Associate RSD Officer

CFamilyFamilyPR2Professional

Reason

Regular > Regular AssignmentNo2023-01-01-08:00December 15, 2022Associate RSD Officer Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Associate 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 RSD Officer or Protection Officer or other staff with delegated authority, 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 conducting RSD (where required), reviewing and providing advice on individual cases in line with requirements under the RSD Procedural Standards. The incumbent is also responsible for contributing to the development of 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-development/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 Associate 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 Associate RSD Officer works closely with 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 PNS Sections and other HQ Divisions as required. 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. - Support engagemnt with relevant national authorities and structures in identifying and expanding opportunities in view of developing or strengthening national asylum/RSD systems. - Support the 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 including for complex/sensitive cases per relevant standards and guidelines. - Provide ongoing coaching as well as 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 training to other UNHCR units on the refugee criteria and related issues as needed. - Assist with the development of a RSD strategy and support senior management to ensure its full and effective integration into the protection and solution strategy of the Country Operations Plan. - Assist with developing/enhancing regional and global RSD standards and policies, as required. - Assist with 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, or, 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. - Evaluate and contribute to projecting 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, contribute to developing 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. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For P2/NOB - 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year 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. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses RSD Learning Programme Management Learning Programme Protection Learning Programme (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential 3 years of experience working directly with procedures 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 and demonstrated skills 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 procedures. Experience in supervising a team. Completion of the RSD Learning Programme and other UNHCR Learning Programmes relevant to RSD. Training and coaching experience. Experience in working with vulnerable or traumatized individuals. Functional Skills MG-Political Decision Making PR-Individual Case Management PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators PR-Government Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedures PR-RSD - Principles and Procedures, operational arrangements/assistance PR-Human Rights Doctrine/Standards PR-International Humanitarian Law LE-Draft legal settlement agreements CO-Cross-cultural communication (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.This position requires good leadership and managerial abilities, well-developed planning skills, and significant operational experience in registration, RSD, and general protection.

The incumbent of this position is expected to be an experienced Associate RSD Officer with expertise in refugee protection and human rights doctrine, International Refugee law, counselling refugees/asylum seekers and individual case management. Excellent analytical skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills, commitment to refugees, cultural and gender age awareness, flexibility and ability to work in a multicultural environment are essential for this position. The incumbent should also preferably have previous experience in supporting governmental institutions in RSD matters. Knowledge of English is another important asset for this post.French

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Associate RSD Officer is a member of the Protection Team in Djibouti Operation and reports directly to the Protection Officer.

 The Associate RSD Officer assists the Protection Officer in a variety of other tasks, including planning, budgeting, reporting.

This position requires good leadership and managerial abilities, well-developed planning skills, and significant operational experience in registration, RSD, and general protection matters.

The incumbent of this position is expected to be an experienced Associate RSD Officer with sound expertise in refugee protection and human rights doctrine, International Refugee law, counselling refugees/asylum seekers and individual case management. Excellent analytical skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills, commitment to refugees, cultural and gender and age awareness, flexibility and ability to work in a multicultural environment are essential for this position. The incumbent should also preferably have previous experience in supporting governmental institutions in RSD matters. A good mastery of English is another important asset for this post.

Living and Working Conditions:

Djibouti is a multi-ethnic nation with a population of over 1,012,361 inhabitants (the smallest in mainland Africa). French and Arabic are the country's two official languages. About 94% of residents adhere to Islam which is the official religion and has been predominant in the region for more than a thousand years.

Life in Djibouti is generally expensive including food and accommodation. The climate in Djibouti country is hot and dry all year round, especially during summers.  The average temperature varies from 23º to 29º in January and from 31º to 41º in July.  Annual rainfall ranges from 127 mm in the capital to 380 mm in the mountains. There are local banking facilities only in Djibouti-Town and it is recommended to open a bank account.  Credit cards are not widely accepted in Djibouti.  There are few automatic teller machines (ATMs) in Djibouti city. These ATMs only accept Visa cards and are frequently out of service, and travellers should not depend on them as the sole means for obtaining currency. French. Afar, Somali and Arab are spoken by the local population and by the authorities. Availability of flight is as follows: Two weekly flight AIR France from Djibouti to Paris, Two daily flights with ETHIOPIAN Airlines from Djibouti to Addis Ababa. Twice a week, flight with Turkish Airlines from Djibouti to Istanbul, twice a week flight with Qatar Airways from Djibouti to Doha, around 7 flights with Emirates from Djibouti to Dubai. 

Djibouti is strategically located near some of the world's busiest shipping lanes, controlling access to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. It serves as a key refuelling and transhipment center, and is the principal maritime port for imports from and exports to neighbouring Ethiopia. A burgeoning commercial hub, the nation is the site of various foreign military bases, including Camp Lemonnier.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) regional body also has its headquarters in Djibouti City. There is moderate risk from crime in Djibouti. Most reported incidents are crimes of opportunity (e.g., pickpocketing, petty theft) for immediate gain. Panhandlers and street children target foreigners for petty theft by creating distractions. Unreported crimes also commonly occur within the local community. Exercised caution in congested areas such as the central market, city center, and downtown neighbourhoods (known locally as quartiers), especially after dark. Avoid isolated areas, particularly along the urban coastline.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

PR-Government Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedures, PR-Individual Case Management, PR-Interviewing and counselling refugees/asylum seekers, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators, PR-Refugee protection standards, PR-RSD - Principles and Procedures, operational arrangements/assistanceBA: International Relations (Required), BA: Law (Required), BA: Political Science (Required)

Certifications

HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR RSD Learning Program - UNHCRAnnual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees

Competencies

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

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

Compendium

Bi-annual Compendium 2022 Part B – November 2022This position doesn't require a functional clearance

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