AVRR Project Assistant - Case Worker

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Established in 1951, IOM has over 70 years of experience in migration management and operates in more than 100 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various aspects of migration, including providing assistance to migrants, refugees, and displaced persons, and works closely with governments and other stakeholders to develop effective migration policies. IOM Finland specifically collaborates with the Finnish Immigration Service (Migri) to facilitate Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programs, ensuring that eligible beneficiaries can return to their countries of origin safely and with dignity. IOM's mission is to ensure that migration is safe, orderly, and beneficial for both migrants and host communities, and it employs a diverse workforce of over 17,000 staff members globally.

Job Overview:
The AVRR Project Assistant - Case Worker plays a crucial role in supporting the operational and administrative aspects of the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) program at the IOM Country Office in Finland. This position is vital for ensuring that the AVRR processes are implemented effectively and in accordance with IOM's institutional policies and guidelines. The Project Assistant will work under the guidance of the Head of Office and the direct supervision of the AVRR/CT Project Coordinator. The role involves processing AVRR cases, coordinating travel arrangements, providing counselling to voluntary returnees, and maintaining communication with various stakeholders. The Project Assistant will also participate in outreach activities to raise awareness about IOM's AVRR services and assist returnees at the airport during their departure. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to providing high-quality support to individuals seeking to return to their home countries.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in implementing Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration movements in Finland (AVRR-FI) in line with institutional policies and guidelines.
• Process AVRR cases, including registration of incoming cases, systematic follow-up with colleagues and relevant stakeholders on cases with incomplete information, preparing travel arrangements and reintegration support payments.
• Assist in the coordination and arrangement of international travel as well as domestic transportation in Finland and Countries of Origin.
• Keep reception centres, other relevant stakeholders in Finland, and relevant IOM missions informed of movements as needed.
• Respond to general written and oral enquiries from authorities and/or from AVRR clients and their representatives regarding voluntary return and reintegration from Finland to the Country of Origin.
• Provide general counselling on IOM’s AVRR services to voluntary returnees by email, over the phone, and in person at the IOM office.
• Participate in outreach activities, including by providing briefings to reception centre staff and potential returnees on IOM Finland’s AVRR services.
• Provide departure assistance at the Helsinki-Vantaa airport according to established Standard Operating Procedures, including outside regular office hours (early mornings/late evenings).
• Assist returnees in obtaining required travel and other necessary documents, including but not limited to communicating with Country of Origin embassies/consular offices accredited to Finland on the issuance of travel documents, obtaining required documents and procuring official translations. 1
• Carry out any needed administrative tasks related to movement assistance, including but not limited to establishing and maintaining AVRR files and data, collecting and filing travel documents, receipts, and other supporting documentation. 1
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Head of Office or Project Coordinator.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a high school diploma with four years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s Degree in fields relating to AVRR (e.g., social work, political/social science, migration issues) or related fields from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience. Additionally, candidates should have experience in liaising with governmental authorities, national/international institutions, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups is essential. Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organizations in a multi-cultural setting is considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma with four years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s Degree in fields related to Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR), such as social work, political or social science, or migration issues. The degree must be from an accredited academic institution, and candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree are expected to have at least two years of relevant professional experience in the field.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of four years of relevant experience if they hold a high school diploma, or two years of relevant professional experience if they possess a Bachelor’s Degree. Experience should include liaising with governmental authorities, national and international institutions, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organizations. Candidates should also have experience working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking, and other vulnerable groups. Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations or in a multi-cultural setting is considered advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with a good command of Spanish and Finnish or Swedish being highly desirable. Additionally, working knowledge of languages spoken by main returnee groups, such as Arabic, Russian, Kurdish, Farsi, Dari, or Pashto, is considered an advantage. Proficiency in the required languages will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assignments.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to funding confirmation, and any offer made to the candidate will be contingent upon certification of medical fitness for appointment, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security clearances. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background, or disabilities. IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process and does not request any information related to bank accounts. Applications must be submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system, which allows candidates to track the status of their application. For further information and other job postings, candidates are encouraged to visit the IOM Careers and Job Vacancies website.