Call for Applications
Position Title: Social Worker – Safe Zones for unaccompanied minors in RRC Sofia and RRC Harmanli (multiple positions)
Duty Station: Sofia, Bulgaria / Harmanli, Bulgaria
Reference number: CFA BG10-2024-05
Classification: Ungraded
Type of Appointment: Special short-term ungraded contract
Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible
Closing Date: 23rd of July 2024
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 Safe Zones for unaccompanied minors (UAMs)in Bulgaria. The zones are located within the State Agency for Refugees’ (SAR) Registration and Reception Centers (RRC) in Sofia – Voenna Rampa and Ovcha Koupel. More than 9,000 UAMs have been registered and accommodated in the two zones since their opening. 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. In 2024, a third Safe Zone for UAMs was established in RRC Harmanli.
Under the direct supervision of the Safe Zone Supervisors and overall supervision of the Safe Zone Coordinator, IOM Bulgaria’s Protection & Project Development Officer and Head of Office, the successful candidates will provide support/case management to UAMsaccommodated in the one or more of the three Safe Zones in Sofia and/or Harmanli.
Core Functions / Responsibilities:
1. Undertake the case management of UAMs accommodated in the Safe Zones, in line with IOM standards.
2. Work daily shifts, Monday through Friday.
3. Support the daily coordination between IOM and SAR, together with the Safe Zone supervisors and SAR RRC management.
4. Register and accommodate newly arrived UAMs in the Safe Zones, in coordination with SAR staff.
5. Liaise with the legal representatives of the UAMs appointed by the National Bureau for Legal Aid.
6. 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.).
7. In coordination with other IOM staff, providing specialized services in the Safe Zone, identify specific vulnerabilities among UAMs accommodated therein and ensure the provision of appropriate support and/or referral to relevant internal or external support services.
8. Prepare end-of-shift reports, follow-up on administrative tasks and support project reporting and coordinate the work with colleagues from other IOM programs.
9. Organize non-formal education, sports, art and recreational activities for the UAMs.
10. Keep all case management files updated and secured, in accordance with IOM Data Protection Principles and protocols in place.
11. Coordinate the support/case management provided to the UAMs with SAR social experts, as well as other relevant organizations/institutions.
12. Assist UAMs with all the necessary information to access relevant specialized care and/or administrative services provided by other organizations/institutions.
13. Participate in multidisciplinary meetings with SAR social experts and representatives from other organizations/institutions, as needed.
14. Strictly adhere to IOM’s Standards of Conduct and Policy for Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
15. Perform any other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
• 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
• High school graduate with four (4) years of relevant professional experience.
Experience
• Previous experience in social work and/or case management with children/adolescents.
• Awareness of migrant and refugee issues, including the context in Bulgaria.
• Previous experience in working with UAMs is an advantage.
• Experience working in international and/or non-governmental organizations, or government institutions in a multi-cultural setting is an advantage.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, personal commitment, efficiency, and flexibility.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and difficult conditions.
• Demonstrated drafting, planning and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as in a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, and comfort with learning new software.
Languages
• Fluency in Bulgarian and English is required.
• Knowledge of one of the languages of the UAMs – Farsi/Dari, Pashto, Urdu, Arabic, Kurdish, is an advantage.
Required Competencies
Values
• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.
• Integrity and transparency: maintain high ethical standards and act 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
• 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.
Other
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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.
• Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this special vacancy notice is subject to availability of funding.
How to apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications (CV in Europass Format and motivation letter) in English/Bulgarian, to iomsofia@iom.int, quoting reference CFA BG10-2024-05 by 23.07.2024 at the latest, referring to this advertisement. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Posting period:
From 09.07.2024 to 23.07.2024