Policy Officer

Policy Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Policy Officer will be the main link between UNHCR and the African Union as well as Economic Commission for Africa regarding technical input to position papers and debate on humanitarian issues especially refugees and migration. Additionally, the Policy Officer will engage the two continental bodies on common positions that they have taken and the implications for UNHCR. These include the free Movement Protocol, creation of the Africa Humanitarian Agency, relationship with the International Criminal Court, military interventions into member states and outcomes of the Valletta Summit among other common positions. By obtaining a deep understanding of trends on the continent, the Policy Officer will advise on the position that UNHCR should take in addition to ensuring that common positions already benefit from his/her advice. Since the issues of refugees and migration transcend the continent, the Policy Officer will review existing collaboration mechanisms between the AU and European Union.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability
- Position papers developed by both the AU and ECA will benefit from expertise and be consistent with international norms and standards.
- Debate will review relevance of exiting mechanism of collaboration between the African Union and European Union and explore avenues for improvement.
- Improved understanding of trends within the AU/ECA will enable UNHCR position itself adequately.
- Adequate research undertaken to ensure policy positions to not contradict existing protocols

Responsibility 
- Offer input on draft policy papers and technical proposals on humanitarian policies and procedures by the AU and ECA to meet evolving operational needs especially on refugees and migration.
- Analyse trends and developments related to the collaboration between AU and ECA in managing refugee and migration by reviewing the exiting mechanisms.
- Research the implications some policy decisions may have on the protection of refugees/migrants especially the creation of African Humanitarian Agency, withdrawal from the ICC and return of rejected asylum seekers from Europe.
- Participate in working groups and task forces within and outside UNHCR to ensure that UNHCR¿s perspectives on persons of concern are represented.
- Contribute to the course content of training materials for African civil servants on humanitarian law and principles.
- Analyse decisions of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and conformity with existing decisions as well as national legislations of concerned countries.
- Perform other relevant functions as necessary.

Authority
- Continuously engage the AUC and ECA on policy issues and advice on the course of action.
- Draft policy papers for review by the Representative.
- Consult with other experts at HQ so that policy decisions dovetail.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Advanced university degree (Master¿s degree or equivalent) in Law, Public or Business Management.
- 6 years relevant professional working experience (8 years with university degree); this should include experience in the area of drafting/review of legal documents, interaction with government officials and or regional bodies.
- Highly developed drafting and negotiation skills.
- Excellent knowledge of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Practical experience in dealing with governments  in an international context - e.g. IGAD, SADC , ECOWAS  
- Prior exposure to, and demonstrated competence, in drafting and or reviewing policy documents.  Proven ability to extract and analyse data from similar groupings like the European Union.
- Knowledge of French or Arabic. 
- Tact in dealing with diplomats with varying interests.
- A good knowledge of UNHCR¿s/UN field operational realities. 
- Solid computer skills, including good knowledge of databases.