Return Counsellor At International Organization for Migration

Context:
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) in Bern and direct supervision of
the Programme Manager and Deputy Chief of Mission 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:
a. Provide specific return counselling services and extensive information on AVRR to all
asylum seekers residing in this center (or centers in this region)
b. Organize and facilitate a well prepared and safe journey home in cooperation with
relevant Swiss governmental authorities (State Secretariat for Migration and SwissREPAT)
while giving special support to vulnerable cases;
c. Organize travel documents in coordination with SEM for migrants who do not have them.
d. 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;
e. Input all activities in the eRetour and IOM databases, as well as filing on individual 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. Only candidates already in possession of a Swiss
residency permit can be considered for this position.
f. 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) for the IOM RAZ project.
g. 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 (Bachelor’s or higher) in in 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, logistics and
coordination.
 Experience in communications and liaison with particular emphasis on contact with
clients and counseling
 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 and contact with migrants
Languages
Fluency in Italian, French and English (oral and written proficiency) is required.
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 possess a valid Swiss residency permit can be considered for
this position.