B
Family
Family
Residential location (if applicable)
PR4
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Professional
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
No
2022-12-15-08:00
January 11, 2023
Senior Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The position of Senior Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer may be based in Country Operations, Regional Bureaux or Headquarters.
The incumbent's primary role is to provide, in close coordination with the Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Service, relevant Bureau and other concerned sections in the field and HQ, continuous support within in his/her Area of Responsibility (AOR) ensuring that resettlement and complementary pathways for admission policies are correctly implemented and assist UNHCR in establishing comprehensive protection and solutions strategies. She/he contributes to policy development, revising and developing resettlement and complementary pathways methodologies and systems, support for complementary pathways development and implementation, monitoring procedural compliance, integrity and quality of resettlement case submissions, staff training as well as assisting the regional management of resettlement and complementary pathways operations, resources allocation and coordination of resettlement and complementary pathways activities involving governments and non-governmental organisations.
The incumbent performs an important function in providing policy and operational advice on Resettlement and Complementary Pathways for admission matters to internal and external, interlocutors.
Additionally, she/he takes part in assessing cases for resettlement and complementary pathways, conducting interviews, particularly for complex and sensitive cases. The role of the incumbent also involves managerial responsibilities in supervising staff, managing resources and implementing broader organisational objectives and priorities. The responsibility entails negotiating with countries the design and development of resettlement and complementary pathways programmes and coordinating dialogue on resettlement and complementary pathways related issues to bring about global/regional coherence and synergy to make resettlement and complementary pathways both strategic as well as responsive to the needs of people of concern to UNHCR.
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
Note that regional duties reflected below will only apply for positions located in regional bureaux.
- In close coordination with other entities within the Bureau and country offices, ensure measures to prevent, detect and respond to instances of fraud in the resettlement and complementary pathways processes, and are comprehensively and consistently implemented across the region.
- Places allocated for resettlement and complementary pathways are used efficiently and effectively and targets are met at the country and regional level if appropriate.
- Stay abreast and analyse the implications of political, legal, social and economic developments in the AOR and provide advice/recommendations on policy/strategic approaches to further UNHCR objectives with respect to resettlement and complementary pathways for admission.
- Manage a consultative process within the AOR including country operations (if applicable), partners and other stakeholders to: i) identify and analyse resettlement and complementary pathways challenges, trends and gaps; and ii) develop and implement a resettlement and complementary pathways strategy.
- Ensure that the strategy addresses the specific protection needs of women and men, children, youth and older persons, persons with disabilities, minority groups such as sexual minorities (AGD) and persons living with HIV/AIDS.
- Review and provide feedback and advice on their resettlement and complementary pathways strategies and priorities, to ensure that they are coherent and consistent with the AOR strategy and fully integrated into country operations plans and that the necessary resources are allocated to address resettlement and complementary pathways gaps across the AOR.
- Promote, disseminate and strengthen understanding and capacity for and monitor the implementation of UNHCR's global resettlement and complementary pathways policies, procedures and guidelines in the AOR.
- Monitor and provide advice to country offices on resettlement and complementary pathways policies, procedures, guidelines and activities as well as in implementing standard operating procedures related to resettlement and complementary pathways.
- Contribute to policy development, revising and refining resettlement and complementary pathways methodologies and systems.
- Provide guidance and advice on policies, protection standards and procedures for complementary pathways for admission.
- Review and provide timely feedback and guidance on resettlement submissions to harmonize quality and consistency of resettlement delivery.
- Conduct periodic field missions to review and provide advice and guidance on the quality and consistency of resettlement submissions, decisions and activities.
- In cooperation with field offices, identify, interview, assess resettlement needs, and process cases identified for resettlement (mainly complex and sensitive cases) and provide counselling to individuals.
- Guide and support government officials and partners undertaking resettlement and complementary pathways related missions to the AOR.
- In close coordination with Headquarters, promote mechanisms for preventing and responding to fraud in resettlement and complementary pathways activities to maintain the integrity of the processes in the AOR.
- Negotiate with resettlement countries the design and development of resettlement programmes and/or complementary pathways for admission in close consultation with the Headquarters.
- Manage a two-way communication process to ensure that persons of concern and partners receive up-to-date and accurate information on UNHCR's resettlement and complementary pathways policies and procedures. Ensure mechanism for accountability and effective feedback are in place.
- Ensure the production of up-to-date and accurate statistics and analytical reports on resettlement and complementary pathways, updates and briefing notes, including with regard to the trends, the region¿s performance in meeting resettlement targets, challenges and responses.
- Coordinate, in close consultation with Headquarters, to collect resettlement and complementary pathways related information for external publications.
- For the AOR assess training needs, draw training plan and strategy and deliver resettlement complementary pathways related training to UNHCR staff, partners and other stakeholders as required.
- Contribute to a communications strategy that generates support for UNHCR's operations from external partners ensuring resettlement and complementary pathways positive protection outcomes are showcased when appropriate.
- Approve, if applicable, the regional and country resettlement and complementary pathways strategies for endorsement by the Regional Representative or Headquarters.
- Take review decisions on individual cases and approve resettlement submissions/withdrawals/resubmissions.
- Approve expenditures under the UNHCR resettlement and complementary pathways budget.
- Negotiate locally with resettlement and/or complementary pathways countries and as appropriate with host government on behalf of UNHCR.
- Represent UNHCR's resettlement and complementary pathways positions with resettlement and other third countries, with host government and in regional fora.
- Enforce compliance with, and integrity of, resettlement standard operating procedures across the AOR.
- Ensure that UNHCR's facilitation role on complementary pathways for admission takes into account relevant protection considerations and safeguards.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P4/NOD - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Political Science;
Social Sciences;
International Law, including International Public Law;
International Refugee Law;
International Human Rights Law;
Refugee and Forced Migration;
Law;
International Relations or other relevant field. International Public Law;
(Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Certificates and/or Licenses
Protection Learning Programme;
RSD-Resettlement Learning Programme;
MLP;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Graduate degree (equivalent of Master¿s) in International Law, International Relations, Political Science, Social Sciences or related fields of discipline plus 8 years (of professional work experience relevant to refugee protection works, of which 5 years in an international capacity: undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) plus 9 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 7 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
Desirable
Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. Knowledge of another official UN language. Ability to understand and implement UNHCR's policy and global strategic priorities, such as AGDM, IDP, Statelessness, and HIV/AIDS, in the area of responsibility at appropriate level. Knowledge of and an experience with regular migration frameworks and/or complementary pathways for admissions of refugees. Good IT skills including database management skills. Completion of the Protection Learning Programme, RSD-Resettlement Learning Programme, MLP.
Functional Skills
PR-Refugee Resettlement programs
PR-Resettlement Anti-Fraud Policy and Procedures
PR-Mixed migratory movement management
DM-Database Management
(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.
Desired Candidate Profile
The preferred candidate should have a solid background in the management of resettlement and complementary pathways activities. Experience working in HQ or a Bureau will be an advantage, as this professional background will contribute to the skills needed to support the coordination of large resettlement programmes across multiple country operations, deployment schemes, as well as advocacy and engagement with key resettlement partners. The incumbent will be responsible for designing and overseeing UNHCR's regional resettlement and complementary pathways strategy within the broader regional Protection and Solutions Strategy. S/he will need to collaborate closely with the UNHCR management and with the head of the Protection team in country operations including working with Programme and HR to oversee financial and human resources to support resettlement processing across the region, with a particular focus on earmarked funding, as well as with RCPS to ensure the efficient distribution and utilization of deployments across the region. The candidate would therefore benefit from strong coordination, diplomatic and negotiation skills. A key priority for the Durable Solutions Unit is enhanced data and information management and the RB has put in place several initiatives to support enhanced data collection and information management on resettlement and complementary pathways activities. An excellent and demonstrated working knowledge of proGres v4 including for the generation of statistics as well as for resettlement management and oversight will therefore be an important asset for the performance of this function.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
The Senior Resettlement Officer position is located at the RBEHAGL under the Protection Pillar. The incumbent will report to the Senior Protection Coordinator who sits under the supervision of the Head of Protection Pillar.
The incumbent will provide support, guidance, and oversight on resettlement and complementary pathways to UNHCR operations in eleven countries covered by the Regional Bureau. The region hosts some 79 per cent of the refugees on the African continent and 20 per cent of the global refugee population. The largest number of refugees and asylum-seekers in the region are from South Sudan, with significant numbers also from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Somalia, and Sudan.
It is a region with extremely high resettlement needs but which is also faced with significant challenges when it comes to resettlement processing, including remote and often difficult field locations (which can also impact on the retention of staff), connectivity issues, strict encampment policies in many locations which have implications for access to refugees and case processing capacity, integrity issues among others. Despite these challenges, in 2022, the RB EHAGL had the largest resettlement quota globally, with a target of 30,000 individuals, which it was successfully able to achieve.
The incumbent will be required to collaborate closely with the UNHCR management and the head of the Protection team in the countries and with RCPS and resettlement countries to ensure consistency, efficiency and integrity of resettlement processing. At the Bureau, S/he will maintain a close working relationship with other units within the protection pillar, other pillars, and the Division of International Protection for system-wide coherence. The incumbent also oversees complementary pathways activities in the region, which are currently led by one Assoc. Complementary Pathways Officer (funded by Canada for a two-year period). The RB is heavily invested in the expansion of complementary pathways activities, has cultivated a multi-functional team approach (working closely with the Education and Livelihoods Units and Private Sector Partnerships team), and is particularly focused on growing labour and education mobility pathways at the regional level.
While the RB does not deal directly with PoCs important to be aware of the following considerations for colleagues working in country operations who may require support from the RB and the incumbent:
PoCs who disagree with decisions or actions by UNHCR, including individual decisions on assistance, protection and solutions as well as broader targeting criteria, may become deeply aggrieved, and verbally or physically aggressive towards UNHCR personnel
Culturally or politically sensitive programmes (e.g. GBV / LGBTI campaigns) increase tensions and therefore security risks for personnel
Personnel do not have coping mechanisms for prolonged difficult working and living conditions and are unaware of the various available support structures
Managers and personnel may be unable to detect in themselves and colleagues signs that they are affected by stress, overwork, burnout or trauma and may not know how to handle the situation
Personnel are repeatedly exposed to traumatic stories during protection counselling, interviews or case processing activities
Employment insecurity because of uncertain resources and future priorities of UNHCR leads to stress
Living and Working Conditions:
Nairobi is in UN security Phase III, but politically instigated demonstrations and riots may occur at any time. There is general crime similar to that in large cities. A prudent sense of vigilance and alertness is required. Nairobi is a duty station for families. It has good medical facilities. Recreational facilities, schools and hotels are of international standards.
It has an excellent climate. Comfortable houses and other forms of accommodation are available, as well as good banking facilities, unlimited access to all forms of communications, such as internet, telephone Sim cards etc. There is no malaria in Nairobi, but cholera, malaria and yellow fever occur in other parts of Kenya.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Certifications
HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Resettlement Learning Program - UNHCR
Competencies
Accountability, 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, Political awareness, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Addendum 1 to the Bi-annual Compendium 2022 – Part B
This position doesn't require a functional clearance
