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My job: Project Officer, International Organization for Migration Mission

The best field of study in my view; enjoy it and focus on what you really would like to do after. Opportunities do not come to you, you must first find them then work towards keeping them.

Janvier M. Nzigo

Bachelor in Development studies (UiA), Master in Peace and Conflict Transformation (UiT)

Name: Janvier M. Nzigo
Study programme: Bachelor in Development studies (UiA), Master in Peace and Conflict Transformation (UiT)
Graduated from UiA: 2010
Position: AVRR Project Officer 
Employer: International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Tunisia

Can you describe what the International Organization for Migration is?

IOM is the leading intergovernmental organisation in the field of migration working to ensure an orderly and humane management of migration, to promote international cooperation on migration issues, to assist in the search for practical solutions to migration problems and to provide humanitarian assistance to migrants in need, including refugees and internally displaced people; in close cooperation with member states and through its (more than) 450 offices worldwide.

How did you get this position?

Through advertisement. I started as a consultant (call basis) in 2013 at the IOM mission in Norway for the Norwegian Culture Orientation (NORCO) programme, then was recruited as Outreach officer for the Voluntary Assisted Return Programme - a position I held until my affectation to Tunisia in early March 2018.

What do you do in your job?

I manage and supervise the implementation of the PROTECT project while supervising managing Assisted Voluntary Returns and Reintegration activities of the IOM mission in Tunisia.

What in particular do you like about your job?

Migrants and beneficiaries of IOM assistances. I used to be a migrant and refugee myself and it is joyful to be at the service of vulnerable people on the move. Proximity to beneficiaries and interaction and coordination with IOM colleagues in the Migrant Protection and Assistance unit as well as external partners.

In what ways do you use the knowledge you’ve gained from your studies?

I did fieldwork on pockets of poverty in Mauritius and wrote a master thesis on return migration and integration. Poverty as one of the many drivers of migration; premises for integration, repatriation and human rights. All gained through my 6 years education.

What other experience and skills do you find useful in your position?

Language proficiency in Swahili, Norwegian, French and English. I am also a result and service-oriented person. Social skills and ability to relate/connect to people from different backgrounds. 

Did you feel prepared to start work immediately after you graduated from UiA?

I needed a Master degree first which I took in Tromsø. After my BSc in development studies which was strengthened with an internship in Mauritius; I did a few Development project work in my home country, the DRC. As a student, I was active in student organisations such as the SAIH and UN Student Association, which fostered my knowledge on international humanitarian affairs.

What advice would you like to share with students studying social science, and those who are considering similar studies?

  • The best field of study in my view; enjoy it and focus on what you really would like to do after.
  • Join one or two student organisations, apply for study tours, include a 4 months fieldwork in your studies while linking up with supervisor and various organisations and agencies in your field of interest.
  • Opportunities do not come to you, you must first find them then work towards keeping them. Build resilience, have a vision and strategy to include language skills: you are not the only one in this field. Best of lucks!