IOM: SVN-EC010-2026-SPSEA Senior PSEA Associate – Quito

Job Summary

Apply by: 06/07/2026
The Senior PSEA Associare lead the prevention of and response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) across its country office and programmes. The role involves developing and implementing IOM’s PSEA Work Plan, coordinating with interagency networks, conducting risk assessments, delivering trainings, and ensuring PSEA is mainstreamed into all programming and operations. The ideal candidate has a strong background in protection, GBV, or accountability, with excellent coordination skills across internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

PSEA COORDINATION:

Support the development and implementation of an operational PSEA Work Plan for IOM Ecuador, in line with IOM’s PSEA Strategy, the IASC’s PSEA Minimum Operating Standards (MOS), and the UNCT country level framework and work plan, through strategic workshops with IOM Heads of Units and other senior management at the country and programmatic levels; ensure the resulting work plan is detailed and operational with clear actions, roles and responsibilities to deliver on the actions, timeframes, technical and resource requirements, and internal reporting requirements;

Support the implementation of PSEA within IOM Country Office Strategy, programming, risk mitigation and management, planning, reporting, monitoring and evaluation and budgeting; contribute to PSEA programming and provide inputs to relevant donors, as required;

Support the activities of the in-country interagency PSEA Network with partners (including support in the development of the collective PSEA workplan, risk management plan, PSEA Strategies, etc.), as well as actively participate within IOM internal and other interagency PSEA communication and coordination initiatives;

Support the PSEA Network with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)[1], and support the establishment of an inter-agency Community-Based Complaint Mechanism, incorporating existing IOM complaint and feedback mechanisms (CFM) and in line with PSEA and GBV good practice[2];

Support the facilitation and participation in the establishment of an inter-agency community-based complaints mechanism (in coordination with the Accountability to Affected Populations Unit in HQ), in coordination with the interagency PSEA Network, programme managers and relevant IOM units, as well as with communities and implementing partners as appropriate;

In coordination with relevant colleagues, work closely with Focal Points at the IOM Regional Office i and HQ to support the alignment of IOM Ecuador prevention, mitigation and response mechanisms are in line with IOM’s global PSEA Strategy;

Support IOM Teams, programmes and units to ensure the SEA risks mitigation measures are integrated and strengthened within all IOM programming and within HR practices and implementation of project related SEA activities;

At all possible opportunities (during relevant trainings, in staff and programme meetings, through newsletters, in email messages, etc) continually share key messages on PSEA, including mandatory reporting requirements within the country office and programming, in coordination with relevant colleagues.

PREVENTION:

Assist in conducting a country-wide SEA risk assessment to identify locations and programmes with the highest SEA risk; support the implementation of appropriate mitigation and response strategies within IOM programming and operations;

Participate in the development of a training plan and coordinate the delivery and organization of PSEA trainings for IOM staff and related personnel, implementing partners[3], key institutional stakeholders; Support the work of identified PSEA focal points within Country to deliver key messaging and trainings as appropriate;

On a yearly basis, provide an update on the number of staff, non-staff trained, contractors, implementing partners, and service providers trained in the mission on PSEA, in an effort to track compliance and facilitate the management of training delivery and refresher courses, in coordination with HR. Support the registration of all participants (staff and non-staff) within the IOM system and the delivery of certificates;

Assist in the development of a communication and awareness-raising strategies and tools to ensure appropriate PSEA messaging and knowledge on prohibited behaviours as well as how to report allegations of misconduct, including SEA within communities and amongst beneficiaries; ensure localization of SEA messaging; and,

Map existing community engagement projects in [Organization] and work with project leads to insert PSEA messages and/or gather community input where appropriate.

RESPONSE:

Contribute to the preparation of PSEA proposals and ensure the mainstreaming of PSEA within IOM programming; support coordination with institutional partners, governments, donors, and communities on PSEA needs and responses;

Support the development and contribute to reporting on PSEA and communication to highlight IOM’s PSEA work within programming;

Assist in the development and mapping of Country-specific interagency victim assistance pathways and/or existing IOM programmes to refer victims for assistance and other support services;

Facilitate referrals for victim assistance in coordination with gender-based violence and/or protection colleagues and in line with established country procedures;

Undertake duty travel as required; and,

Perform any other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

Master’s degree in Law, International Relations, Psychology, Social Sciences, Development Studies and Planning or a related field from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience; or,

Bachelor’s degree in the above fields with six years of relevant professional experience.

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

Experience

Experience in the fields of sexual exploitation and abuse, protection, child protection, gender-based violence, accountability to affected populations (AAP), gender mainstreaming and/or humanitarian affairs;

Experience supporting coordination within the UN system and amongst interagency partners, including governments, NGOs, and communities;

Experience in developing and facilitating PSEA trainings, in particular capacity-building, and communication materials to promote behavior change;

Experience supporting risk assessments related to PSEA, in coordination with communities, partners, and UN and other key stakeholders;

Demonstrated ability to work across a wide variety of sectors/teams on cross-cutting themes;

Good written and oral communication skills, including liaison with external partners;

Experience contributing to standard operating procedures; and,

Ability to organize work, work independently and prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks, maintain attention to detail, and coordination with a variety of stakeholders.

Skills

Knowledge and understanding of IOM’s institutional approach on PSEA and related policies, rules and regulations

Knowledge of the UN system and architecture;

Knowledge of mainstreaming best practices and partnership models to support coordination across a diversified range of actors; and,

Ability to work with and maintain strict confidentiality, when necessary.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM’s official languages (English, French, Spanish).

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

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, if 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

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 certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

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.

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 e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. 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