Job Description

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Liberia is working in close collaboration with the Government of Liberia, United Nations (UN) agencies, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and international partners to address the complex migration, humanitarian, and development challenges exacerbated by decades of conflict, displacement, and instability. 

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM) and the direct supervisor of the Protection Officer and in close cooperation with relevant departments at Headquarters (HQs) and Regional Office (RO), the Field Support Associate – Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) will be responsible and accountable for providing technical, administrative and operational support for the proper implemention of Global Assisted Voluntary Return (GAVR) programme in Liberia, in accordance with the organisation's policies and procedures. The incumbent will also carry out and help in planning day-to-day return operations, refer complex or sensitive matters to the direct supervisor, and provide guidance to junior staff and service providers on AVR procedures as required.

Responsibilities

1. Coordinate migrants-facing field assitance under the GAVR projectacross the pre-departure, departure and post-arrival phases, including accommodation facilities, third-party facilities, camp-based operation or sub-office, or in relation to transportation, as required, in accrodance with applicable IOM procedures and standards to deliver a smooth and dignified return process.

2. Coordinate pre-departure arrangements for migrants, including collection and verification of required documentation, travel documents and exit permits, baggage arrangements, travel briefings and other relevant formalities, provide beneficiaries with relevant information on luggage, prohibited items, baggage tags, clothing and other travel requirements in close coordination with relevant IOM units, authorities and service providers to complete formalities accurately and on schedule.

3. Provide operational assistance to migrants during departure and airport procedures, including check-in, immigration and customs formalities, security screening, baggage handling, boarding and other travel-related procedures,and coordinate with airline and airport counterparts to resolve issues, enabling timely and appropriate support throughout travel.

4. Coordinate transportation and movement arrangements between accommodation facilities, consolidation points, airports, transit locations and other designated facilities, including identity verification and assessment of beneficiaries’ readiness for travel, and coordinate with relevant IOM units, service providers, consular, migration, local government and other relevant authorities to facilitate the safe, timely and dignified movement of beneficiaries that respect privacy, confidentiality and informed consent.

5. Provide appropriate assistance to migrants with specific needs throughout the return process, including during transportation, departure, transit and arrival, facilitate escorts or other required operational support, as applicable, and promptly report any operational, protection or welfare-related concerns to the supervisor with proposed follow-up actions, to safeguard beneficiary wellbeing and support timely response.

6. Maintain individual beneficiary files and movement-related documentation, monitoring that required documents are collected, verified, properly filed and updated throughout the AVR process. Enter, verify and update beneficiary and movement information in IOM-approved systems, including MiMOSA or other relevant case management tools, and contribute to data quality and accurate record keeping in accordance with applicable data protection and confidentiality standards for complete, accurate and reliable records.

7. Apply IOM SOPs, protection mainstreaming principles, data protection requirements and Standards of Conduct, including Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment (PSEAH) requirements, in interactions with beneficiaries, and promptly report any observed non-compliance by IOM personnel, service providers or partnersto uphold professionalism, impartiality, privacy and informed consent.

8. ​Coordinate with units and departments and beneficiaries on pre-departure formalities including but not limited to travel loans, luggage, prohibited items, bag tags and clothing/shoes, facilitate daily discussions with beneficiaries on cleanliness, litter and hygiene, and update all posters and informational messages and place in visible locations.  

9. Conduct field visits and duty travel as required to support AVR operations at airports, accommodation facilities, transit or consolidation points, partner facilities and other operational locations, including monitoring the delivery of services provided to beneficiaries.

10. Perform such other relevant duties as maybe assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, International Relations/Affairs, Research, Law or a related field from an accredited academic institution with three years of relevant professional experience; or,

• High School diploma with five years of relevant professional experience.

 

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in migration management, refugee resettlement, humanitarian assistance, logistics, transportation, field operations, or related areas;

• Experience in protection case management (including for survivors GBV and human trafficking, children at risk) in humanitarian or migration contexts;

• Experience working directly with migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, deported migrants or vulnerable populations is desirable;

• Experience with referrals and coordination with local protection actors, NGOs, or government services;

• Experience working in programs that include a movement operations component is an advantage; and, 

• Experience with IOM or other UN agencies, particularly working on assisted voluntary return and reintegration programs, is preferred. 

 

SKILLS

• Knowledge of IOM and Inter-agency protection standards and operational guidelines, including IOM Case Management Guidelines. Knowledge of human rights and international migration law is an asset;

• Knowledge of MiMOSA is a strong asset;

• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact respectfully with migrants with trauma or complex needs, and proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people of diverse cultural and national backgrounds;

• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills;

• Ability to deliver assistance in challenging conditions; adaptability and good judgment; and,

• Good written and verbal communication skills; 

• Ability to prepare case notes and reports; and,

• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel), tools used for case management.

 

SECTION 5

Languages[1]

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

REQUIRED

For this position, fluency in English is required (oral and written). 

DESIRABLE

Working knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish).

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
Initial Contract Duration: 06 Months
Org Type: Country Office
Vacancy Type: Special Vacancy Notice
Recruiting Type: General Service
Grade: G-5
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No