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) and direct supervision of the Senior Project Associate (and, in collaboration with State Secretariat for Migration – SEM - and other partners in the Federal Asylum Centres, FACs), the Return Counsellor is responsible for undertaking return counselling in the FACs in Basel (40%) and Federal Asylum Center in Flumenthal (20%) possibly other centers in other regions for replacements (20%). The selected candidate will collaborate with the existing team of 9 return counsellors, while supporting the project manager with the implementation and coordination of return counselling in the FACs and in close coordination with the other Return Counsellors in the region and in Switzerland.
Responsibilities
- Provide specific return counselling services and extensive information on Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) to all asylum seekers residing in those centers (or centers in this region under IOM’s return counselling mandate);
- Organize and facilitate a well prepared and safe journey home in cooperation with relevant Swiss governmental authorities (State Secretariat for Migration, SwissREPAT) while screening and giving special support to vulnerable cases;
- Organize travel documents in coordination with SEM for migrants who do not have them;
- 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);
- Input all activities in the eRetour and IOM database (Mimosa), as well as filing on individual cases. Participate in drafting and updating project reports, statistical, narrative reports, handbooks dedicated to return counselling and the internal newsletter Going Home;
- Liaise with all relevant partners in the respective reception centres and ensure good information flows for all involved partners, especially with the designated focal points of SEM on Return and Dublin; Keep regular meetings, efficient cooperation on cases and information flows with return counsellors in the Basel center and in the North-West region.
- Liaise with consulates, consular sections and country missions for the issuance of travel documents, where applicable;
- 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 empowering AVRR activities in Switzerland and abroad;
- Ensure the visibility of the presence of IOM in the center and its role as Return Counsellor;
- Regular travels to Bern for team meetings or other gatherings (5-6 times per year) required and to Federal Asylum Center in the region as well as replacements in other regions if needed.
- Coordinate within the team covering the same region in view of replacements;
- Perform other duties as may be assigned, as agreed with the IOM Switzerland Chief of Mission or the Program Manager.
Qualifications
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 the general area of program and project operations, logistics and coordination.
- Experience in working with UN, Government agency, or NGO
- Experience in communications and liaison with particular emphasis on contact with migrants and counselling
- In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration issues in Switzerland;
SKILLS
- Knowledge of the Swiss Asylum system and work in Federal Asylum Centers;
- Very good knowledge of handling AVRR cases;
- Very good knowledge of Microsoft programs (particularly Word and Excel);
- Knowledge of eRetour and Mimosa case management systems, an asset;
- Good communication skills and contact with migrants.
- Driving license.
LANGUAGES
- For this position, fluency in English and German is required (oral and written) with a good knowledge of French.
- Working knowledge of any other language is an 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.
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.
