National Associate Project Officer (Processing Deployment Arrangement)

Vacancy 2022 32

(10 positions)

Open to Internal and External Candidates

Position Title

National Associate Project Officer (Processing Deployment Arrangement)

Duty Station

IOM Washington, DC (USRAP)

Classification

NO-A

Type of Appointment

One-year fixed-term contract with possibility of extension, Full-Time (100%)

Estimated Start Date

As soon as possible

Closing Date

June 30, 2022

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) operates world-wide with a target of providing resettlement opportunities to many thousands of individuals each year. IOM provides a range of services and support to the USRAP including, but not limited to, case processing, migration health assessments, cultural orientation training, organized transportation and administration of a travel loan and collections program. The Department of Operations and Emergencies (DOE), specifically the Resettlement and Movement Division (RMM), has the organizational responsibility to provide direction, oversight and guidance to IOM’s global support to all resettlement programs.

Context:

Under the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), Resettlement Support Centers (RSCs) provide critical support and processing services for resettlement to the US. As part of an MOU between IOM and the US State Department Bureau for Population Refugees and Migration (PRM), IOM manages several RSCs which prepare applications for adjudication by and provide support to visiting US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers, facilitate security and medical screenings, provide information about arriving individuals to resettlement agencies in the US and offer Cultural Orientation (CO) training to individuals departing for the US. The USRAP Processing Deployment Arrangement (PDA) was established to provide RSCs with more flexibility and agility when a temporary increase in processing is required or until an RSC (or other organization involved) is adequately staffed.

Under the overall supervision of the Project Coordinator (Processing Deployment Arrangement) and direct supervision of the Project Officer (Processing Deployment Arrangement), the successful candidate will be based in Washington, DC and will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

General

1. Under close supervision and guidance, provide administrative and logistical support for pre-screening interviews and case management, as well as other relevant activities for RSCs remotely from Washington DC and while on short-term assignment (STA) to various locations abroad as needed. If on STA, adhere to all security and travel protocols and procedures.
2. As needed, supervise local level support staff undertaking processing activities in various processing locations, which may include processing staff providing support to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers.
3. Acquire a more comprehensive understanding of all aspects of USRAP file processing following guidelines set forth by the program and adapt to changing or new client requirements, statutory requirements, technological demands, or processing guidelines. Apply techniques and standards in an assigned specialty area with focus on increasing competence and meeting organizational standards.
4. Comply with data integrity procedures and processes for RSC records in the START database.
5. Maintain the confidentiality and integrity of all RSC-related information by implementing control procedures in line with USRAP standards of conduct and data protection rules, and bring issues to the immediate attention of the supervisor.

Pre-screening Support

Under close supervision and guidance, conduct interviews as assigned with applicants in a dignified and professional manner while maintaining the integrity of IOM and strictly adhering to the Code of Conduct. Record applicant statements by documenting factual, accurate case histories that capture each applicant’s individual persecution story.

1. Accurately record all biographic data and family relationships for all applicants. Verify, translate, scan and photocopy all documents required for each file for the purposes of case preparation and/or employment verification. Complete data entry for cases that are created in the database.
2. Provide administrative support to pre-screening teams and management, including but not limited to support related to the processing of family reunification cases, interpreting for interviews, escorting applicants, preparing, organizing and inventorying case files and assisting with logistical support such as flight bookings, housing arrangements or security clearances.

Specialty Support

1. Provide support in one or more of the following areas, as assigned:
   1. Program access, including reviewing Resettlement Referral Forms (RRFs), Affidavits of Relationship (AORs) and Employment Verification forms and conducting DNA sample collections.
   2. Adjudication support, including compiling and quality-checking case files, providing assistance as interviews are conducted and completing other administrative tasks such as updating files and decisions, communicating issues and results to support staff, escorting applicants and rescheduling interviews.
   3. Pre-departure services support such as medical requests and updates, assurances, security checks, and travel processing steps.
   4. Support, as appropriate, to minors and other vulnerable cases during each processing step.
   5. START, reports and QC support, including keeping appraised of all START functionalities, providing inputs for the development of updates and trainings for other deployed or RSC staff, reviewing Tableau reports, and assisting in the provision of detailed and insightful quality assurance/quality checks for all processing stages.
2. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

– Master’s degree in Social Science, International Relations, Regional Studies or a related field from an accredited academic institution.

– University degree in the above fields with two years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

· Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with a team;

· Excellent computer skills and a high level of proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications, with experience using START an advantage;

· Experience in USRAP, particularly in RSC casework and USCIS adjudications support activities, is an advantage;

· Experience serving in hardship locations is an advantage;

· Knowledge of USRAP program implementation and familiarity with IOM’s administrative, financial and business rules and practices is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English (oral and written) is required.