Description
The Return Counsellor will provide return counselling services to asylum seekers in the Federal Asylum Centre (FAC) in Altstätten and other centers in the region of East Switzerland and Zurich airport.
The successful candidate will collaborate with the existing team of 9 IOM return counsellors working in other FACs around Switzerland, while supporting the Senior Project Associate with the overall implementation and coordination of return counselling.
Responsibilities:
- Provide specific return counselling services and extensive information on Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR)
- Organize and facilitate a well-prepared and safe journey home in cooperation with relevant Swiss governmental authorities
- Organize travel documents in coordination with SEM for migrants who do not possess them
- Regularly liaise with IOM Bern when using its various AVRR support services
- Input all activities in the eRetour and IOM database (Mimosa), and maintain complete documentation on individual cases
- Liaise with all relevant partners in the respective reception centres and ensure efficient information flows
- Participate in regular meetings and ensure efficient cooperation on cases and information flows with return counsellors in the East Switzerland region
- Liaise with consulates, consular sections of embassies for the issuance of travel documents
- Provide information to IOM missions and other counterparts on Swiss AVRR case processing and counselling experience
- Ensure the visibility of the presence of IOM in the center and its role as Return Counsellor
- Travel to Bern regularly for team meetings or other gatherings
- Perform other duties as may be assigned
Qualifications:
- University degree (Bachelor’s or higher) in Social work, Political Science, International Politics, Social Sciences or a related field
- 3 years of relevant professional experience
- Experience in project management, operations and coordination
- Experience in working with the UN, Government agency, or NGO
- Experience in working with migrant population and vulnerable individuals
- Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
- Very good knowledge of Microsoft programs (particularly Word and Excel)
- Knowledge of eRetour and Mimosa case management systems is an asset
Languages:
- German must be the candidate's native language or at an equivalent native proficiency level
- Fluency in English is required
- Proficiency in French is an advantage