Caseworker

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.

IOM invites candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process when required. 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.

The International Organization for Migration in the United Kingdom (IOM UK) delivers a range of programming to support migrants, both in the UK and internationally, including projects focusing on labour migration, resettlement, migration and development, migrant protection, and community cohesion. Since 2019, IOM UK has been providing immigration advice and casework support to vulnerable migrants across the UK. IOM UK is a registered Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Level 3 Immigration and Asylum & Protection organisation.

Under the direct supervision of the Casework Supervisor and the overall guidance of the Project Manager and Chief of Mission (CoM), the incumbent will provide specialist technical support to IOM UK’s Immigration Advice Team, undertake specialist legal counselling, IAA regulated casework and representation. The incumbent will also support the Casework Supervisor and Project Manager in liaising with relevant stakeholders on matters related to policy, project development, implementation, and reporting, as well as participate in external forums and meetings. The caseworker will provide support to Local Authorities and third sector organisations, providing information and technical inputs, second tier support, as well as direct one-to-one casework support to vulnerable individuals to complete applications. This will also involve working with interpreters where necessary. Based on identified needs and vulnerabilities, it is expected the caseworker will support a range of immigration cases, including EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), MVDAC/SET(DV), Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE) and Citizenship.

Responsibilities

• Provide immigration counselling and deliver casework support for vulnerable individuals, ensuring the highest standard of client care, managing own caseload and reporting.
• Comply with case management systems, administrative procedures and quality standards as required by donors, the IAA and by IOM.
• Provide training, awareness raising and counselling to statutory and voluntary agencies and others and maintain and develop relationships with relevant partner agencies and donors as appropriate for funded project delivery.
• Keep up to date with relevant changes in legal policies and sector priorities and initiatives, analyse and disseminate to colleagues, legal information from domestic and international case law and legislation, and support policy development on these issues for IOM UK.
• Travel within the UK as required for the delivery of this work.
• Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

• All applicants must be IAA Level 2 or 3 Immigration accredited AND should have a:
• High School diploma with at least six years’ experience of immigration and asylum casework OR
• University degree or equivalent in a related field such as Immigration Law, International Relations, Political Science, Social Science or Development Studies with at least four years’ experience of immigration and asylum casework.

Please note that applicants who do not hold a IAA level 2 or 3 immigration accreditation will not be considered for this position.

Experience

• Minimum of four years’ (depending on level of education) experience of immigration and asylum casework, at least one of which should be working at IAA Level 2 or above.
• An ability to manage a caseload and to prioritise effectively working under pressure and meeting deadlines, using relevant case management systems.
• Proven ability to deal sensitively and with empathy, with clients who may be vulnerable and distressed, while communicating effectively to give and receive key information.
• Experience and proven track record in successfully developing and delivering training and capacity building sessions to frontline professionals.
• Sensitivity and proven experience of engaging with and influencing key stakeholders.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation, data analysis and reporting.
• Experience in supporting EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS), MVDAC/SET(DV) and Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme (UPE) and Citizenship applications preferred.
• Experience of working with unaccompanied migrant children preferred.
• Experience in casework supervision preferred.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and administrative skills, with good time management and strong attention to detail.
• Good knowledge of information technology and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (in particular PowerPoint and Excel).
• Previous work experience in international organisations/co-ordinating bodies would be an 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 English (oral and written) is required.

Required Competencies

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.

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

• 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

• 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.

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. 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.