Back Project Assistant, Cultural Orientation

Open to Internal and External Candidates

Position Title: Project Assistant, Cultural Orientation

Duty Station: Country Office in Cairo, Egypt

Classification: G4

Type of Appointment: Fixed Term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Reference code: VN/CAI/2023/23

Closing Date: September 04, 2023

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Organizational Scope & Context:

The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) operates world-wide with a target of providing resettlement opportunities to many thousands of refugees each year. IOM provides a range of services and support to the USRAP including, but not limited to, case processing, migration health assessments, cultural orientation training, organized transportation and administration of a travel loan and collections program. The Department of Operations and Emergencies (DOE), specifically the Resettlement and Movement Division (RMM), has the organizational responsibility to provide direction, oversight, and guidance to IOM’s global support to all resettlement programs.

Under the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), Resettlement Support Centers (RSCs) provide critical support and processing assistance for resettlement to the US. As part of an MOU between IOM and the US State Department Bureau for Population Refugees and Migration (PRM), IOM manages several RSCs which prepare applications for adjudication by and provide support to visiting US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers, facilitate security and medical screenings, provide information about arriving individuals to resettlement agencies in the US and offer Cultural Orientation (CO) training to individuals departing for the US.

Under the overall supervision of the National Project Coordinator, Egypt Site, RSC MENA and direct supervision of the Assosiate National Project Officer, the successful candidate will be based in Cairo, Egypt and will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Undertake activities related to scheduling and handling logistical arrangements for cultural orientation courses in an assigned location or throughout an assigned region for a wide range of resettlement countries, including the US, Australia, Canada and others. Help ensure the schedule and other arrangements made for classes are appropriate in relation to the class length, training venue and required interpretation services.
2. In coordination with the Project Focal Point, Project Administrator and/or Project Officer, generate ad hoc reports in START to determine which applicants in the USRAP require US Cultural Orientation (USCO) classes in a particular location or region.
3. Assist with the scheduling of cultural orientation classes based on data generated from ad hoc reports and information provided by the Project Focal Point, Project Administrator and/or Project Officer regarding resettlement country, class length, location and venue.
4. Enter schedule data into START or another database as needed, ensuring a high quality of data integrity. Update schedule data based on changes to participant lists and class dates.
5. Issue notifications related to scheduled cultural orientation classes to applicants through such means as phone calls, text messages and email. As required, log responses and issue re-confirmation notifications.
6. Arrange for the appropriate interpreters to be present during cultural orientation classes through such means as coordinating with a Project Assistant, Case Management on available interpreters, working with the Project Administrator in a particular location to arrange interpreters or transmitting the request for interpreters to another IOM mission.
7. In close coordination with relevant colleagues and supervisors, including at other IOM missions, assist with circuit ride logistics for Cultural Orientation course delivery, including assisting with reserving training venues, booking accommodation for colleagues, arranging for food to be provided during classes and securing transport and accommodation.
8. Update START and other databases with attendance records for classes based on feedback received on class participation from Project Assistants, Cultural Orientation and other colleagues in the field.
9. Provide regular reports on work being accomplished to the Project Focal Point and/or Project Administrator, Cultural Orientation and/or other supervisors and team members.
10. Demonstrate a solid understanding of the USRAP, SOPs and START, as well as the ability to remain professional, impartial and unbiased during all interactions with applicants and colleagues.
11. Maintain and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all RSC-related information by implementing control procedures in line with USRAP standards of conduct and data protection rules. Alert the Project Focal Point, Project Administrator or RSC management of any non-compliance to SOPs or codes of conduct by RSC staff members.
12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a social/political study from an accredited academic institution with two years of professional experience.
• Secondary School Education with a minimum of four years of experience in a community work related field and relevant qualifications

Experience

• Experience in IOM administrative and financial management, budget monitoring, cash management and internal control procedures;
• Experience in the usage of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and data analysis; and,
• Experience supervising the development and implementation of administrative control procedures.

Skills

• Excellent computer skills - Word, Excel and Internet.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Languages

• Thorough knowledge of English and Arabic

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three 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.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.

https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other

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

This is a national position and as such only Egyptian citizens and legal residents with authorization to work in Egypt at the time of the application will be considered.

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.