As a Returns Specialist, you meet people at a crossroads. Your job is to give clear, unbiased information about their options, help national authorities plan safe and orderly returns, and, whenever possible, support a voluntary, dignified return home.
You work across the return process: from pre-return counselling and case preparation, through coordination of travel, to referrals for post-arrival and longer-term reintegration assistance in the country of return. Everything you do respects EU law and fundamental rights.
On any given day, you might explain procedures and available support to a person considering voluntary return; help identify someone and gather the travel documents needed; liaise with consulates and partners in non-EU countries; or coordinate the practicalities of a return operation with national authorities. You also connect returnees to reintegration services, such as accommodation, medical aid, education, skills training, or small-business support, so they can rebuild their lives after arrival.
Return Specialists are deployed where Member States need them most, working alongside national authorities across the EU and Schengen-Associated Countries. The role is people-centred and operational at once: it calls for empathy, cultural awareness and clear communication, together with sound judgement, reliability and the ability to coordinate many actors under time pressure.
In every return operation, fundamental rights are closely monitored. Return Specialists help safeguard fairness and transparency: ensuring returnees are aware of their rights and the complaints mechanism, supporting families and children with appropriate care, and applying de-escalation techniques to maintain dignity in difficult moments.
Voluntary return is the preferred option under EU policy, and your guidance and counselling help people make informed decisions. Monitoring arrangements help ensure fundamental rights are respected throughout any return operation.
Find out more about return operations at Frontex, or visit our careers page to explore the range of opportunities available now.