Job Description

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
 

Project Context and Scope

Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) represents a key tool for the orderly management of migration, recognized at the European level and implemented across all EU Member States in line with the European Union legal framework. In the context of the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, AVRR is expected to play an increasingly central role, both as an option to be considered for migrants who do not have the legal right to remain within the territory of the Union, and as a voluntary support pathway for migrants who consider their migration project concluded and wish to return to their country of origin in conditions of safety and dignity.

Within this framework, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with ANCI and CITTALIA, has launched the project Training, Assistance and Support to the Territory for the Efficiency of Returns. The project, which started in March 2026, will have a duration of 24 months. The overall objective of the project is to contribute to strengthening the national Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) system through the development and implementation of an innovative counselling service aimed at facilitating third-country nationals’ access to AVRR option and assistance.

The initiative foresees the selection, training and deployment across the national territory of 60 AVRR counsellors tasked with providing information to migrants who may benefit from Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration interventions, supporting the submission of assistance requests, and ensuring case management up to departure.

To this end, within the framework of the project, a specific training model for AVRR counselling will be developed and tested, and the professional profile of the AVRR counsellor will be defined.

This activity is particularly relevant considering that AVRR information provision and counselling represent the first step of the AVRR process, and that their neutrality, accuracy, methodological quality and operational consistency are key elements in ensuring the integrity, credibility and overall effectiveness of Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration interventions.

In particular, the development of the training model/ curriculum and AVRR counselling manual aims to:

  • ensure a harmonized AVRR counselling approach adapted to the specificities of migration management in the Italian context; 

  • respond to the operational needs of AVRR counsellors selected, trained and deployed across the national territory, operating in diverse contexts and at different stages of the migration pathway of potential AVRR beneficiaries; 

  • integrate and consolidate knowledge, methodologies and standards related to counselling, AVRR and the protection of migrants in vulnerable situations, in line with the applicable legal framework and IOM policies; 

  • contribute to defining the professional profile of the AVRR counsellor through the identification of the technical, transversal and operational competencies required for the role.  

The materials developed will also include learning assessment instruments, and materials for practical exercises and simulations.

Within this framework, IOM is seeking a professional expert who, under the supervision of the IOM AVRR Unit and the Technical Working Group (TWG) established at the Ministry of the Interior, will be responsible for implementing the activities described below.

Some occasional travel may be required depending on operational needs.

Responsibilities

Tasks to be performed under this contract

  • Design and Development of the Training Model and Tools for AVRR Counselling in the Italian Migration Context: 

    Preliminary Meeting with IOM and the TWG. Table of Contents of the AVRR Training Programme  - First instalment payment: 20%

  • Develop a comprehensive methodological and training document for professional AVRR counsellors in the Italian context, including: the methodological and operational framework for counselling delivery; the structure and phases of the training pathway; counselling methodologies, techniques and settings; operational and protection standards; referral management and coordination with local services; adaptation to different territorial and operational contexts; operational Plan for the Adaptation of the Professional Profile of AVRR Counsellor; as well as a structured modular training curriculum specifying, for each module, learning objectives, contents and training duration and methodologies.

    Delivery date: 4 months from the signature of the contract – Second Instalment payment: 10%

  • Define the professional profile of the AVRR counsellor through the identification of the technical, transversal and operational competencies required for the role, and develop one document describing: 

    • technical, transversal and operational competencies; 

    • expected role outcomes; 

    • performance indicators.

      Delivery date: 6 months from the signature of the contract –Third Instament payment: 10%

  • Define and develop, with the support of the project team, pre- and post-training assessment tools for the certification of the competencies of selected counsellors, through the development of one comprehensive assessment toolkit including: 

    • pre-training and post-training tests; 

    • competency assessment grids; 

    • competency certification criteria; 

    • at least two differentiated assessment tools (e.g. written test and practical assessment).
      Delivery date: 8 months from the signature of the contract - Fourth payment: 10%

  • Develop the first preliminary version of the AVRR Counselling Training Manual, to be submitted to the TWG for approval, as an operational and training reference tool structured into thematic modules covering, inter alia, the AVRR legal framework and procedures, individualized counselling techniques, case management and the management of AVRR applications; and, with the support of the project team, develop a package of complementary training materials and operational tools, including handouts, operational sheets, checklists, structured case studies, simulations and role-play exercises accompanied by facilitation guidelines. All materials shall be made available in printable formats
    The manual shall be designed to be replicable and adaptable to different operational contexts and to the diverse profiles of potential programme beneficiaries. The consultant shall integrate, among other elements, specific content related to vulnerabilities, intercultural communication, mapping of local service networks, management of complex cases, and other specific topics to be included based on inputs provided by the IOM team and the Technical Working Group (TWG).
    The consultant shall also define learning objectives and develop, for each module, training content, methodologies and assessment tools, adopting an andragogical and practice-oriented approach based on active learning, recognition of counsellors’ prior professional experience, and operational applicability within the Italian migration context.

    Delivery date: 10 months from the signature of the contract- Fifth payment: 30%

  • Testing, Validation and production of one testing report:

  • Coordinate and facilitate, in collaboration with the project team, the testing and validation phase of the training model with a selected group of counsellors and produce one testing report including: 

    • methodology; 

    • results; 

    • qualitative feedback; 

    • challenges and recommendations. 

  • Ensure, together with the project team, the collection of feedback from participants and relevant stakeholders, analyse results and carry out the necessary revisions to the training model and materials, up to the final validation of the manual and the training model by the TWG. 

Performance indicators for the evaluation of results

  • Deliverables submitted according to timelines outlined above.  

  • Version of the deliverables submitted reflects input provided by IOM and the TWG

Qualifications

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education, Experience and/or skills required

  • Master's degree in a relevant discipline, such as Political Sciences, Public Policy, Development Studies, Education and training.  

  • Sound experience in research and education, with regard to the areas of Adult Learning and capacity building, with focus on the context of migration, including return and reintegration, displacement, and emergency contexts and/or on counselling.

  • Strong research and technical background .

  • Previous experience in drafting manuals/in-person and/or online training packages for adults and professionals is an asset.

  • Synthesis skills.

Languages

  • For this consultancy, fluency in Italian (oral and written) is required;
  • Intermediate proficiency in English (oral and written) is required.

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

  • 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.

Notes

IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work. 

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

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

Required Skills

Job info

Contract Type: Consultancy (Up to 11 months)
Initial Contract Duration: 11 months
Org Type: Country Office
Vacancy Type: Consultancy
Recruiting Type: Consultant
Grade: UG
Is this S/VN based in an L3 office or in support to an L3 emergency response?: No
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