Project Associate (Case Management) at IOM Bulgaria | €30,000-€40,000 Salary | Global Career Opportunities.We are advertising a Project Associate (Case Management) position with IOM Bulgaria, offering a competitive salary of €30,000-€40,000 and opportunities for global career advancement. This role focuses on supporting unaccompanied minors in Safe Zones in Sofia and Harmanli. Applications close November 4, 2025.
Background & Job Description
We are sharing a humanitarian opportunity with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Bulgaria, focusing on the protection and support of unaccompanied migrant minors. IOM, as the UN migration agency, has been operating in Bulgaria since 1994, working closely with government counterparts and civil society to ensure humane and orderly migration.
The Project Associate (Case Management) position is part of IOM Bulgaria’s crucial work in managing Safe Zones for unaccompanied minors (UAMs) within the State Agency for Refugees’ Registration and Reception Centers in Sofia and Harmanli. Since their establishment in 2019-2020, these Safe Zones have provided care and protection to over 9,000 unaccompanied children, representing one of IOM’s most significant child protection initiatives in the region.
This role offers not only immediate impact in Bulgaria but also serves as a pathway to global career opportunities within IOM’s extensive network of 175 countries. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team providing 24/7 care and support to vulnerable children while developing specialized skills in migration case management that are transferable to IOM operations worldwide.
Tasks and Key Responsibilities
The Project Associate will undertake comprehensive case management and operational support with the following responsibilities:
- Direct Case Management: Undertake full case management for unaccompanied minors accommodated in Safe Zones in Sofia and Harmanli, following IOM’s established standards and protocols. This includes conducting needs assessments, developing individual care plans, and providing ongoing support throughout the children’s stay in the facilities.
- Safe Zone Operations: Work daily 8-hour shifts from Monday to Friday, providing consistent support and supervision within the Safe Zones. Assist with the registration and accommodation of newly arrived unaccompanied minors in coordination with State Agency for Refugees (SAR) staff, ensuring smooth intake procedures and initial orientation.
- Coordination and Liaison: Support daily coordination between IOM and SAR authorities, working closely with Safe Zone supervisors and SAR management. Facilitate liaisons with legal representatives appointed by the National Bureau for Legal Aid to ensure children’s legal rights are protected and procedures are followed correctly.
- Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration: Work effectively within a diverse team including psychologists, legal counsellors, interpreters, cultural mediators, and assisted voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR) referral counsellors. Participate in identifying specific vulnerabilities among unaccompanied minors and coordinate appropriate support services and referrals.
- Administrative and Reporting Duties: Prepare detailed end-of-shift reports, follow up on administrative tasks, and maintain organized case management files in accordance with IOM Data Protection Principles. Assist supervisors in preparing comprehensive donor reports that document program activities and outcomes.
- Recreational and Educational Activities: Organize and facilitate non-formal education, sports, art, and recreational activities for unaccompanied minors, creating a supportive and engaging environment that promotes psychosocial well-being and normalcy.
Project Associate (Case Management) at IOM Bulgaria | €30,000-€40,000 Salary | Global Career Opportunities
Qualifications
Education and Certification
- Option 1: High school diploma with five years of relevant professional experience in social work, child protection, or related fields.
- Option 2: Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Social Sciences, International Relations, Development Studies, Migration Studies, Human Rights, Law, or related fields from an accredited university with three years of relevant experience.
- Additional Training: Specialized training in child protection, case management, or working with vulnerable populations would be advantageous.
Experience
- Essential Experience: Previous professional experience in social work and/or case management with children and adolescents, demonstrating understanding of child protection principles and practices.
- Contextual Awareness: Strong awareness of migrant and refugee issues, particularly within the Bulgarian context and the specific challenges facing unaccompanied minors.
- Desirable Experience: Previous experience working with unaccompanied minors, migrants, or refugees in international organizations, non-governmental organizations, or government institutions in multicultural settings.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ability to quickly learn new software systems for case management and reporting.
Additional Information
Employment Details:
- Position: Project Associate (Case Management)
- Contract Type: Fixed-term, one year with possibility of extension
- Grade: G-5 (General Service category)
- Salary Range: €30,000-€40,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications
- Location: Bulgaria (Sofia and Harmanli duty stations)
- Schedule: Full-time, day shifts (8 hours daily, Monday-Friday)
- Application Deadline: November 4, 2025
Language Requirements:
- Mandatory: Fluency in Bulgarian and English (both written and spoken)
- Advantageous: Working knowledge of Arabic and/or Kurdish, which would enhance communication with many beneficiaries
- Assessment: Language proficiency will be evaluated during selection process
Career Development and Mobility:
- Global Opportunities: This position serves as entry point to IOM’s global network, with potential for reassignment to similar positions in other duty stations
- Eligibility Pool: Recommended candidates remain eligible for similar appointments for 24 months
- Professional Growth: Access to IOM training programs and potential for advancement within the organization’s protection and program units
Application and Selection:
- Eligibility: Open to candidates with valid residence and work permit for Bulgaria
- Process: Submit application through IOM’s online recruitment system only
- Assessment: Evaluation of competencies and values alignment during selection process
- Medical Clearance: Appointment subject to medical fitness certification
Organizational Context:
- Values Alignment: Must demonstrate IOM values of inclusion, integrity, professionalism, courage, and empathy
- Child Protection: Strict adherence to child safeguarding policies and zero-tolerance for exploitation and abuse
- Team Environment: Work within multicultural team committed to humanitarian principles and child rights protection
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