Project Associate (DDP and Case Processing)

The Project Associate supports the assessment and processing of protection needs for migrants in vulnerable situations under the German Return and Reintegration Programme REAG/GARP. The role involves conducting due diligence processes, coordinating with various stakeholders, managing case files, and providing guidance on return procedures for vulnerable migrants.

Responsibilities

• Assist with assessments of the protection needs of migrants in vulnerable situations who have applied for support under the German Return and Reintegration Programme REAG/GARP.
• Coordinate as appropriate with other IOM Country Offices and IOM Protection staff on protection related topics.
• Conduct the IOM DDP (Due Diligence Process) including a rapid vulnerability screening either in-person or remotely.
• Prepare the return, including mitigating measures if appropriate, based on the initial screening.
• Coordinate further action with direct supervisor in cases where severe protection concerns are identified.
• Process applications for return and/or third country migration for migrants in vulnerable situations by obtaining necessary information and/or documents from applying entities and/or migrants.
• Ensure that the case is medically cleared and coordinate with escort service providers for any special return related arrangements.
• Adhere to data protection principles and information sharing protocols with quality data that is sufficiently detailed and accurate.
• Compile and maintain case files according to the rules and regulations of the program.
• Alert the supervisor or management of any non-compliance with SOPs or Code of Conduct by IOM staff members or partners.
• Provide specific information on bookings and special arrangements e.g. escorts or medical clearances, to applicants and/or applying entities.
• Communicate with donors when necessary to obtain approval for specific individual assistance in accordance to the regulations and guidelines.
• Coordinate any requirements for vulnerable migrants including necessary medical assistance during return and upon arrival in the country of destination.
• Coordinate with other IOM Country Offices on medical follow-up information, special operational requirements and PAMA implementation when applicable.
• Provide general guidance and capacity development on return procedures for migrants in vulnerable situations and requirements to applying Social Welfare and local entities, foreigner’s offices, NGOs and/or potential migrants.
• Organize meetings, workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
• Retrieve, compile, summarize, analyse, and present information/data on specific project topics including regular update of unit and project trackers.
• Provide input for status and donor reports.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of relevant Protection and Operations INs, guidelines and SOPs and maintain professionalism, impartiality and unbiased conduct per IOM Code of Conduct and PSEA instructions.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of related systems and databases including Mims and MiMOSA.
• Participate in internal and external coordination meetings as requested by supervisor.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• University degree in Psychology, Political or Social Sciences, Public Administration, International Relations, Information/Communication Sciences or a related field from an accredited academic institution, with three years of relevant professional experience; OR Diploma in Social Work (University/University of Applied Sciences); OR Completed High School degree from an accredited academic institution, with five years of relevant professional experience, preferably in similar roles.
• Experience with case management for at risk-individuals.
• Experience with data entry and processing as well as handling of sensitive and confidential data.
• Experience in working with migrants, refugees, internally displaced persons, victims of trafficking and other vulnerable groups.
• Strong organisational skills including experience contributing to the management of projects is a requirement.
• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
• Knowledge of German and EU institutions and German and EU migration policies is an asset.
• Sound ability to pursue a rights based and migrant centered approach in day to day operations.
• Strict adherence to humanitarian and protection principles and standards, as well as organizational policies including Code of Conduct and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
• Strong skills in culturally sensitive, client-centered and empathetic communication.
• Demonstrated analytical, writing and reporting skills.
• Ability to locate and apply key Inter-Agency Protection Resources.
• High level of computer literacy in standard MS products.
• Fluency in English and German, oral and written.

Skills

• Case Management
• Data Entry
• Data Processing
• Handling Confidential Data
• Working with Migrants and Refugees
• Experience with Refugees
• Experience with internally displaced persons
• Working with Victims of Trafficking
• Project Management
• Rights Based Approach
• Migrant Centered Approach
• Humanitarian Protection
• Protection Standards
• Code of Conduct Compliance
• Prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse
• Interpersonal Communication
• Culturally Sensitive Communication
• Client Centered Communication
• Analytical Skills
• Report Writing
• Inter-Agency Protection Resources
• Microsoft Office Suite

Languages

English, German