JR 22918
Open to Internal and External Candidates
Position Title: National IBG and Protection Officer - Head of Unit
Duty Station: Dublin, Ireland
Classification: General Service
Type of Appointment: Special Short-Term Graded Contract, with possibility of extension
Estimated Start Date: October 2026
Closing Date: 14.09.2026
Context:
IOM Ireland has been operating in Ireland since 2001, currently in following areas of migration management: Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration, Resettlement, Family Reunification, Counter-Trafficking, Protection, Integration Support to Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, Immigration and Border Governance (IBG) and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support.
Within its IBG and Protection services, IOM Ireland provides support to international protection applicants in Ireland and beneficiaries of temporary protection during their application and/or registration process mainly through provision of cultural mediation and case work assistance. The Unit also supports counter-trafficking efforts in Ireland.
Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Mission, and in collaboration with the relevant units at Headquarters, Regional and Sub-regional offices, the incumbent will be accountable and responsible for the management of the Immigration, Border Governance and Protection Unit projects in maintaining close collaboration with donors other partners and different stakeholders. The position will oversee the coordination and implementation of all project activities from development, roll-out and regular operational aspects of the project in multiple sites.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
1. Coordinate the overall implementation of the IBG and Protection projects in Ireland including the oversight of the financial, logistical, administrative and technical aspects in accordance with IOM’s policies, practices and global standards as well as relevant requirements, guidelines and donors agreements.
2. Monitor projects implementation according to the work plans; document and evaluate results; identify the causes of deviations and bottlenecks and recommend and implement timely corrective actions in coordination with COM.
3. Promote and contribute to the integration and mainstreaming of gender, protection, human rights and other pertinent cross-cutting issues into projects implementation.
4. Develop monitoring, evaluation, and reporting tools for the IBG and Protection projects. Contribute to information management including awareness raising and visibility, press releases, website updates and other relevant information-sharing materials.
5. Identify potential areas for project development and contribute to the development of new projects by selecting and summarizing background information, assessing the local context and drafting segments of project proposals.
6. Actively participate in the mission´s Senior Management Team to contribute to proper synergies within the mission as well as to the early identification of opportunities for IOM in Ireland. Participate in the development of new projects and identify potential synergies among thematic areas of the mission.
7. Participate in the development and adjustment of methodologies, contingency plans, approaches and standard operations procedures to respond to emerging challenges in Ireland through a consultative process with other relevant parties in the office.
8. Coordinate the elaboration and dissemination of reports for donors, government and other relevant stakeholders ensuring timely submission and compliance with donor and IOM requirements.
9. Liaise and coordinate with government entities, implementing partners, United Nation agencies, civil society, donors and other stakeholders.
10. Plan, develop, organize and deliver capacity building activities to build capacity of staff, partners, government officials, and other humanitarian actors.
11. Participate in relevant conferences, working groups, workshops, steering committees, working groups, consultations and other forums as required.
12. Supervise IBG Unit team to ensure productivity and adherence to IOM rules and regulations.
13. Initiate and actively support timely selection and recruitment of the project team members as needed; ensure proper onboarding and continuous training and development of the IBG and Protection staff. Evaluate individual and overall performance of the staff under his/her supervision.
14. Ensure all IBG and Protection team members receive tools needed to perform their tasks as required. Provide the overall IBG Unit team supervision, management and guidance in terms of productivity, performance and adherence to IBG rules, regulations and relevant SOPs;
15. Undertake duty travel as required.
16. Perform other duties as may assigned by Chief of Mission.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in political or social sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience; or,
- Master’s degree in the above-mentioned fields with two years of relevant professional experience;
Experience
- Experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies and non-governmental organizations;
- Experience in project management with yearly budget over EUR 2 million;
- Experience with leading multinational team exceeding 12 persons;
- Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking or other vulnerable groups;
- Prior work experience with provision of the IBG is an advantage; and,
- Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
Skills
- In depth knowledge of the broad range of immigration policies and regulations;
- Knowledge of the Irish asylum system;
- Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming; and,
- Knowledge of UN financial, administrative and human resources rules and regulations.
Languages
- Fluency in English is required (oral and written)
Required Competencies
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.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
This post is subject to local recruitment. Only persons holding a valid residence and work permit in Ireland will be eligible for consideration.
As the right to live and work in Ireland is required, the contract issued may be shorter than the period mentioned in the advertisement, in order to align with expiry date of the work permit.
How to apply:
Please apply to this job post, sharing your updated CV.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview, soon after the closing of the Vacancy.
Posting period:
From 31.08.2026– 14.09.2026
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: €5,187.00 per month
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Dublin, County Dublin: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work authorisation:
Work Location: In person
