Return Counsellor

Context:

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Bern and direct supervision of the Senior Project Associate and in close coordination with the other return counsellor; and, in collaboration with relevant units at Headquarters and the Administrative Centres, the successful candidate will be responsible to do return counselling in the Federal Asylum Center in Chiasso.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

In close coordination with the Program Manager for Return Counselling and Assistance for Voluntary Return from the Swiss Federal Asylum Centers (RAZ), the Return Counsellor at the Federal Asylum Center in Chiasso will fulfill following tasks:

1. Provide specific return counselling services and extensive information on Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) to all asylum seekers residing in this center (or centers in this region under IOM’s return counselling mandate);
2. Organize and facilitate a well prepared and safe journey home in cooperation with relevant Swiss governmental authorities (State Secretariat for Migration and SwissREPAT) while screening and giving special support to vulnerable cases;
3. Organize travel documents in coordination with SEM for migrants who do not have 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, as well as “Reintegration Assistance for Switzerland” (RAS);
5. Input all activities in the eRetour and IOM databases (Mimosa and RAZ), 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;
6. Liaise with all relevant partners at the reception centre and ensure good information flows for all involved partners, especially with the designated focal point of the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) on Return and Dublin;
7. Liaise with consulates, consular sections and country missions 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 empowering AVRR activities in Switzerland and abroad;
9. Ensure the visibility of the presence of IOM in the center and its role as return counsellor;
10. Regular travels to Bern for team meetings or other gatherings (5-6 times per year) and to Federal Asylum center Glaubenberg (max. once a month) required.
11. Coordinate within the team covering the same region in view of replacement;
12. Perform other duties as may be assigned, as agreed with the IOM Switzerland Chief of Mission or the Senior Project Associate.

Required Qualifications and Experience

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.

Experience and Skills

• Experience in the general area of program and project operations, logistical arrangements and coordination.
• Experience in liaison and/ or counseling with particular emphasis on interpersonal skills with clients and partners.
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration issues in Switzerland.
• Knowledge of the Swiss Asylum system and work in Federal Asylum Centers.
• Good communication skills.

Languages

Fluency in Italian and English (oral and written proficiency) is required. French/ German one of those two languages should be fluent, with understanding level of the second.

NOTE*: Applications from candidates who hold higher qualifications from an accredited Institution of higher education may be considered.

Required Competencies

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.

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 action and delegated work.
• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Other

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment.

Only candidates who already have the legal right to work in Switzerland can be considered for this position.