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

Internal and external candidates will be considered for this vacancy. For the purposes of this vacancy, internal candidates are defined as staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded or ungraded contract, including Junior Professional Officers (JPOs), staff on Special Leave Without Pay (SLWOP), UN Volunteers with at least twelve (12) months of continuous service in IOM, and staff members on secondment/loan released by the Organization, unless otherwise specified in their contract. Staff members holding a regular, fixed-term or short-term graded contract will not retain their contract type if appointed to an ungraded position.

3. Conduct interviews with individuals to gather further information, assess their situation, and explain the AVR process and available services.

4. Complete data entry in Kobo and Excel, ensuring all required fields are filled accurately and in a timely manner.

5. Provide follow-up services for the individuals throughout the AVR process, ensuring they are fully informed and supported.

6. Manage cases by coordinating with other teams and stakeholders, ensuring that the necessary steps are taken for the successful return of the individual.

7. Analyze each case to identify specific needs, challenges, and appropriate interventions.

8. Liaise with translators to ensure clear communication with migrants who speak different languages.

9. Collaborate with other case managers to share information, strategies, and best practices to ensure effective case management.

10. Communicate and coordinate with IOM offices in the country of origin to arrange for the individual’s

    return, ensuring the necessary documentation and assistance are in place.

11. Handle the coordination with Movements to purchase airline tickets for individuals, ensuring all travel arrangements are made in accordance with IOM guidelines and the individual's preferences when possible.

12. Provide support and accompaniment at the airport, assisting individuals through check-in and departure procedures to ensure safe and smooth travel.

13. Ensure all case management activities are documented accurately, following IOM guidelines and protocols.

14. Other associated and relevant functions for the correct execution of the project assigned by the Supervisor according to the needs of the position.

15. Conduct TDYs in Paso Canoas and other border areas where the AVR project is being implemented, as required.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Professional in the social sciences or related career, with at least one completed Bachelor Degree.

  • General studies in gender studies, migration, case management, peace and conflict studies, will be an advantage.

     

Experience

• Minimum of four years of experience in working with vulnerable populations.

  • Fluency in English is required (at least B2 level).

  • Fluency in any other language (French, Arabic, Russian, Mandarin) is an advantage.

  • Previous experience in case management in humanitarian settings.

  • Experience in communicating and working with a wide range of people, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds.

  • Previous experience in protection activities in related intervention areas is an advantage.

  • Experience in coordinating with institutional and UN counterparts.

  • Excellent writing and systematization skills.

  • Excellent analytical skills.

  • Ability to multitask.

  • Excellent organizational and planning skills.

  • Ability to incorporate all diversities into work.

  • Excellent and proven ability to work both in a team and independently.

     

Skills

• Work effectively with people of different cultures adapting to relevant cultural contexts.

  • Knowledgeable and promoter of the IOM's main mandate and migration solutions.

Teamwork

• Actively contribute to an effective, collegial and friendly team environment.

  • Contribute and meet team goals.

    • Give credit where it is due.

    • Seek input and feedback from others.

    • Appropriately delegate tasks and responsibilities.

    • Actively support and implement final team decisions.

    • Take joint responsibility for the team's work.

Technological Knowledge

• Learn about the technological developments available.

  • Proactively identify and advocate for profitable technology solutions.

    • Understand the applicability and limitation of technology and seek to apply it to the appropriate job.

Languages

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish).

For all applicants, fluency in Spanish and English is required (oral and written).

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.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators (applicable only if with direct reports)

• Leadership: Provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the Organization’s vision. Assists others to realize and develop their leadership and professional potential.
• Empowering others: Creates an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.
• Building Trust: Promotes shared values and creates an atmosphere of trust and honesty.
• Strategic thinking and vision: Works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.
• Humility: Leads with humility and shows openness to acknowledging own shortcomings. 

How to apply:

 Applications will only be accepted through this platform.

The application must include:     

• Curriculum with 3 references.
• Letter of interest (1 page long)

• This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration.
• This position will initially be for 1 month, with the possibility of extension, subject to availability of funds.
• The recruitment is subject to the availability of funds.
• Salary: CRC 927.000

Candidates must submit their offer by June 18, 2026. No applications will be considered after this date. 

1. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.  
2. This post is subject to local recruitment. Only those holding a valid residence and work permit for the country where this position is based will be eligible for consideration.
3. Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, verification of residency, visa, and authorizations by the concerned Government, where applicable.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM online recruitment system. The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application

You can check the Post Description on https://costarica.iom.int/es/vacantes

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) does not discriminate on the basis of disability, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, nationality, racial identity, religious beliefs, among others. IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment and therefore its staff come from a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds and world perspectives. Candidates from women, people of African descent and LGBTIQA+ people who are qualified and meet the requirements of each vacancy are especially encouraged. 

La Organización Internacional para las Migraciones (OIM) no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad, edad, identidad y expresión de género, orientación sexual, nacionalidad, identidad racial, creencias religiosas, entre otras. La OIM está comprometida con un entorno diverso e inclusivo y por ello su personal proviene de una amplia gama de entornos socioeconómicos y perspectivas del mundo. Se alienta especialmente las candidaturas de mujeres, personas afrodescendientes y personas LGBTIQA+ que se encuentren cualificadas y cumplan los requisitos de cada vacante