RSD Officer

Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position

A (least hardship)

Family

PR3

Professional

* Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff member’s country of nationality.

In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

No

2023-10-13

November 9, 2023

RSD Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The RSD Officer provides legal, operational and strategic support on mandate or national RSD at global, regional or country operations level. The position may be located at Headquarters (within the Division of International Protection), in a Regional Bureau or in a Country Office and reports to the Senior RSD Officer or Senior Protection Officer or Head of Protection Service, as appropriate.

The incumbent provides advice and guidance on legal and procedural matters related to RSD whether in the context of mandate RSD and/or national asylum/RSD systems (as applicable), is responsible for review, endorsement and clearance of recommendations on individual cases in line with requirements under the RSD Procedural Standards or as directed by Senior Management. The incumbent is also responsible for contributing to the development of or, depending on the context, develop an RSD strategy and, where required, methodologies to promote the effectiveness of RSD as a protection tool and implementing broader organizational objectives and priorities, in compliance with relevant UNHCR standards and policies. Whether in the context of national or mandate RSD, the incumbent provides advice and support to staff engaged in RSD and related activities, monitors trends of RSD decision-making, and conducts training and other capacity-building/strengthening activities to promote consistency in RSD procedures and decision-making. S/he contributes to developing and enhancing regional and global RSD standards and policies, as necessary.

If based in a country operation, the RSD Officer advocates with and supports Government authorities and legal partners in further developing their capacities in line with the GCR and other key UNHCR planning considerations.

The RSD Officer works closely with senior managers, RSD staff as well as staff responsible for registration, resettlement and training activities. S/he also liaises with relevant focal points in DIP, in particular within the RSD and PNSS Sections and other HQ Divisions as required. The incumbent normally supervises National Officers or support staff at lower grade levels.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Provide legal/procedural advice and support on RSD adjudication issues within the Area of Responsibility (AoR).
- Stay abreast of legal, political, security and other developments relevant to mandate RSD, the protection environment, including developments in relation to national asylum/RSD systems, as applicable.
- Engage relevant national authorities and structures in identifying and expanding opportunities in view of developing or strengthening national asylum/RSD systems.
- Undertake quality review of RSD Assessments in line with UNHCR policies/guidelines related to mandate RSD and endorse RSD decisions as required.
- Conduct interviews and draft RSD Assessments in complex/sensitive cases per relevant standards and guidelines.
- Provide ongoing coaching as well as specialized training on the inclusion criteria; principles/procedures related to exclusion; cancellation/revocation; international humanitarian law; human rights law; interviewing techniques and credibility assessment/establishing the facts; and legal drafting.
- Provide specialized training to other UNHCR units on the refugee criteria and related issues as needed. Contribute to the development of the RSD strategy and support senior management to ensure its full and effective integration into the protection and solution strategy of the Country Operations Plan.
- Contribute to developing/enhancing regional and global RSD standards and policies, as required.
- Support the design and implementation of operation-specific SOPs for all aspects of RSD operations in line with relevant standards/policies, including UNHCR's AGD policy and Forward Plan, ensuring the prioritisation of persons with specific needs if based in a Regional Bureau, provide support to operations on the above.
- Monitor trends and systematically compile statistics related to RSD case processing.
- Analyze key indicators of the quality and efficiency of decision-making in RSD processing to assess capacity and resource requirements of operations in the region or the operation to which the RSD Officer is assigned.
- Contribute to the evaluation and projection of RSD staffing and financial needs using the RSD Staffing Benchmarks, and support allocation of appropriate human, material and financial resources.
- Contribute to identifying and preventing fraud in RSD through oversight, advice and guidance to UNHCR personnel, partners and persons of concern.

If based in DIP or a Regional Bureau:
- Conduct support missions, as required.
- Assess training needs in UNHCR RSD operations and assist RSD Supervisors to provide coaching/capacity building for UNHCR personnel and deployees under their supervision, in coordination with the GLC as appropriate.
- Maintain and manage a consultative process with operations and other stakeholders in the region.

If based in a country operation, together with competent host authorities and partners, develop processes aiming at developing national institutional capacities and the timely identification of international protection needs in line with the GCR and other key planning considerations.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
International Refugee Law; International Human Rights Law; International Humanitarian Law;
International Criminal Law; Social Sciences; or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
RSD Learning Programme
Management Learning Programme
Protection Learning Programme

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
3 years of experience working directly with procedues and principles related to adjudicating individual asylum claims in RSD procedures. In-depth knowledge of International Refugee Law, International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Law and ability to apply relevant legal principles in the RSD context, including exclusion decision-making. Thorough knowledge of the "Procedural Standards for RSD under UNHCR's Mandate" and other guidelines and standards governing UNHCR's mandate RSD activities. Experience in counselling asylum-seekers and individual case management. Experience in refugee law training.
Desirable
Experience as a decision-maker in UNHCR or Government SD procedures is highly desirable. Experience in providing legal representation to asylum seekers in UNHCR or Government SD procedurest. Experience in supervising a team. Completion of other UNHCR Learning Programmes relevant to RSD.Training and coaching experience. Experience in working with vulnerable or traumatized individuals. Knowledge of additional UN languages.

Functional Skills
CO-Cross-cultural communication
PR-Human Rights Doctrine/Standards
PR-Individual Case Management
LE-International Criminal Law
LE-International Refugee Law
PR-RSD - Principles and Procedures, operational arrangements/assistance
PR-International Humanitarian Law
PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators
PR-Government Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedures
PR-Interviewing and counselling refugees/asylum seekers
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

The RSD Officer must have demonstrated experience in working with national authorities to support asylum systems. Extensive knowledge on the refugee definition, procedural standards, and operational aspects related to the processing of asylum claims is necessary. Excellent communication and diplomatic skills are required for cultivating a positive relationship with various stakeholders. The position also requires robust managerial and leadership skills to oversee some 30 affiliated work force.

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The socio-political and human rights crisis in Nicaragua since April 2018 had produced a sharp increase in the number of Nicaraguan asylum-seekers in Costa Rica. Only 78 Nicaraguans were registered as asylum-seekers in 2017. From April 2018 to mid-2020, the number had grown to over 86,000. Throughout 2022, asylum seekers continued arriving in Costa Rica at a high pace; in 2023, Costa Rica features as the third country in the world with the highest number of new asylum claims. Currently (June 2023), the number of refugees, asylum seekers and other persons of concern (mainly from Nicaragua, but also from Venezuela, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras and Cuba) stands at more than 220,000.

At the same time, 2022 saw a significant increase in mixed movements transiting through Costa Rica, as compared to 2021. The trend has consolidated in 2023; so far this year (June 2023), almost 100,000 people in mixed movements left the Migratory Reception Station (ERM) in Los Planes, Gualaca (Panama) and entered Costa Rica. A number of those are unable to continue their journey towards Mexico and the United States and require humanitarian and medical assistance; some of them also decide to seek asylum in Costa Rica. Last May 2023, an L1 Emergency was declared in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Honduras, and Mexico due to increasing mixed and onwards movements.

The response capacities of Costa Rica, and those of UNHCR and other partners, have been severely stretched, resulting in inadequate reception facilities and significant delays in registering and processing asylum claims. The large backlog can inhibit asylum-seekers from timely access to documentation, work authorization, health insurance, and other rights, as well as a final refugee recognition decision, increasing their vulnerability and exposure to protection risks, and increasing their dependency on humanitarian aid.

UNHCR provides support to the Refugee Unit with human resources, infrastructure assistance, and capacity building. UNHCR also provides support to the Commission on Restricted Visas and Refugees (CVRR) and the Administrative Migration Tribunal (TAM) to increase the adjudication capacity and accelerate processing times. In addition, UNHCR supports a digitization process to strengthen the government’s asylum system. This effort is expected to significantly reduce the registration and refugee status determination backlog, as well as to facilitate the identification of vulnerable people through its online self-service pre-registration platform. Furthermore, UNHCR provided technical support to the Costa Rican asylum authorities in the implementation of an accelerated/simplified procedure for the processing of cases with a high presumption of inclusion.

At the end of 2022, two executive decrees introduced new measures on the asylum front. One of them established a Special Temporary Category for Cubans, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans whose asylum claims are pending or have been rejected (previously referred to as “complementary protection”). A second decree introduced multiple amendments to the Refugee Regulatory Framework, involving a series of restrictive measures.

This position is based at UNHCR Office in San Jose, Costa Rica. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior Protection Officer; S/he will be responsible for advancing the protection strategic priorities and the strategy on asylum capacity/RSD, supporting global & regional efforts strengthening asylum systems, asylum capacities development, and mandate RSD, in line with the Office’s protection and solutions mandate, UNHCR Strategic Directions 2022-2026, the Global Compact of Refugees, the implementation of the Brazil Plan of Action, the Comprehensive Protection and Solutions Response Framework (MIRPS), the Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan for Venezuelans (RMRP), and the commitments arising from the Global Refugee Forums.  

The incumbent will be the main liaison with the Refugee Unit within the Migration Authority, in charge of processing asylum claims in Costa Rica. As such, the RSD officer will be expected to build and maintain a good relationship with asylum authorities and advocate for and support the government in opening the protection space for asylum seekers and refugees; namely by:  

• Support the roll-out of the project on the special temporary category, in coordination with IOM

• Strengthening asylum capacities development and the establishment of more adapted and sustainable asylum procedures

• Support development of legislation, and commenting on states policies

• In collaboration with Human Resources, manage and oversee the personnel seconded by UNHCR to the Refugee Unit

• Monitor the ongoing digitization process for the Refugee Unit which is being funded by UNHCR

Aside from the office in San Jose, UNHCR has a Field Office in Upala, in the North of the country, close to the border with Nicaragua. As of July 2023, it will also open a Field Unit in Paso Canoas, in the South of the country and border with Panama, in order to monitor and address mixed movements. The incumbent will also be expected to provide technical assistance to Protection staff in both field offices regarding access to asylum.

The incumbent will be assisted by a P2 Associate RSD Officer.

Living and Working Conditions:                                                  
Costa Rica is a Central American country with a population of around 5 million people (est. 2022). The capital city, San Jose, is set in the Central Valley and is home to 350,400 people.

Tropical climates along the coasts to highland climates occur in all altitudes throughout the mountainous country offering the greatest variety of temperature zones; one of them surely will fit your definition of "perfect climate". Costa Rica has an average temperature of 70 F (21Celsius) to 81 F (21Celsius) . Due to its proximity to the equator, it has no real summer or winter. It does however have a rainy season from May to November.

The country has not had an army since 1948. It has a uniformed Police Force (Fuerza Pública) and a Judicial Police force (Organismo de Investigación Judicial - OIJ) under the Ministry of Justice.

There have been instances of non-violent crimes against tourists and citizens. While petty theft is the main problem, robberies have been known to occur at any time during the day.
 

The cost of living is high in Costa Rica compared to other countries in the region, especially for housing, but it is readily available.

Public transportation is available, but most people use private cars. Like other fast-growing cities, traffic is heavy at peak hours and is considered an issue for people living in San Jose and its surrounding areas.

            
An entry visa is required for travelers and must be obtained from a Consulate before arrival. However, some nationalities are exempted from this requirement.

Telephone services in 3G and 4G networks are available throughout most of the country. A national emergency calling system is also available (911 number).

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Human Rights Law, PR-RSD - Principles and Procedures, operational arrangements/assistance, SO-Interpersonal skills, Technical Content Writing, Work Relationships

Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science

Certifications

HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR RSD Learning Program - UNHCR

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Policy research & development, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Bi-annual Compendium 2023 Part B - October 2023

Additional Information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance