Project Associate (Case Management)

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. For the purpose of this vacancy, internal candidates are considered first-tier candidates.
  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. IOM Bulgaria took over the management of the Safe Zone in RRC Harmanli on 1 August 2025. 

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 UAMs accommodated in the Safe Zones in Sofia and Harmanli.   

1. Assist the Safe Zone Supervisor with the implementation and monitoring of project activities in the Safe Zones in RRC Sofia and Harmanli. 
2. Undertake the case management of UAMs accommodated in the Safe Zones in RRC Sofia and Harmanli, in line with IOM standards.
3. Work daily 8-hour shifts, Monday through Friday.
4. Support the daily coordination between IOM and SAR, together with the Safe Zone supervisors and SAR RRC management. 
5. Register and accommodate newly arrived UAMs in the Safe Zones, in coordination with SAR staff. 
6. Support liaisons with the legal representatives of the UAMs appointed by the National Bureau for Legal Aid. 
7. 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.).
8. In coordination with other IOM staff, providing specialized services in the Safe Zones, assist identification of specific vulnerabilities among UAMs accommodated therein, and the provision of appropriate support and/or referral to relevant internal or external support services. 
9. Prepare end-of-shift reports, follow up on administrative tasks, and organize the work with colleagues from other IOM programs.
10. Assist the Safe Zone Supervisors and Coordinator in the preparation of donor reports. 
11. Organize non-formal education, sports, art, and recreational activities for the UAMs.
12. Keep all case management files updated and secured, in accordance with IOM Data Protection Principles and protocols in place.
13. Assist coordination of support/case management provided to the UAMs with SAR social experts, as well as other relevant organizations/institutions.
14. Assist UAMs with all the necessary information to access relevant specialized care and/or administrative services provided by other organizations/institutions. 
15. Participate in multidisciplinary meetings with SAR social experts and representatives from other organizations/institutions, as needed.
16. Strictly adhere to IOM’s Standards of Conduct and Policy for Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
17. Perform any other duties as assigned. Education

    •     School diploma with five (5) years of relevant experience; or, 
    •     Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law or related fields from an accredited academic institution with three (3) years of relevant professional experience.
     

    Accredited Universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.   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 and/or migrants and refugees 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 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.

    Skills

    •     Child protection
    •     Unaccompanied minors
    •     Protection of migrants
    •     Human rights
    •     Project reporting
     

    Languages
    • For this position, fluency in Bulgarian and English is required (oral and written).
    • Working knowledge of Arabic and/or Kurdish, in addition to Bulgarian and English, is an advantage.  IOM’s official languages are English, French and Spanish. 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 three values:
    • Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
18. Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.