
Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations and the leading UN agency in the field of migration. Working closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners, IOM promotes humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It saves lives and protects people on the move, drives solutions to displacement, and facilitates pathways for regular migration, while providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and supportive workplace where all employees can thrive professionally and feel valued. By creating such an environment, IOM aims to better harness the full potential of migration and strengthen its support to people on the move.
IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. Learn 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
Under the general supervision of the Director, Coordination Office for the Mediterranean and Chief of Mission in Italy and Malta, the coordination of the Senior Programme Associate (Migration) and the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the incumbent will be responsible for assisting in the implementation of the AVRR counselling and activities related to the project Training, Assistance and Territorial Support for the Efficiency of Assisted Voluntary Returns.
Successful candidates will be deployed to the following Italian Regions: Abruzzo, Calabria, Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Lazio, Liguria, Lombardia, Marche, Piemonte, Trentino-Alto Adige, Puglia, Sicilia, Toscana, Umbria, Veneto.
Support in establishing close contacts with the local stakeholders dealing with migrants and migration management (municipalities, local entities, NGOs, diaspora groups, etc.) in order to support them in providing AVRR information/counselling to migrants and strengthen national AVRR referral mechanisms;
Provide AVRR information sessions and tailor-made counselling to all Third Country Nationals (TCNs) potentially interested in returning to their CoOS;
Submit AVRR applications through the online system of the Ministry of Interior to the Prefectures competent for the migrants’ place of residence, and keep in good order all the documents related to each potential returnee, securing the appropriate caseload filing;
Disseminate the AVRR information material in close coordination with the Project Coordinator;
Support migrants in filling in the AVRR application and forward the complete files to the IOM AVRR Team, securing if necessary, the issuance of travel documents by the consulates;
Maintain close coordination with Police Headquarters (Questure), Immigration Offices and Prefectures to facilitate the assessment and authorization process of migrants eligible for AVRR assistance.
Assist in organizing transportation of medical and non-medical cases, including taking necessary contacts with the local medical facility and personnel to obtain the necessary medical documentation as requested by the IOM AVRR Doctor;
Collect and compile information relevant for statistical reporting and migrant profiling, and contribute to the identification, development and dissemination of success stories and testimonies related to AVRR beneficiaries and project activities.
Perform other tasks related to the execution of the project, as assigned by the supervisor.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
University degree in International Relations, Law, Social, Political or Economic Sciences, Social Work, Migration or Development Studies, Psychology, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant professional experience; or
High School diploma, with four years of relevant professional experience.
Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.
Experience
At least two years of working experience in the migration sector;
Experience providing direct assistance to migrant populations, also in vulnerable situations;
Proven working experience in dealing with the Italian institutions at central and local level, civic society, and diaspora groups;
Experience working in a multicultural team;
Previous working experience in AVRR counselling is considered an asset.
Skills
Excellent organizational and communication skills;
Personal commitment, efficiency and drive for results;
Ability to multi-task, prioritize and work independently;
Ability to work under pressure;
Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint as well as Outlook is required.
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 this position, fluency in Italian and English is required (oral and written).
Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset.
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:
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 1
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

Established in 1951, the International Organization for Migration is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society.
IOM works with its partners in the international community to assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration, advance understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration and uphold the well-being and human rights of migrants.
More people are on the move today than at any other time in recorded history: 1 billion people – comprising a seventh of humanity. A variety of elements – not least the information and communications revolutions – contribute to the movement of people on such a large scale. The forces driving migration as a priority issue are: climate change, natural and manmade catastrophes, conflict, the demographic trends of an ageing industrialized population, an exponentially expanding jobless youth population in the developing world and widening North–South social and economic disparities.