Counselling Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1951, with a mission to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM operates in over 150 countries and has more than 10,000 employees worldwide. The organization focuses on providing services and advice concerning migration to governments and migrants alike, ensuring that migration is safe, orderly, and dignified. IOM's work encompasses a wide range of migration-related issues, including humanitarian assistance, migration health, and the integration of migrants into host communities.

Job Overview:
The Counselling Officer position is crucial for providing comprehensive support to individuals considering voluntary return to their home countries. The incumbent will work under the guidance of senior officers and will be responsible for delivering accurate information and counselling services to migrants. This role involves clarifying individual perspectives regarding their return, providing up-to-date information about the situation in countries of return, and assisting migrants in making informed decisions about their options. The Counselling Officer will also be expected to liaise with various stakeholders, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, to facilitate the return and reintegration process for migrants. The position requires a proactive approach to developing strategies that inform the target group about voluntary return programs and organizing mobile counselling sessions to reach a broader audience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Counselling Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing counselling and information about voluntary return options to migrants.
• Clarifying individual perspectives concerning abode and return, ensuring that migrants receive objective and reliable information.
• Offering insights into potential municipal incentives and assistance schemes available for returnees.
• Facilitating connections between migrants and partner organizations, state-run and private contact points, and local relief organizations.
• Providing information on relief offers, governmental support, and private services available to potential returnees.
• Initiating support for return and reintegration within the scope of existing AVRR programs.
• Liaising with local public authorities and participating in consultations to coordinate efforts.
• Organizing and preparing regular meetings and thematic events targeting migration actors in Germany.
• Developing and implementing strategies to inform the target group about voluntary return possibilities. 1
• Organizing and conducting mobile counselling sessions. 1
• Managing the day-to-day operations of the AVRR Counselling Centre. 1
• Distributing information and promoting the counselling centre's work. 1
• Performing any other duties as assigned by supervisors.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Political or Social Sciences, Social Work, Pedagogy, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with at least three years of relevant professional experience in similar roles. Alternatively, candidates with a completed High School degree and a minimum of five years of relevant working experience may also be considered. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database. Additionally, candidates should have relevant working experience concerning migration issues and/or project-related work and counselling services, with knowledge of German and EU institutions and migration policies being an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as Political or Social Sciences, Social Work, or Pedagogy. Candidates with a completed High School degree may also apply if they have significant relevant experience. The degree must be from an accredited academic institution, and candidates are encouraged to verify their qualifications against the UNESCO World Higher Education Database to ensure eligibility.

Experience:
The position requires relevant working experience in migration issues, project-related work, and counselling services. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of German and EU institutions, as well as migration policies. Experience with AVRR (Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration) programs is particularly advantageous. Previous work experience with national, regional, or international public bodies will be considered a significant asset, especially if it relates to the AVRR landscape in Germany.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and German is mandatory, with both languages required at an excellent level. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those recognized as official IOM languages (English, French, Spanish), as well as Macedonian, Serbian, Russian, or Arabic, is considered advantageous. Language proficiency will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning only candidates with a valid residence and work permit for Germany will be considered. The appointment will be contingent upon medical fitness certification, verification of residency, and necessary government authorizations. The selection process may also 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. IOM maintains a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.