Project Assistant (Protection)

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization committed to promoting humane and orderly migration worldwide. Operating in over 100 countries with 173 member states, IOM delivers vital services to both governments and migrants. Pakistan, as the third-largest refugee-hosting country globally, currently hosts over 1.4 million Afghan refugees with Proof of Registration (PoR) cards, 840,000 Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, and approximately 775,000 undocumented Afghan migrants. Recent political and security developments in Afghanistan have led to an increased influx of Afghan nationals into Pakistan, presenting significant challenges for these populations, many of whom remain ineligible for systematic humanitarian assistance. Under the supervision of the Protection Field Coordinator (Balochistan) and overall guidance of the Protection Officer, the selected candidate will support protection monitoring and analysis activities within IOM’s protection framework.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in planning, coordinating, implementing, and monitoring protection-related project activities, ensuring adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and relevant guidelines. Maintain the quality and accuracy of data entered into protection monitoring tools, performing regular data cleaning and organization on weekly, monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc bases. Consolidate data from previous collection exercises and prepare analyses as required. Review, compile, summarize, and analyze information collected through protection monitoring to inform program decisions.

Monitor the performance of Implementing Partners, facilitate effective communication, support resolution of implementation challenges, and report any non-compliance to supervisors. Maintain an updated understanding of protection risks, community dynamics, and displacement trends among ACC holders, undocumented Afghan migrants, and host communities. Provide administrative support related to protection monitoring, including preparing purchase and payment requests, monitoring financial expenditures, and coordinating with Procurement and Resource Management Units in compliance with IOM regulations.

Conduct data collection activities such as key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and household surveys in coordination with Implementing Partners. Deliver capacity-building trainings and prepare training materials on data collection techniques, ethics, protection mainstreaming, Preventing Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Housing, Land & Property (HLP) for Implementing Partners and relevant stakeholders. Organize meetings, workshops, and training sessions, providing logistical and administrative support as needed. Contribute to the development of data collection tools, capacity-building materials, and SOPs. Compile, analyze, and present project-related data and information, highlighting key trends and issues for stakeholder consideration. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

A school diploma with six years of relevant experience; or a Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or related fields from an accredited institution, with a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience. Experience supporting protection monitoring and/or research activities, including data cleaning, analysis, and report drafting, is essential. Demonstrated knowledge of social science research methodologies is required. Experience working on general protection, child protection (CP), gender-based violence (GBV), or counter-trafficking (CT), including direct beneficiary engagement, is highly desirable.

Candidates must have a solid understanding of the protection environment and legal sector in Pakistan, along with strong knowledge of data protection principles. Proficiency in computer applications such as MS Word, PowerPoint, KOBO, and advanced Excel skills is necessary. Familiarity with the Afghan crisis in Pakistan and related issues affecting Afghan migrants and host communities is important. Prior experience with international humanitarian organizations, NGOs, or government institutions in multicultural settings will be considered an advantage.

Skills and Competencies

Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to liaise effectively with external parties. Strong social science research skills, including qualitative and quantitative methods, are required. Candidates should demonstrate good interpersonal and problem-solving abilities, flexibility to work overtime when needed, and willingness to collaborate with individuals from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. Knowledge of migration-related subject areas handled by IOM, understanding of UN and bilateral donor standards, and familiarity with financial rules and regulations are important.

Languages

Fluency in English and Urdu is required, while working knowledge of Pashto and Dari is desirable.

Contract Details

The position is based in Quetta, Pakistan, with a monthly salary of PKR 210,843. This is a contractual role with one vacancy available. Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant experience. The application deadline is 17th July 2025.

IOM is an equal opportunity employer and encourages qualified female and male candidates, including persons with disabilities, to apply. Only shortlisted candidates meeting the required criteria will be contacted.