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. Only candidates with residence permit in Switzerland or coming from countries that can receive a residence permit upon arrival (for instance European Union citizens) will be considered.
Context 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 and possibly other centers in the region. 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 and in close coordination with the other Return Counsellors.
- 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, as well as “Reintegration Assistance for Switzerland” (RAS);
- Input all activities in the eRetour and IOM database, 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 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;
- 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 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. 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. 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 three values: - Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- 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. Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators (Level 1) (applicable only if position is with direct reports)
Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential. Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential. Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty. Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction. Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings. Notes
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies