Return Counselor – Replacement

IOM Switzerland manages the project Return from Federal Asylum Centers (RAZ, in German) for more than 17 years. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and direct supervision of the Senior Project Associate (and in close coordination with the State Secretariat for Migration – SEM – and other partners in the Federal Asylum Centres), the Return Counselor is responsible for undertaking return counselling in the Federal Asylum Centers (FACs) in the following cities depending on replacement needs (Boudry, Basel, Altstätten, Kreuzlingen, Giffers, Glaubenberg, Brugg). The selected candidate will collaborate with the existing team of 8 return counsellors, while supporting the project manager with the implementation and coordination of return counselling in the FACs.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
1. During periods of replacement, 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);

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;
IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment. Internal and external candidates are eligible to apply to this vacancy. For the purpose of the vacancy, internal candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.
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 SEM eRetour and IOM databases (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;
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 SEM on Return and Dublin;
7. Ensure the visibility of the presence of IOM in the center and its role as return counsellor;
8. Coordinate within the team regarding the needed coverage and replacements
9. Support the Project Manager in the coordination of the work of the team (organizing regular meetings, preparing agenda, NFF, presentations, organization of exchanges with colleagues etc.).
10. Support with replacements of AVRR staff in Bern in case needed.
11. Perform other duties as may be assigned, as agreed with the IOM Switzerland Chief of Mission or the Program Manager.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education
• University degree in Political Science, International Politics, Social Sciences or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or
• Completed High School degree from an accredited academic institution, with four years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
• Experience in the general area of program and project operations, logistics and coordination;
• Experience in working with or for IOM;
• Experience in communications and liaison with particular emphasis on contact with clients and counselling;
• Knowledge of eRetour and Mimosa is an asset;
• Very good knowledge of handling AVRR cases;
• Very good knowledge of Microsoft programs (particularly Word and Excel);
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration issues in Switzerland;
• Knowledge of the Swiss Asylum system and work in Federal Asylum Centers; and
• Good communication skills and contact with migrants.

Languages

For this position, fluency in English and one of the other 2 local languages (French or German) is required (oral and written) with a working knowledge of the other one.
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.
This post is subject to local recruitment. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.