Project Associate (AVRR Counselling Rhineland-Palatinate)

Introduction

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants. 

IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn more about IOM’s workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Assistant (AVRR) and in close coordination with the Project Assistants the incumbent will be responsible for providing counselling services for migrants in Trier or Koblenz in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, with a particular focus on Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR).  
 

• Assist in planning, organizing and delivering the AVRR counselling service to migrants in several locations in Rhineland-Palatine (e.g. asylum reception centres)
• Visit and counsel migrants in appointed areas in relation to AVRR and what it entails for migrants throughout the process;
• In coordination with the Programme Assistant, provides information and counselling on relief offers, governmental support and/or private services to potential returnees;
• Provides up-to-date, objective and reliable information on AVRR support available and, if possible, the situation in countries of return, and by doing so, assists in migrant’s informed decisions on return or other available options, as required, initializes support concerning return and reintegration;
• Refers the migrants for further counselling pertaining to vulnerabilities identified and regarding asylum and legal possibilities to stay, if applicable
• Maintain records of all activities and contacts with applicants as well as individual inquiries and report these records periodically in a timely manner;
• Support the Programme Assistant in annual project reporting and monitoring to the donor as well as in sharing of information with other IOM Missions or counterparts;
• Supports the Programme Assistant with design materials for outreach and visibility of the availability of return-counselling in the reception centers. 
• Exchanges experience and collaborates with other players in the sector of migration counselling in Germany;
• Supports the organization and preparations of regular meetings and joint thematic events targeting other migration actors in different locations in Germany;
• Assists the Programme Assistant in the development and implementation of a strategy to inform the target group about possibilities of the voluntary return through the existing programs in Rhineland-Palatine;
• Acts as a replacement of team members when and if necessary;
•   Performs any such other duties as may be assigned by the immediate supervisor and/or CoM.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

Completed High School degree from an accredited academic institution, with four years of relevant professional experience in the field of migration. 

OR

University degree in Social Work, Social Science, Social pedagogics or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with up to two years of relevant professional experience, preferably in similar roles; 

Experience

• Counselling in a social context (preferably migration)
• Experiences of working with vulnerable groups an advantage
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge on migration with a focus on implementing and processing AVRR activities in Germany is an asset; 
• Previous work experience with national, regional or international public bodies and knowledge about the AVRR landscape in Germany would be an advantage;

Skills

• Driver’s license and willingness to travel is required
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.

Languages

For this position, following languages are required:

English (Fluent) 

German (Fluent)

Knowledge of other official IOM languages (French, Spanish) an advantage as well as knowledge of Turkish, Russian or Arabic.

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 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.

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