Project Assistant (Counter Trafficking in Person (CTiP) At International Organization for Migration

Job Identification (Reference Number): 17488
Position Title: Project Assistant (Counter Trafficking in Person (CTiP)
Duty Station City: Port Vila
Duty Station Country: Vanuatu
Contract Type: G-4
Recruiting Type: General Service
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice
Initial duration: One Year Fixed Term
Closing date: 14 November 2025

Context:

The Counter Trafficking Unit within the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MoIA) is responsible for protection interventions aimed at addressing risks and responding to protentional violation of rights as defined by international instruments, including migration, human rights, refugee and international humanitarian law. The unit ensures the upholding and restoration of the rights of individuals vulnerable to violence, abuse, exploitation, discrimination, neglect, and deprivation. It also supports the integration of protection principles across IOM’s operations and initiatives. The unit plays a crucial role in implementing and integrating counter-trafficking (CT) initiatives into IOM’s global operations. It provides technical support and guidance to field missions, ensuring compliance with international protection standards.

The Government of Vanuatu, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is strengthening national efforts to prevent and respond to trafficking in persons. As part of this initiative, a dedicated Counter Trafficking in Person (CTIP) Unit is being established within the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The incumbent will play a key role in supporting the operationalization of the Unit and advancing the implementation of national CTIP priorities.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission and the direct supervision of the National Programme Officer and in close coordination with the Compliance Manager in MoIA, and the thematic specialist in ROAP, the incumbent will be responsible for supporting the IOM Project Manager and MoIA Compliance Team to coordinate and support all activites related to CTIP in Vanuatu. The position will work closely with MoIA staff and relevant teams within IOM Vanuatu, IOM ROAP and HQ and relevant divisions and thematic units in IOM.

Description for Internal Candidates

Responsibilities for Internal Candidates

1. Administrative Support

Assist in the establishment and day-to-day operations of the CTIP Unit, including logistical arrangements and documentation.

2. Coordination and Liaison

• Support coordination efforts among government agencies, civil society, and international partners.
• Assist in the scheduling and documenting meetings of the National Steering Committee on Migrant Protection and Assistance.
• Liaise with MoIA, Vanuatu Immigration and Passport Services (VIS), Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), Department of Labor and Employment Services (DoL), Department of Customs and Inland Revenue (DCIR), and other stakeholders to facilitate project activities.

3. Programme Implementation

• Assist in the development and implementation of the National CTIP Action Plan by supporting logistical and administrative tasks.
• Provide support in orgnaising capacity-building activities for frontline responders.
• Assist in the development and dissemination of awareness-raising and advocacy tools
• Support the project manager in planning, implementation and monitoring of activities relating to CTIP in Vanuatu.

4. Monitoring and Reporting

• Compile and summarize data on CTIP cases and trends for internal reporting
• Assist in the development of victim assistance protocols and referral mechanisms.
• Assist in the preparation of progress reports and donor submissions by gathering inputs and formatting documents.

5. Training and Tools

• Support the delivery of CTIP training programs, update tools and support field staff to enhance operational capacity.

6. Information Management

• Compile, summarize and present data on CTIP project topics for review by the Project Manager and Chief of Mission
• Assist in preparing and reviewing reports and publications in line with IOM’s CT objectives.

7. Other Duties

• Undertake necessary duty travel.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications for Internal Candidates

Education

• Completed secondary school diploma with four years of relevant experience; or,
• Bachelor’s degree in International Development, Public Policy, Political Science, Social Sciences or other relevant fields, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience.
• Additional training in administration, project management, or social sciences is an advantage.

Experience

• Prior experience in a related field is an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in implementation, management, and evaluation, especially in the field of CTiP or related field;
• Specific experience working within the protection sectors, including project development and implementation, program coordination and representation;
• Experience in leading and organizing events such as consultations, roundtables, workshops, and webinars; and,
• First-hand experience in delivering of protection and assistance to trafficked persons.

Skills

• Experience in assisting with investigations related to CTIP and other related field;
• Proven ability to liaise, coordinate and communicate with multiple stakeholders, and provide strategic advice and guidance on counter-trafficking;
• Proven leadership and negotiation skills, particularly in a multi-stakeholder and multi-cultural environment, and in complex socio-political contexts;
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and judgment in applying technical expertise to resolve a wide range of complex issues/problems.
• Proven ability to create networks and build relationships in conflict-affected, dynamic settings with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational, monitoring and evaluation skills applied in counter trafficking programming.
• Proven capacity to work effectively in small teams.

Languages

• Working knowledge of Bislama is desirable.

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.

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 three 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 1)

• 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 1) (applicable only if position is with direct reports)

• 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

1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
2. 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.
3. This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration.
4. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
5. 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, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
6. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

• IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

How to apply

How to apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications HERE by 14 November 2025 at the latest, referring to this advertisement.