Project Assistant (Cultural Orientation)

The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) operates world-wide with a target of providing resettlement opportunities to thousands of refugees 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.

Under the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), Resettlement Support Centers (RSCs) provide critical support and processing assistance 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.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (COM) and direct supervision of the Project Officer, the successful candidate will be based in Islamabad, Pakistan and will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Undertake activities related to scheduling and handling logistical arrangements for cultural orientation courses in an assigned location or throughout an assigned region for a wide range of resettlement countries, including the US, Australia, Canada and others. Help ensure the schedule and other arrangements made for classes are appropriate in relation to the class length, training venue and required interpretation services.
• In coordination with the Project Focal Point, Project Administrator and/or Project Officer, generate ad hoc reports in START to determine which applicants in the USRAP require US Cultural Orientation (USCO) classes in a particular location or region.
• Assist with the scheduling of cultural orientation classes based on data generated from ad hoc reports and information provided by the Project Focal Point, Project Administrator and/or Project Officer regarding resettlement country, class length, location and venue.
• Enter schedule data into START or another database as needed, ensuring a high quality of data integrity. Update schedule data based on changes to participant lists and class dates.
• Issue notifications related to scheduled cultural orientation classes to applicants through such means as phone calls, text messages and email. As required, log responses and issue re-confirmation notifications.
• Arrange for the appropriate interpreters to be present during cultural orientation classes through such means as coordinating with a Project Assistant, Case Management on available interpreters, working with the Project Administrator in a particular location to arrange interpreters or transmitting the request for interpreters to another IOM mission.
• In close coordination with relevant colleagues and supervisors, including at other IOM missions, assist with circuit ride logistics for Cultural Orientation course delivery, including assisting with reserving training venues, booking accommodation for colleagues, arranging for food to be provided during classes and securing transport and accommodation.
• Update START and other databases with attendance records for classes based on feedback received on class participation from Project Assistants, Cultural Orientation and other colleagues in the field.
• Provide regular reports on work being accomplished to the Project Focal Point and/or Project Administrator, Cultural Orientation and/or other supervisors and team members.
• Demonstrate a solid understanding of the USRAP, SOPs and START, as well as the ability to remain professional, impartial and unbiased during all interactions with applicants and colleagues.
• Maintain and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all RSC-related information by implementing control procedures in line with USRAP standards of conduct and data protection rules. Alert the Project Focal Point, Project Administrator or RSC management of any non-compliance to SOPs or codes of conduct by RSC staff members.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience

EDUCATION

• Completed secondary education required.
• Four years of working experience with secondary education
• Two years of working experience with Bachelor’s degree

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in IOM administrative and financial management, budget monitoring, cash management and internal control procedures;
• Experience in the usage of office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and knowledge of spreadsheet and data analysis; and,
• Experience supervising the development and implementation of administrative control procedures.

SKILLS

• Excellent computer skills – Word, Excel and Internet
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Languages

REQUIRED

• For all applicants, fluency in English is required (oral and written).

DESIRABLE

• Working Knowledge of any local language/s.

Note: Only short-listed candidates who is matching required criteria for the position will be contacted by IOM.

IOM provides equal opportunity to all qualified female and male including the physically challenged candidates.