Return Counsellor

The International Organization for Migration seeks a Return Counsellor in Bern to provide AVRR counselling to asylum seekers, coordinate safe repatriation, and liaise with authorities. This mid-level role requires fluency in English and German, knowledge of the Swiss asylum system, and a relevant degree with three years of experience.

The International Organization for Migration is looking for a Return Counsellor based in Bern to deliver specialized counselling services to asylum seekers. The position focuses on guiding individuals through Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) processes, ensuring safe travel arrangements, and maintaining strong communication with governmental bodies and partner organizations.

Responsibilities

• Deliver targeted counselling and detailed information about Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) to asylum seekers.
• Plan and coordinate safe travel arrangements for returnees in collaboration with Swiss governmental authorities.
• Arrange necessary travel documents for migrants lacking them, working closely with the State Secretariat for Migration (SEM).
• Maintain regular contact with IOM Bern to utilize AVRR support services like the Return Information Fund (RIF) and book flights through the Swiss-REPAT-IOM Movement system.
• Record all case activities in the eRetour and Mimosa databases, including filing individual case documentation.
• Contribute to drafting and updating project reports, statistical summaries, narrative reports, handbooks, and the internal newsletter Going Home.
• Coordinate with partners in reception centers to ensure smooth information exchange.
• Communicate with consulates and country missions to facilitate the issuance of travel documents when needed.
• Share insights on Swiss AVRR case processing and counselling practices with IOM missions and other counterparts.
• Promote the visibility of IOM's presence and role within the center.
• Travel regularly to Bern for team meetings (5-6 times annually) and to Federal Asylum Centers in the region or other regions for replacements as required.
• Coordinate with team members covering the same region to manage replacements and coverage.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Social Work, Political Science, International Politics, Social Sciences, or a related field from an accredited institution, plus three years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrate experience in program and project operations, logistics, and coordination.
• Have prior experience working with UN agencies, government bodies, or NGOs.
• Show strong communication and liaison skills, particularly in contacting migrants and providing counselling.
• Possess in-depth knowledge of migration issues in Switzerland.
• Understand the Swiss Asylum system and have experience working in Federal Asylum Centers.
• Be highly proficient in handling AVRR cases.
• Have strong skills in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel.
• Exhibit excellent communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with migrants.
• Be fluent in English and German (both oral and written) and have a good command of French.
• Hold a valid residence and work permit for Switzerland.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with eRetour and Mimosa case management systems is considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of additional languages is advantageous.

What the company offers

• The position is available on a part-time basis at 80% capacity.
• Successful candidates may be eligible for appointment in a similar role for a period of 24 months.

About the company

The International Organization for Migration fosters a workplace culture grounded in five core values: inclusion and respect for diversity, integrity and transparency, professionalism, courage, and empathy. Staff members are expected to embody these principles in their daily work.

• Inclusion and respect for diversity
• Integrity and transparency
• Professionalism
• Courage
• Empathy

How to apply

Documents to submit:

• CV
• Cover letter