Senior Project Associate (TLP Repayment)

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 operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all, with a mission to ensure the orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, and to uphold the rights of migrants. IOM's work encompasses a wide range of migration-related issues, including resettlement, migration health, and integration, among others. The organization is committed to fostering a culture of respect, integrity, and professionalism among its staff, ensuring that all operations align with its core values and principles.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Associate (TLP Repayment) position is crucial for the effective management of the Travel Loan Program (TLP) within the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Senior TLP Associate and the overall supervision of the Head of USRAP TLP. This role involves direct communication with TLP Participants, who are migrants holding TLP accounts, to address matters related to outstanding debts or fully paid loans. The position requires a strong understanding of IOM's principles and adherence to federal, state, and regulatory guidelines. The Senior Project Associate will supervise a team of up to seven staff members, providing training and guidance on TLP repayment operations, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations, and conducting quality checks to maintain high standards of service. The role also involves utilizing various skip tracing techniques to locate participants for payment negotiations and maintaining accurate records of all interactions and transactions. The incumbent will support the National TLP Repayment Officer with technical assistance and may be required to travel for meetings and training sessions, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to the program's objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Project Associate include:

• Contacting TLP Participants regarding outstanding debts or fully paid loans, ensuring adherence to IOM's principles and applicable laws.
• Supervising a team of up to seven staff members engaged in Travel Loan repayments, providing training and guidance on operational systems.
• Conducting quality checks to ensure compliance with scripts, SOPs, and federal/state laws, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
• Utilizing skip tracing techniques to locate participants for payment negotiations.
• Updating the Collect! system with new information and maintaining accurate case notes.
• Assisting in processing incoming payments from Participants or through the lockbox facility.
• Monitoring shift-based operations to ensure continuity of services, including working outside standard business hours as necessary.
• Upholding confidentiality and integrity of all paperwork in line with SOPs and data protection rules.
• Alerting management of any non-compliance with SOPs or IOM Standards of Conduct. 1
• Performing other related duties as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Senior Project Associate position include:

• A Bachelor’s degree with four years of relevant professional experience, or a secondary education with six years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in staff supervision is strongly advantageous.
• Prior experience working with refugee travel loans is considered an advantage.
• Proficiency in IOM and TLP proprietary tools and systems is strongly advantageous.
• Familiarity with compliance requirements and best practices related to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience in billing and collections is strongly advantageous.
• Strong computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office, are essential.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage with diverse populations and handle sensitive financial discussions effectively.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Alternatively, candidates with secondary education qualifications must have six years of relevant professional experience. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in areas related to project management, finance, or social sciences, which will support the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a demonstrated level of experience that includes:

• A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree, or six years for those with secondary education.
• Experience in staff supervision is strongly advantageous, indicating a capacity to lead and manage a team effectively.
• Prior experience in the context of refugee travel loans is beneficial, providing insight into the specific challenges and requirements of the role.
• Familiarity with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliance is advantageous, ensuring that the candidate understands the legal framework governing debt collection practices.
• Experience in billing and collections is strongly advantageous, highlighting the need for financial acumen in managing loan repayments.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required for this position. Additionally, fluency in one or more of the following languages is considered a strong advantage: Spanish, Arabic, Swahili, Dari/Pashto, Kinyarwanda, Somali, Rohingya/Burmese, French, Ukrainian, Russian, and Thai. Proficiency in these languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments to ensure effective communication with diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
The position is a one-year fixed-term contract with a monthly salary of USD 6329.7

• The selection process may be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar roles for a period of 24 months. This post is subject to local recruitment, meaning only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for the United States will be considered. The appointment will also be contingent upon certification of medical fitness, verification of residency, visa, and government authorizations where applicable. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that contradicts the organization's aims, including sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.