Consultant for Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA)

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization that provides services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike. Established in 1951, IOM has grown to include 173 member states and offices in over 100 countries, making it a key player in the global migration landscape. The organization's mission is to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, ensuring that the rights and dignity of migrants are respected. IOM works in various areas including refugee resettlement, migration health, and emergency response, among others.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Canadian Orientation Abroad (COA) will play a pivotal role in delivering pre-departure orientation sessions to refugees in Sudan and potentially other locations. This position requires the consultant to act as the focal point for the COA programming, ensuring effective communication and coordination with various stakeholders including IOM Sudan, the Canadian Embassy, and other partners. The consultant will be responsible for the operational and administrative oversight of COA activities, adapting training content to meet the diverse needs of refugees, and ensuring that sessions are delivered in a timely and efficient manner. The role also involves maintaining regular contact with the COA Global Management Team and ensuring that Canada’s information needs are met accurately.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with planning, scheduling, and delivering pre-arrival information and orientation sessions for youth and adult refugees, utilizing various modalities such as in-person, telephonic, or virtual formats. Responsibilities include overseeing all logistical aspects of the sessions, such as training room preparation, equipment setup, and coordination of materials. The consultant will also supervise COA support staff, childminders, and interpreters, ensuring that all tasks are clearly assigned and executed efficiently. Additionally, the consultant will be responsible for budget monitoring, maintaining an inventory of training materials, and submitting statistical reports in a timely manner. The consultant will engage in continuous professional development and contribute to the global development of the COA program by participating in workshops and training seminars.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in political or social sciences, Law, International Relations, Education, or a related field, along with at least four years of relevant work experience. Alternatively, a high school diploma with at least six years of relevant work experience is acceptable. Experience in providing information and orientation to refugees is highly advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate strong cross-cultural communication skills, the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, and experience in leading interactive training sessions.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as political or social sciences, Law, International Relations, or Education is required. Candidates with a high school diploma must have significant relevant work experience to qualify for the position. The educational background should ideally include knowledge of migration-related subjects, particularly in relation to refugee resettlement and pre-departure orientation training.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of four years of relevant work experience if they hold a Bachelor’s degree, or six years if they have a high school diploma. Experience in engaging with refugees and providing orientation services is preferred. Proven ability to communicate effectively across cultures and lead training sessions is essential for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English, Arabic, and Tigrinya is mandatory, both orally and in writing. A working knowledge of Amharic and Oromo is desirable. The selection process will specifically evaluate language proficiency, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is subject to funding confirmation and the candidate's medical fitness for appointment. IOM provides coverage against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan, but consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational issues. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding misconduct and does not charge any fees during the recruitment process. Applications must be submitted through the IOM online recruitment system.