Project Associate (Refugee Information Sessions)

Job Description

Introduction

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.

IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration

Applications are welcome from internal and external candidates. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal and internal-equivalent candidates are considered as first-tier candidates.

Organizational Context and Scope

The Afghanistan Citizen’s Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) provides a safe and legal route for some of the most vulnerable and at-risk people from Afghanistan to come to the United Kingdom and rebuild their lives. The UK Government has committed to welcoming up to 20,000 people who are at risk through the ACRS. IOM facilitates pre-departure preparation activities for people arriving under the ACRS including but not limited to the provision of migration health assessments, UK Cultural Orientation (UKCO) and organised movement assistance. 

IOM’s experience in facilitating various resettlement programmes has shown that investment in providing refugees with accurate and relevant information about their resettlement and integration pre- departure is vital in enhancing the integration process upon arrival.

Integration is a two-way process, however, working best when both refugees and those in receiving communities have a good understanding of each other’s expectations, cultural differences, and practices. IOM UK therefore launched its Information Sessions in May 2016 to increase local knowledge of the refugee communities being resettled in the UK, thereby helping to reduce the adjustment period for refugees and supporting strong, appropriate integration services.

Under the general supervision of the National Project Coordinator, and in direct consultation with Project Coordinator Resettlement and Local Authority Engagement, IOM Missions overseas, and relevant external stakeholders, the Project Associate (Refugee Information Sessions) will assist in the preparation and delivery of Information Sessions and associated capacity building workshops activities implemented by IOM London as part of the ACRS. 

Responsibilities

Duties will include but not be limited to: 

1.  Assist with the preparation and updating of teaching materials, visual aids, handouts, and activities; and keep abreast the socio-economic and political developments in Afghanistan.

2. Research and provide accurate information on relevant cultures and societies to support information session content; and assist in the preparation of the UKCO curriculum. 

3. Assist in delivering information sessions to local authorities and their partners throughout the UK; and support the delivery of post arrival information sessions as requested by the Project Coordinator Resettlement and Local Authority Engagement. 

4. Assist with logistical arrangements for each session, such as travel arrangements; as well as additional logistical preparations for the delivery of the sessions; provide technical hosting support for information sessions as required. 

5. Draft and submit reports following the delivery of each information session; and assist in compiling quarterly and annual reports as requested by the Project Coordinator Resettlement and Local Authority engagement.

6. Maintain professional relationships with local authorities and their partners.

7. Communicate relevant feedback and opportunities received during information sessions to appropriate IOM staff.

8. Support the promotion of information sessions where appropriate; and contribute to the overall communications activities of IOM UK.

9. Support Cross-Cultural Facilitators (CCF) in the delivery and content of the information sessions and assist with the onboarding new CCFs. 

10. Participate in relevant meetings as requested by the Project Coordinator Resettlement and Local Authority Engagement or the Senior Programmes Coordinator. 

11. Work closely with the UK Cultural Orientation Project Assistant to align pre-departure and post-arrival activities. 

12. Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• High school diploma with five years of relevant professional experience; or,

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution, preferably in Political or Social Sciences with three years of relevant professional experience.

Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience

• At least 3 years of experience in refugee, migration, and/or integration issues.

• Experience supporting the delivery of capacity-building sessions for host communities.

Skills

• Knowledge of UK Resettlement Scheme and Afghanistan Citizen’s Resettlement Scheme is desirable.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders.

• Excellent computer skills and proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications.

Languages

All IOM staff members in all categories are required to be fluent in one of the IOM's official languages (English, French, Spanish).

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

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
• Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 1

• Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
• Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
• Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
• Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
• Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 2, if with direct reports

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings. 

Notes

Please refer to this link for guidance on IOM Job Category.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.

IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.

IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.

IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.

No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies

Required Skills

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