SVN Project Assistant G4 Assisted Returns Douala (ACOR)

Position details

• Vacancy type: Special Vacancy Notice
• Recruiting type: General Service
• Contract type: Special Short Term Graded (Up to 9 months)
• Initial contract duration: 6 months
• Office or unit: Country Office
• Location: Douala, Cameroon
• Application deadline: 2026-10-23T00:00:00+00:00

Context

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

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Migration Agency, has been active since 1951, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote a better understanding of migration dynamics. IOM is committed to ensuring that migration is safe, orderly, and regular, recognizing that it benefits both migrants and societies. In this context, the Organization supports the social, psychosocial, and economic reintegration of returning migrants, with the aim of improving their well-being and fostering their sustainable empowerment.

From June 2017 to December 2022, IOM implemented the “EU–IOM Joint Initiative for Migrant Protection and Reintegration”, funded by the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. This regional programme, covering multiple countries along the Central Mediterranean migration route, aimed to protect migrants, save lives, and support their voluntary return and reintegration. During this period, IOM Cameroon significantly strengthened its operational capacity and achieved substantial results in reintegration programming.

Since August 2022, the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRR SSA) has succeeded in the Joint Initiative and related projects. It continues to contribute to the protection of vulnerable and stranded migrants along the Central and Western Mediterranean routes, including through assisted voluntary return, while promoting sustainable reintegration in countries of origin, including Cameroon.

Building on these efforts, the European Union–funded project “Migration Governance Enhancement: Comprehensive Support to National Policy Development and Return, Readmission and Reintegration (RRR)”, launched in March 2025, represents a strategic shift towards a more comprehensive and institutionalized migration governance framework in Cameroon. The project aims to strengthen national capacities in managing return, readmission, and reintegration processes, while also supporting the development of the country’s first national migration policy. It adopts an integrated approach combining institutional strengthening, socio-economic and community-based reintegration, and enhanced data, policy, and coordination mechanisms.

Within this framework, and in view of the complementary implementation of the MPRR SSA programme and the RRR project, IOM Cameroon seeks to strengthen its AVRR unit through the recruitment of a Project Assistant (Assisted Returns). The incumbent will ensure the provision of airport assistance to returning migrants, including pre-embarkation activities, as well as support the effective coordination of reception and reintegration support in line with programmatic objectives and organizational priorities.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Associate (Assisted returns) and general supervision of the National Reintegration Officer in Cameroon, the project Assistant (Assisted Returns) will carry out the following tasks:

1. In coordination with sending missions and relevant partners, conduct pre-departure family tracing and assessment activities, and provide all information necessary to support migrants’ informed decision and sending missions’ assessment of the return feasibility.
2. When requested, participate in remote pre-departure counselling sessions to inform migrants of the assistance available in Cameroon and the reception and reintegration processes.
3. Support the coordination with sending missions, relevant IOM units and relevant partners, prepare and provide reception and post arrival assistance activities to returning migrants.
4. Assist to organise individual or group counselling sessions with migrants in transit and returnees to inform them of the assistance available.
5. Conduct vulnerability screening and assessment and verify eligibility for assistance under available funding in coordination with PXD unit at RO Dakar and other relevant units in line with IOM internal guidelines.
6. In coordination with sending missions support the provision of reintegration assistance to returnees, including the confirmation of eligibility and level of assistance, validation of reintegration plans, and validation of payment of service fees.
7. Support individual counselling sessions with eligible returnees to assess their needs and capacities and develop an integrated reintegration plan considering the migrants’ economic, social, and psychosocial needs.
8. Based on the outcome of the vulnerability assessment, refer migrants to specialized services and facilitate access to protection services as needed, conducting regular case follow-up and monitoring.
9. Support the provision of assistance with relevant support units, following programmatic, administrative, and financial guidance and procedures.
10. Systematically update case information and supporting documents in IOM’s Migrant Management Operational System Application (MiMOSA).
11. Support the liaisons with relevant government and non-government partners for the implementation of activities.
12. Perform any other functions that may be considered necessary.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, International Studies, Law, Political or Social sciences, Development Studies, Education, or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two years of relevant experience; or,

• High Scholl degree in the above fields with four years of relevant professional experience. 

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

Experience

• Experience in social work, case management, protection work or assistance to populations in situations of vulnerability is required.

• Experience working on livelihood project implementation, business support or similar fields is a strong advantage.

• Prior work experience with international humanitarian organizations, non-government or government institutions/organization in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage. 

Skills

• Good understanding of social protection and/ or migration issues, in particular migrants’ rights and migrants’ protection is a strong advantage. 

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 French and English is required (oral and written).

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:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
• 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.
• Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
• Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators Level 1

• 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 actions 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, if with direct reports

• 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 leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings. 

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