Position Title: Social Worker – Safety Zone for Unaccompanied minors in RRC Sofia – Ovcha Kupel
Duty Station: Sofia, Bulgaria
Classification: Ungraded
Type of Appointment: Full time
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 09.10.2022
Established in 1951, IOM is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As the leading international organization for migration, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to assist in meeting the growing operational challenges of migration management, advance understanding of migration issues, encourage social and economic development through migration and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants.
In Bulgaria, IOM is focusing on responding to the current migration situation in the country, in support of the Bulgarian Government and in cooperation with all other agencies involved.
Context:
In 2019 and 2020, within the framework of two projects funded under the Emergency Measures of the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund (AMIF) of the European Union, IOM Bulgaria established the first ever Safety Zones for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children (UASC) in Bulgaria. The zones are located within the State Agency for Refugees’ (SAR) Registration and Reception Centers (RRC) in Sofia – Voenna Rampa and Ovcha Kupel. Since the opening of the two zones, around 5000 UASC have been registered and accommodated in the two zones. IOM Bulgaria has recruited and deployed teams of social workers who provide 24/7 care and support to the children in both zones and is currently looking to increase the pool of social workers.
Under the direct supervision of the Safety Zone Coordinator and overall supervision of IOM Bulgaria’s Protection & Project Development Officer and Head of Office, the successful candidates will provide support/case management to UASC accommodated in the Safety Zone in RRC Sofia – Ovcha Kupel.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
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Undertake the case management and conduct social consultations with an assigned number of UASC accommodated in the Safety Zone in RRC Sofia – Ovcha Kupel and closely follow up on their daily routines in line with IOM standards.
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Register and accommodate newly arrived UASC in the Safety Zone, in coordination with SAR staff.
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Liaise with the legal representatives of the UASC appointed by the National Legal Aid Bureau.
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Work within a multidisciplinary team that includes other IOM staff (psychologists, legal counsellors, interpreters, cultural mediators, assisted voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR) referral counsellors, etc.).
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In coordination with other IOM staff, providing specialized services in the Safety Zone, identify specific vulnerabilities among UASC accommodated therein and ensure appropriate support and/or referral to relevant internal or external support services.
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Prepare end-of-shift reports, follow-up on administrative tasks and project reporting and coordinate the work with colleagues from other IOM programs.
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Organize non-formal education and recreational activities for the UASC.
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Keep all case management files updated and secured, in accordance with IOM Data Protection Principles and protocols in place.
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Coordinate the support/case management provided to the UASC with SAR social experts, as well as other relevant organizations/institutions.
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Assist UASC with all the necessary information to access relevant specialized care and/or administrative services provided by other organizations/institutions.
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Participate in multidisciplinary meetings with SAR social experts and representatives from other organizations/institutions, as needed.
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Strictly adhere to IOM’s Standards of Conduct and Policy for Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
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Perform any other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
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University degree – bachelor’s or higher in Social Work or a related field from an accredited academic institution with two (2) years of relevant professional experience; or
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High school graduate with four (4) years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
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Previous experience in social work and/or case management with children/adolescents.
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Awareness of migrant and refugee issues, including the context in Bulgaria.
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Previous experience in working with unaccompanied asylum-seeking children is an advantage.
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Experience working in international and/or non-governmental organizations, or government institutions in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
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Excellent communication and negotiation skills, personal commitment, efficiency, and flexibility.
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Ability to work with minimal supervision and difficult conditions.
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Demonstrated drafting, planning and organizational skills.
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Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as in a team.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and comfort with learning new software.
Languages
Fluency in Bulgarian and Arabic is required.
Knowledge of English is an advantage.
Required Competencies
Values
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Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
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Integrity and transparency: maintain high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
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Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent, and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
Core Competencies
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Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
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Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
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Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
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Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.
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Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
Other
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this special vacancy notice is subject to availability of funding.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.
How to apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications (Cover Letter and CV in European Format/Europass) in English, to iomsofia@iom.int, quoting the special vacancy notice by 9 October 2022 at the latest, referring to this advertisement. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Posting period:
From the 12 September to 9 October 2022