Operations Assistant

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 candidates are considered first-tier candidates.

Under the overall supervision of the Chief of Mission (CoM), and under the direction of the Senior Project Officer, the Operation coordinator will manage and implement the Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration project for victims of trafficking (CT AVRR) and will implement projects in the field of Counter-Trafficking prevention activities. Please note that this position is offered on a part-time basis, with a workload of 60% to 80%.

1. Manage the project AVRR for victims of human trafficking: develop the project 
   document and budget, submit to donor and seek financial support, oversee the 
   implementation in close collaboration with colleague, do financial tracking as well as 
   narrative and financial reporting.
2. The Operations coordinator will - based on needs for all stages of AVRR operations: 
   • provide return-relevant information to the Swiss State Secretariat for 
     Migration (SEM), the cantonal return counselling offices or specialized 
     NGOs in the field of Counter-trafficking.
   • provide specific operational return assistance for individual returnees in 
     close collaboration with the relevant IOM missions in the country of 
     return, as well as with the relevant Swiss counterparts, by implementing 
     IOM Bern’s SIM-program (swissREPAT-IOM Movements).
   • Coordinate the reintegration assistance of individual cases in close 
     cooperation with the missions in the country of return and the SEM. 
   • Prepare individual case closures with detailed information of the return 
     and reintegration process and relevant payment information. 
3. Process files of beneficiaries for CT AVRR, including data entry in related databases, 
   handling and archiving of related invoices and communication, and carrying out 
   operational casework in a job-sharing arrangement with a colleague.
4. Organize and participate in annual meetings with key partners of the specialized 
   AVRR project for victims of trafficking such as the yearly coordination meeting with 
   the donor, the NGO FIZ and the return counselling offices and the former project 
   team (Begleitgruppe).
5. Support in the preparation and implementation of training sessions for return 
   counselling offices and NGOs regarding the CT AVRR program. 
6. Support the project manager in fund-raising for Counter-Trafficking (CT) awareness-raising activities. 
7. Support the project manager in the planification and preparation of the awareness-raising project Counter-trafficking weeks at all stages: 
   • provide administrative support in the drafting of documents;
   • compile available sensitizing materials and drafting concepts and  supporting documents for the CT weeks
   • contact potential partners for the implementation of awareness raising 
     activities and follow-up during implementation phase.
   • prepare presentations and materials for awareness-raising activities.
   • support the implementation of project meetings (steering committee and 
     potential implementing partners).
   • compile information for the joint agenda, update the website, plan 
     communication
   • support in the logistical arrangements of events and awareness-raising 
     activities 
   • prepare information gathering for project reporting.
   • compile statistics and information for project reporting and evaluation.
8. Contribute to communication activities such as support in drafting communication 
   strategy, preparing social media posts, drafting press releases and reply to media 
   requests. 
9. Be in regular contact with counterparts in the field of human trafficking to present 
   activities of the office in this field and search for further development opportunities.
10. Support in preparation and participate in relevant thematic meetings, visits or 
    working groups (foreign delegations, symposiums, launch of publications or thematic 
    exchanges). 
11. Undertake duty travel within Switzerland in the field of combatting human trafficking 
    in Switzerland. 
12. Replace other IOM Bern colleagues during periods of absence as required.
13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Chief of Mission.

EDUCATION

• University degree (Bachelors) in International Administration/ Relations, Social Sciences, or a 
  related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional 
  experience; or

• Secondary School Certificate in the above fields with five years of relevant professional 
  experience

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

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in the field of combating human trafficking and/or communication or prevention 
  campaigns.
• Knowledge of the field counter-trafficking and support of vulnerable migrants;
• Experience and proven competencies in liaising with governmental authorities at national 
  and cantonal level; NGOs and various stakeholders.
• Experience in organizing events

SKILLS

• Knowledge of the broad range of migration issues in Switzerland; 
• Knowledge and interest in the field of combatting human trafficking and/or communication 
  or prevention campaigns:
• Liaising with broad variety of stakeholders (government authorities, civil society, diplomatic 
  missions, etc.).
• Sound knowledge of the project cycle.
• Presentation skills.

LANGUAGES

• Fluency in German, English and French is required. Working knowledge of other languages, such as 
  Italian, is an advantage

  IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish.
  Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.