Snr Repat Officer

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the IOM-FOM issued for this Compendium / Fast Track exercise, as well as the  Revised Policy and Procedures on Assignments (UNHCR/HCP/2015/2 refers). Senior Repatriation Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The Senior Repatriation Officer is a designated focal point for voluntary repatriation and related issues in a country office or sub-office, and reports to the Head of Sub-Office, Assistant or Deputy Representative or, as appropriate, to the Representative.  The incumbent has direct supervisory responsibility for repatriation staff, which may include staff within the functional groups of repatriation and reintegration.  She/he works closely with protection, programme and field staff, and ensures operational standards in repatriation in the area of responsibility. 

The Senior Repatriation Officer is normally a member of the Office's senior management team and is relied upon to ensure the advancement of repatriation activities. The Senior Repatriation Officer should ensure that the country operation has an effective voluntary repatriation programme, including requisite standard operating procedures and in line with regional and comprehensive solutions strategies.  She/he should ensure that all repatriation movements respect the principle of voluntariness and occur in safety and dignity, with the full participation and support of persons and communities of concern.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

- UNHCR's country operation has a coherent voluntary repatriation strategy and plan that is in line with the regional protection and comprehensive solutions priorities
- Repatriation movements are organized with the full participation and support of persons and communities of concern and relevant stakeholders, are voluntary and occur in safety and dignity.
- All repatriation activities are coordinated with the national authorities of the country of asylum and origin.
- Instances of refoulement of refugees are immediately identified and addressed through direct intervention and advocacy.
- Age, Gender and Diversity as well as participatory approaches to repatriation are implemented.

Responsibility

- Stay abreast of the regional and local political, economic, social and legal context impacting on return prospects and advise senior management.
- Manage a consultative and participatory process to design and implement a return strategy that is voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable and fully consistent with international legal principles, UNHCR guidelines and the regional protection and/or comprehensive durable solutions strategy.
- Ensure that the voluntary return strategy is fully integrated into the country operations plan and that the necessary resources are allocated.
- Liaise with other UNHCR country offices and other key partners in the region to ensure appropriate cross-border cooperation and a harmonized voluntary repatriation process.
- Ensure that voluntary return operations set solid premises for, or are harmonized with, transition, recovery and reintegration programmes in the areas of return.
- In accordance with the regional and local protection context, assess needs and set priorities for the voluntary repatriation of refugees, including, as applicable, stateless.
- Assist in negotiations with relevant authorities and other partners and key stakeholders in relation to the legal and operational aspects of repatriation.
- Monitor the implementation of the voluntary return operation through a consultative process and regular field visits. Mainstream AGD in all areas of work and ensure the full participation of returning refugees in matters relating to their own protection.
- Comply with UNHCR's policy priorities, such as those related to persons with particular vulnerabilities.
- Develop and implement initiatives that build the protection capacity of the local government, partners and civil society as well as refugees in asserting their rights in situations of return.
- Identify, monitor and advise implementing partners on ongoing activities related to return
- Participate actively in inter-agency coordination processes and mobilize partners political and financial support and complementary interventions to voluntary repatriation/return programmes.

Authority

- Design and monitor the implementation of  the voluntary repatriation strategy in line with the policies, standards and procedures on voluntary repatriation/return.
- Authorize expenditure on projects and individual payments for voluntary returns.
- Represent UNHCR with relevant external partners in the country of origin and/or the country of asylum. 
- Initiate any appropriate measures to address incidents at all stages of voluntary repatriation and to ensure safe and dignified return movements.
- Participate in selecting partners to support and/or implement return programmes.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Education and Job Experience: Advanced University Degree in Law/International Law/Social Sciences or related field, with 10 years of relevant work experience (12 years with B.A. degree) with at least  5 years in an  international capacity.
- Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge of another UN language.

(In offices where the working language is not English, excellent knowledge of working language of duty station and working knowledge of English.)

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Work experience in large returnee operations an asset.  Diverse field experience desirable.
- Good IT skills including database management skills.
- Completion of the Protection Learning Programme, MLP.
- Strong operational background in field protection desirable. C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X004L3 - Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the Add. 3 to March 2017 Compendium is Thursday, 3 August 2017 (midnight Geneva time).