Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) Counsellor (2 positions)
Under the direct supervision of the Senior AVRR Associate, and in coordination with the Migrant Protection and Assistance Head of Unit, the incumbent will assist in the implementation of the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration project from Belgium. The incumbent will provide counselling services to migrants, partner agencies and other institutions concerned and organize voluntary return and reintegration activities.
Core functions/responsibilities:
- Provide AVRR counselling services to potential beneficiaries in Belgium, on existing voluntary return projects and, when applicable, on available reintegration opportunities in the countries of origin of the beneficiaries;
- Provide pre-departure reintegration counselling to eligible beneficiaries and coordinate the reintegration assistance with the IOM missions in the countries of origin;
- Prepare and encode application files in the appropriate databases;
- Assist in providing information to IOM’s partner network in Belgium to promote AVRR;
- Assist in delivering information sessions on AVRR to stakeholders likely to be in touch with potential beneficiaries, including but not limited to, social services, reception centres, hospitals and governmental counterparts;
- Maintain and promote good working relations with embassies and consulates to collect information and promote co-operation with a view to facilitate the issuance of travel documents and/or visas;
- Assist in establishing technical information on each country’s procedures and specifics (travel documents, consulate opening hours, etc.) to compile and update Country Information Sheets;
- Ensuring regular contacts with IOM referral partners in Belgium;
- Contribute to the development of promotional/information materials on the return and reintegration activities;
- Participate in joint monitoring missions on individual reintegration assistance in selected countries, if and when required;
- Any other duties as may be required.
Education:
- Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Social Assistant, Social Work, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience; OR
- Completed High School Degree of a minimum of four years of releant professional experience.
Experience and skills:
- Experience in (IOM) AVRR projects and reintegration assistance;
- Experience with migrant populations on direct assistance;
- Experience in the usage of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and data analyses;
- In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization
Languages:
- Fluency in English, and French or Dutch is required (oral and written)
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, respect and fairly treated.
Core competencies:
- 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.
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.
Duty Station: Brussels, Belgium (Country Office)
Classification: General Service, Grade G4
Type of appointment: Special Short Term until 31 December 2024, with possibility of extension
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications to iombrusselscoapplications@iom.int 23 July 2024 23:59 (Brussels time), referring to this advertisement in the subject line (SVN 2024-13 AVRR Counsellor) and including the following documents:
1. CV or Personal History Form
2. Cover Letter
3. Mandatory Questionnaire (page 5)
In order for an application to be considered valid, IOM only accepts applications duly completed.
IOM reserves the right to contact shortlisted candidates only.
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 and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates will be requested to provide evidence of vaccination against COVID-19.
This post is subject to local recruitment. Only persons holding a valid residence and work permit for Belgium will be eligible for consideration.
