EXPDITED-VN-US10-2026-041 Senior Operations Assistant (Field Support, Airport)

Job Identification (Reference Number): EXPEDITED VN-US10-2026-041
Position Title: Senior Operations Assistant (Field Support, Airport)
Duty Station City: Newark, NJ.
Duty Station Country: United States of America 
Grade & Salary: G6, Step 1 (USD 7,718.17 Monthly)
Contract Type: One Year Fixed Term
Vacancy Type: Vacancy Notice 
Initial duration: 12 Months 

The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) operates world-wide with a target of providing resettlement opportunities to tens of thousands of refugees each year. IOM’s multi-disciplinary staff members provide a range of assistance and support to the USRAP including, but not limited to, case processing, migration health assessments, cultural orientation training, organized transportation, and administration of a travel loan and collections program. The Department of Mobility Pathways and Inclusion, specifically the Resettlement and Movement Division (RMM), has the organizational responsibility to provide direction, oversight, and guidance to IOM’s global support to USRAP.

Under USRAP, the Ports of Entry (POEs) provide critical support and assistance for refugee resettlement to the United States. As part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between IOM and the US State Department Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), IOM manages POEs at seven international airports in the United States. POEs meet and assist refugees and migrants upon their arrival to the United States, accompanying them through immigration and customs procedures and ensuring they are connected by air and ground transportation to their final destination for handover to assured resettlement agency.

Under the general supervision of the National Operations Coordinator (US Ports of Entry), the direct supervision of the National Associate Operations Officer (IAD), the Senior Operations Assistant (Field Support-Airport), is responsible for the following duties and responsibilities. 

1. Coordinate a team or teams of up to a total of eight POE staff members undertaking field support activities in an assigned area or areas primarily at the assigned airport(s) to ensure that the movement of beneficiaries under IOM is carried out in a safe, dignified, and humane manner. Act as key liaison among the POE National Associate Operations Officer, Operations Associate team members, and IOM Washington DC Movement Operations team.
2. Coordinate the efficient and effective management of airport assistance by conducting regular oversight and monitoring of teams carrying out field support duties at the assigned airport and the office. Assistance includes care and verification of travel documentation; assistance with airport formalities; escorts for arriving and departing individuals; ensuring individuals with special needs or equipment receive appropriate support; and sending movement notifications. This often requires meeting the beneficiaries at the arrival gate and walk with them through to the baggage claim area; assist them with collecting check-in luggage at the baggage area; and carry them to the onward transportation check-in point.

3. Coordinate team members as they assist individuals at assigned areas throughout their stay. Coordinate with the supervisors to maintain an organized flow of individuals and their luggage through arrival and departure procedures at the airport. Track relevant information regarding flight data and ensure team members are updated on departure times, delays, and cancellations; work with staff to ensure luggage and medical checks are organized efficiently.

4. Under supervisor oversight, create the weekly shift schedule and assign tasks, ensuring coverage is adequate to maintain a safe, secure, and clean environment; employing creative problem solving as needed to handle problems.

5. In coordination with the supervisors, liaise as needed with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), airlines, service providers and airport authorities. Ensure issues that arise with arriving flights, transit, ground transportation, hotels, and partners are addressed effectively.

6. Coordinate with relevant units, partners, and vendors when unexpected issues arise, such as a medical emergency