Durable Solutions Associate, G6 [Temporary Appointment] - SO Cúcuta

DUTIES

- Provide counselling to refugees and other persons of concern (POC) to identify the most appropriate durable solution and to enable them to make a well-informed decision.
- Interview candidates for voluntary repatriation and prepare documentation for their return, in line with Voluntary Repatriation SOPs.
- Interview and prepare Resettlement Referral Forms (RRF), in line with Resettlement SOPs.
- Interview candidates for local integration and prepare the appropriate documentation for onward submission to local authorities or partners, in line with Local Integration SOPs.
- Assist in updating the electronic database for resettlement, voluntary repatriation and local integration, in line with Standard Operating Procedures.
- Process documentation to ensure that POC receive the documents required for their durable solutions in a timely manner.
- Prepare statistical and ad-hoc reports to ensure accurate information is available and shared with relevant offices and partners.
- Interview and advise on the appropriate durable solution to be provided to POC.
- Prepare documents relating to durable solutions.
- Enter information into available database, in line with SOPs.
- Draft and submit reports relating to durable solutions.
- Perform other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Professional Work Experience

Years of Experience / Degree Level
- Minimum 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher.

Certificates and/or Licenses
- HCR Protection Learning Prog.
- HCR Resettlement Learning Prog.
- HCR Protection Induction Prog.

Relevant Job Experience

Desirable
- Diverse field experience. Experience in interviewing.

Functional Skills
- IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software.
- DM-Database Management.

Competency Requirements

Core Competencies:
- Accountability.
- Communication.
- Organizational Awareness.
- Teamwork & Collaboration.
- Commitment to Continuous Learning.
- Client & Result Orientation.

Cross-Functional Competencies:
- Political Awareness.
- Stakeholder Management.
- Technological Awareness. Language requirements
- Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station (Spanish).
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See below for this postion's Operational Context
======================================================================================================== Colombia continues to be the country receiving the highest number of Venezuelans, with a total of over 1.74 million by early 2021 (representing approximately 37% of the 4.6 million Venezuelans in the region). Additionally, an estimated 845,000 Colombians (including those with dual nationality) have returned to Colombia from Venezuela in recent years, which may include those who return on a temporary basis. According to Migración Colombia, around 56% of Venezuelans in Colombia are estimated to be in an irregular situation and thus more exposed to protection risks. From March 2020 until June 2021, the Colombia-Venezuela border was officially closed to contain the spread of the pandemic, but even after the 2 June 2021 border opening on the Colombian side, Venezuelans continue to enter the country primarily through informal crossing points controlled by armed groups. Such irregular movements come with a heightened risk of violence (especially gender-based violence), sexual exploitation, trafficking and smuggling, child recruitment and family separation.

In February 2021, the Government of Colombia issued a Temporary Protection Status (TPS) that is likely to benefit the 1.74 million Venezuelans already in Colombia as well as those who arrive through official border points over the next two years. The TPS provides a 10-year protection status and access to a full range of rights including healthcare, education, formal employment, and financial inclusion. However, xenophobia against Venezuelans has considerably increased in the last year, and it is projected to worsen with the introduction of the TPS. Misinformation and the perceptions that Venezuelans will take away job opportunities from Colombians, fuel general discontent and makes it even more difficult for refugees and migrants to secure a job. Nonetheless, UNHCR believes that TPS is a very promising pathway for addressing the vulnerable situation of Venezuelan refugees and migrants who are in an irregular situation.

This situation continues to be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic which has had a devastating impact in Colombia, especially on refugees, migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities, some who have lost livelihoods and have been evicted from their houses. Economic and protection concerns, including illegal armed actors who have increased control over communities, taking advantage of COVID-19 and the limited State presence, led to over 136,000 Venezuelans to return to their country.

The incumbent is relied upon to contribute to the implementation of a durable solutions strategy. S/he works closely with protection, programme, and field staff, contributes to fostering an environment to enhance partnerships is a critical element of the work, as are activities designed to strength the involvement of refugee communities and their hosts in the design and implementation of solutions strategies. 

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.

To find out more information about UNHCR, please visit our website. This vacancy will close on 1st February 2022 at 23:59 (Geneva Time).