Internal and external candidates will be considered for this vacancy. For the purposes of this vacancy, internal candidates are defined as staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded or ungraded contract, including Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), staff on Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP), and staff members on secondment/loan released by the Organization, unless otherwise specified in their contract. Staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded contract will not retain their contract type if appointed to an ungraded position.
Context
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Associate (Protection), the Protection Associate will play a key role in PSEAH (Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment), Child Protection, and Protection of Vulnerable Groups within IOM Hungary’s protection programmes. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring compliance with IOM standards, implementing protection strategies, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to enhance protection mechanisms.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• University degree in Social Sciences, Human Rights, International Relations, Law, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience; or
• High school diploma with five years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database .

Experience

• Experience in protection, case management, PSEAH, child protection, or humanitarian assistance.
• Knowledge of gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, human trafficking, and victim assistance frameworks.
• Familiarity with international protection standards, referral mechanisms, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Previous experience working with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations is an advantage.
• Experience in data management, reporting, and stakeholder coordination

Skills

• Strong knowledge of protection principles, safeguarding frameworks, and rights-based approaches.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills, with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information appropriately.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement and advocacy.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Languages

• For this position, Fluency in English is required. (oral and written).
• Fluency in Hungarian and/or Ukrainian is a distinct advantage.

IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

RESPONSIBILITIES1. PSEAH RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the primary focal point for all PSEAH-related matters within the organization.
• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance PSEAH policies and procedures in line with IOM standards and best practices.
• Conduct training and awareness sessions for staff, partners, and beneficiaries to strengthen PSEAH compliance and reporting mechanisms.
• Monitor, document, and report on PSEAH-related incidents, ensuring confidentiality and appropriate follow-up actions.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to enhance PSEAH mechanisms, response, and preventive measures.

2. CHILD PROTECTION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement Child Protection policies aligned with IOM Hungary’s Child Protection Framework.
• Conduct risk assessments to identify challenges and vulnerabilities affecting children in IOM programmes.
• Facilitate and coordinate referral services for children at risk of violence, exploitation, or abuse.
• Promote child-friendly spaces and activities to support the safety, well-being, and development of children in IOM-supported initiatives.

3. PROTECTION OF VULNERABLE GROUPS RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and assess the needs of vulnerable populations, including women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, minorities, and marginalized communities.
• Design and implement protection strategies and tailored programmes to address the specific challenges faced by these groups.
• Establish and maintain strong collaboration with protection actors, service providers, and government agencies.
• Support case management and referral pathways for individuals requiring specialized protection services.

6. OTHER DUTIES

• Undertake duty travel as required to support protection activities and stakeholder engagement.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.