Organizational Scope & Context:
The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) operates world-wide with a target of providing resettlement opportunities to many thousands of refugees each year. IOM provides a range of services and support to the USRAP including, but not limited to, case processing, migration health assessments, cultural orientation training, organized transportation and administration of a travel loan and collections program. The Department of Operations and Emergencies (DOE), specifically the Resettlement and Movement Division (RMM), has the organizational responsibility to provide direction, oversight, and guidance to IOM’s global support to all resettlement programs. Refugees and Migration (PRM), IOM manages the RSC for Middle East and North Africa (MENA). RSC MENA manages US resettlement activities in Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Syria, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Yemen, Oman, India, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and United Arab Emirates. RSC MENA prepares applications for adjudication by and provides support to visiting US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers, facilitates security and medical screenings, provides information about arrivals to resettlement agencies in the US and offers Cultural Orientation (CO) training to individuals departing for the US.
Under the general supervision of the Chief of Mission in Cairo and the Deputy Project Manager, RSC MENA, and the direct supervision of the National Project Officer, RSC MENA, the Associate National Project Officer will be based in Cairo, Egypt and is responsible for field team activities in that location. In this capacity, they will have the following duties and responsibilities:
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
- Coordinate daily RSC MENA field team activities and visiting circuit ride team members undertaking refugee interviews and adjudications support in Cairo, Egypt, including assigning duties and giving feedback on team member performance on a regular basis to ensure high quality work and the accurate completion of form fill, casework and adjudications support activities.
- Oversee refugee interviews in Cairo, Egypt, ensuring appropriate interview techniques are utilized, refugee applicants are treated with dignity and respect, form fill and casework procedures are followed, data is entered, verified and quality checked correctly, and that other work performed in relation to files is carried out in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Liaise with other units in RSC MENA to ensure open communication and satisfaction in relation to the refugee interviews performed in Cairo, Egypt.
- In relation to the adjudication of refugee case files, liaise with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) team leaders to ensure they are able to carry out their work in a manner consistent with their established schedules and guidelines. Monitor visiting team members providing support to USCIS officers and overseeing daily adjudications activities, the distribution of adjudications work to team members, the delivery of briefings for refugee applicants, interpretation during interviews, data entry, logistical support and notifications to refugees of their results.
- Provide technical assistance, guidance, and information to field team members on changes to workflows and procedures in accordance with the Worldwide Refugee Processing System (START), USCIS, PRM Program Announcements and internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Act as the primary liaison between visiting field team members and RSC, MENA management in Cairo, Egypt. Promote clear and positive communication between visiting field team members by encouraging dialogue. Collaborate with wider IOM Egypt counterparts on case issues. Keep management well informed of achievements and challenges.
- Use reports to monitor the RSC MENA pipeline for field team activities in Cairo, Egypt and take appropriate action to address relevant casework or adjudications support delays or backlogs. As needed, directly handle urgent and sensitive cases to ensure they are interviewed or adjudicated effectively and efficiently.
- In coordination with the RSC MENA management, liaise with external partners in Cairo, Egypt, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the US Embassy. Represent RSC MENA at meetings in Cairo, Egypt as needed, including with US and UN officials. Prepare reports, briefings, background information, narratives and statistical reporting as necessary and required.
- Coordinate relevant statistics for the purpose of generating weekly activity and other reports. Report regularly to the Project Officer, Senior Project Officer, Deputy Project Manager and Project Manager on relevant activities, problems and solutions related to the workflow and pipeline.
- As required, provide administrative support to visiting processing, cultural orientation and USCIS circuit ride teams and RSC management, including but not limited to interpreting for refugee interviews, escorting refugee applicants, preparing, organizing, and inventorying refugee case files and assisting with logistical support such as flight bookings, housing arrangements or security clearances.
- Ensure the data integrity of RSC MENA refugee records in the START database and in case files during circuit rides. Identify and utilize new tools to improve the quality of information entered and extracted from START.
- Maintain and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all RSC-related information by implementing control procedures in line with USRAP standards of conduct and data protection rules. Alert RSC management of any non-compliance to SOPs or codes of conduct by RSC staff members.
- Perform such other duties as may be assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
Education
- Complete university education required.
- Two years of working experience with bachelor’s degree or no years of working experience with master’s degree.
Experience
- Experience in USRAP, particularly in RSC processing activities, such as employment verification, case creation, pre-screening, USCIS adjudications support, scheduling, field support and out-processing, is highly preferred.
- Knowledge of USRAP program implementation and familiarity with IOM’s administrative, financial, and business rules and practices is desirable.
Skills
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to effectively communicate with and lead a team.
- Attention to detail and ability to organize.
- Demonstrated proficiency with the Worldwide Refugee Admission Processing System (START).
- Excellent computer skills and a high level of proficiency in spreadsheet and database applications.
- Self-motivated and objective driven.
Languages
- Thorough knowledge of English.
- Working knowledge of Arabic is an advantage.
Notes
Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database (https://whed.net/home.php).
Required Competencies:
Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
- 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.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 2
- 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 action 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
- 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 potential.
- Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
- Strategic thinking and vision: work strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link.
https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf
Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.
Other
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this special vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
This is a national position and as such only Egyptian citizens and legal residents with authorization to work in Egypt at the time of the application will be considered.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment and verification of residency, visa and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
How to apply
How to apply:
Interested candidates are expected to submit their applications on or before November 22, 2022- Cairo time to Careers | IOM Egypt. Late submissions will not be considered.
In addition, please note that only the applications which would have been duly done, and which would have been submitted and received through IOM website within the announced time frame would be valid and considered for the announced vacancy.
Kindly note that for efficiency reasons, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.