AVRR counsellor

Context:

Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) is an indispensable part of a comprehensive approach to migration management, aiming at the orderly and humane return and reintegration of migrants, who are unwilling to remain in host or transit countries and wish to return voluntarily to their countries of origin.Under the overall supervision of the Head of Unit, the candidate will provide counselling services to migrants, partner agencies and other institutions concerned and organise voluntary return and reintegration activities.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

1. Provide AVRR counselling services to potential beneficiaries in Belgium, on existing voluntary return projects and, when applicable, on available reintegration opportunities in the countries of origin of the beneficiaries;
2. Provide pre-departure reintegration counselling to eligible beneficiaries and coordinate the reintegration assistance with the IOM missions in the countries of origin;
3. Prepare and encode application files in the appropriate databases;
4. Assist in providing information to IOM’s partner network in Belgium to promote AVRR;
5. Assist in delivering information sessions on AVRR to stakeholders likely to be in touch with potential beneficiaries, including but not limited to, social services, reception centres, hospitals and governmental counterparts;
6. Maintain and promote good working relations with embassies and consulates to collect information and promote co-operation with a view to facilitate the issuance of travel documents and/or visas;
7. Assist in establishing technical information on each country’s procedures and specifics (travel documents, consulate opening hours, etc.) to compile and update Country Information Sheets;
8. Ensuring regular contacts with IOM referral partners in Belgium;
9. Contribute to the development of promotional/information materials on the return and reintegration activities;
10. Participate in joint monitoring missions on individual reintegration assistance in selected countries, if and when required;
11. Any other duties as may be required

Classification: General Service Staff, Grade G4

Type of Appointment: Special Short Term, 9 months with possibility of extension, subject to funding

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Assistance, Social Work, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with four years of relevant professional experience; or
• Master’s Degree in Social Work and Welfare Studies, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in (IOM) AVRR projects and reintegration assistance;
• Experience with migrant populations on direct assistance;
• Experience in the usage of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and data analysis;
• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization.

Languages

Fluency in French, Dutch and English is required. Working knowledge of Spanish is desirable.

Other

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable. As part of the mandatory medical entry on duty clearance, candidates will be requested to provide evidence of vaccination against COVID-19.

This post is subject to local recruitment. Only persons holding a valid residence and work permit for Belgium will be eligible for consideration