Professional

Grade: P-3

Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No

At Impactpool we do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

Before applying, please make sure that you have read the

or seven years with a university degree

working with migrants and civil society

Proven

in protection programming and return/reintegration programs

Strong knowledge of IOM and inter-agency protection standards

Excellent writing, presentation, and training skills

Fluency in English; knowledge of Portuguese or other UN languages is an advantage

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Connect with organization

Regional Protection Officer (P)

IOM - International Organization for Migration

Nairobi

International

P-3, International Professional - Internationally recruited position level

Speaks Chinese, Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish

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Education

  • Master’s degree in Social Sciences, International Relations/Affairs, Research, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with five years of relevant professional experience; or,
  • University degree in the above fields with seven years of relevant professional experience.
  • Accredited Universities are those listed in the
  • UNESCO World Higher
  • Database.

Requirements

for the position and that you qualify. Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.

Summary by Impactpool

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is seeking a Regional Protection Officer to oversee protection, return, and reintegration programs in the East Horn and Southern Africa region. The role involves coordinating with various stakeholders to draft protection assessments, provide technical guidance, and ensure adherence to IOM policies. The officer will also represent IOM in technical meetings, support case management coordination, and contribute to training and capacity building efforts. This position requires a strong understanding of protection standards and the ability to work in multicultural environments.

Candidate

Master’s degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Law, or related field

Five years of relevant professional

Source and provenanceSource: Impactpool Kenya. Last checked: 2026-09-18.Kazi Connect is a job discovery service, not the employer. Always confirm the vacancy at the original source.Summaries may be AI-assisted. Report inaccurate content.
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