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IOM Return Counsellor

Return Counsellor

New
International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Switzerland
G-5 General Support Staff position Locally Recruited
Closes 25 Oct 2026 CET (UTC+1)
Employers can close earlier.
Estimated pay & conditions
CHF 79,366Cost of living 112 (US=100)Hardship H
Net salary is based on step 1; the grade’s top step is CHF 105,546. Indicative estimates by grade and duty station — click any item for more detail.
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Posted 2 minutes ago
Job Description

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 candidates are considered first-tier candidates.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM), direct supervision of the Senior Project Associate and, in collaboration with the State Secretariat for Migration – SEM – and other partners in the Federal Asylum Centres (FACs), the Return Counsellor is responsible for return counselling in the FAC in Alststätten (80%) and, should the need arise, other centers in the region of East Switzerland and Zurich airport as a temporary replacement. The selected candidate will collaborate with the existing team of 9 IOM return counsellors working in other FACs around Switzerland, while supporting the Senior Project Associate with the overall implementation and coordination of return counselling with other other return counsellors in the region and in Switzerland.

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  1. Provide specific return counselling services and extensive information on Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) to all asylum seekers residing in the FAC in the duty station  (or centers in East Switzerland under IOM’s return counselling mandate);

  2. Organize and facilitate a well prepared and safe journey home in cooperation with relevant Swiss governmental authorities (SEM, SwissREPAT) while screening and giving special support to vulnerable cases;

  3. Organize travel documents in coordination with SEM for migrants who do not possess them;

  4. Regularly liaise with IOM Bern when using its various AVRR support services such as the “Return Information Fund” (RIF) and when booking flights via SIM “Swiss-REPAT-IOM Movement”, as well as “Reintegration Assistance for Switzerland” (RAS);

  5. Input all activities in the eRetour and IOM database (Mimosa), and maintain complete documentation on individual cases. Participate in drafting and updating project reports, statistical and narrative reports, handbooks dedicated to return counselling and the internal newsletter Going Home;

  6. Liaise with all relevant partners in the respective reception centres and ensure efficient information flows with all involved partners, especially with the designated focal points of SEM on Return and Dublin; participate in regular meetings and esnure efficient cooperation on cases and information flows with return counsellors in the East Switzerland region;

  7. Liaise with consulates, consular sections of embassies  for the issuance of travel documents, where applicable;

  8. Provide information to IOM missions and other counterparts on Swiss AVRR case processing and counselling experience. Cooperate on capacity-building and skills exchange projects aiming at strengthening AVRR activities in Switzerland and abroad;

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  9. Ensure the visibility of the presence of IOM in the center and its role as Return Counsellor;

  10. Travel to Bern regularly for team meetings or other gatherings (5-6 times per year) as required and to FACs within the region and other regions of Switzerland for relevant meetings;

  11. Do temporary replacements in case needed for staff working in the same region (covering Kreuzlingen center and/or Zurich airport);

  12. Perform other duties as may be assigned, as agreed with the IOM Switzerland Chief of Mission or the Senior Project Associate.

EDUCATION

  • University degree (Bachelor’s or higher) in Social work, Political Science, International Politics, Social Sciences or a related field from an accredited academic institution with 3 years of relevant professional experience.

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

EXPERIENCE

  • Experience in project management, operations and  coordination;
  • Experience in working with the UN, Government agency, or NGO
  • Experience in working with migrant population and vulnerable individuals in particular;
  • Experience in effective working with governmental and non-governmental counterparts;
  • Experience living, studying, or working in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, and a thorough understanding of the local context, would be a strong asset;In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration issues in Switzerland.

SKILLS

  • Knowledge of the Swiss asylum system and work in FACs;
  • Very good knowledge of the AVRR process;
  • Excellent communication skills, verbal and written; 
  • Excellent team work and inter-personal skills; 
  • Very good knowledge of Microsoft programs (particularly Word and Excel);
  • Knowledge of eRetour and Mimosa case management systems is an asset.

LANGUAGES

  • German must be the candidate's native language or at an equivalent native proficiency level. Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in French is an advantage.

  • Working knowledge of any other language is an advantage.

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    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 five values:
  • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
  • 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.

 

Notes
  1. Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
  2. This position is offered under a part-time modality (80%).
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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
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