Refugee Information Caseworker

Company / Job Description

The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) is an internationally operating non-governmental organization serving and protecting uprooted people, regardless of faith, race, ethnicity, or nationality.

For three decades, ICMC has partnered with the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration to conduct refugee resettlement. Currently ICMC operates under a cooperative agreement with the Department of State (DOS), as a Resettlement Support Centre (RSC) to prepare eligible refugee applications for consideration for resettlement in Turkey and Middle East (TuME). As part of this service we work with several thousands of refugees and their families each year and take them through each stage of processing that is required for resettlement to the U.S.A. ICMC also has a sub-office in Beirut, Lebanon. The caseload includes a variety of different nationalities, including Iraqis, Iranians, Syrians and Afghans.

JOB PURPOSE

The Refugee Information Caseworker is responsible for promoting a positive image of ICMC/RSC through timely and effective communication with refugees. The Refugee Information Caseworker is a vital point of contact between refugees and ICMC/RSC staff. The Refugee Information Caseworker is also expected to support the Refugee Information Supervisor and the Head of Communication in analyzing, developing, and improving internal and external communication activities as needed. The post holder will be primary responsible for answering questions about the program from refugees waiting for their appointment at the RSC.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• To answer refugee inquiries via phone and e-mail on a daily basis is the primary responsibility;
• To coordinate responses to refugee inquiries with ICMC resettlement and orientation staff;
• To work in collaboration with casual workers (interpreters) and assigned staff in ICMC Beirut office in answering refugee inquiries;
• To maintain data information related to inquiries and updates WRAPS regularly;
• To support the Refugee Information Supervisor with the dissemination of relevant information to refugees;
• To assist the Refugee Information Supervisor and IT Department with the Web Portal of ICMC/RSC;
• Support the Refugee Information Supervisor with internal and external communications (including publications) related to refugees;
• Support the Refuge Information Supervisor and the Head of Communication in coordination of special events, open houses, displays, exhibits, etc.;
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Head of Communications and Refugee Information Supervisor.

Qualifications and Responsibilities

• Commitment to uphold ICMC’s values of fairness, equality and respect of human dignity;
• Commitment to safeguard refugee interests and to prevent any real or perceived abuse of trust and conflict of interest;
• Relevant university degree or equivalent experience required;
• Arabic or Farsi is a prerequisite, Turkish is a must;
• Ability to have some understanding and communicating in English;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Proven inter-personal skills and insight into conditions of refugees to treat them with patience and compassion, calmly and tactfully;
• Ability to accurately follow instructions regarding ICMC/PRM policies and procedures to provide and clarify information to refugees;
• Ability to prioritize tasks and effectively manage the inquiry load of ICMC/RSC;
• Ability to identify problems and analyze alternatives to develop recommendations for improvements;
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility to perform under changing, intensive deadlines and at times with constant interruptions;
• Experience in working in a multi-cultural work environment;
• Willingness to work flexible hours and at time weekends.

How to apply?

If you are interested in this vacancy, please send your up-to-date CV to cv.rsctume@icmc.net together with a covering letter explaining why you think you would be suited to this post.  The closing date for the applications is August 27, 2016. Please include the reference number (Ref No - TU-IST-16-RIU-01) and applicant’s full name in the email subject line. Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.  Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

We are committed to diversity and equal opportunity for applicants and employees. Applications will be treated in strict confidence.