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Associate RSD Officer at UNHCR
Standard Job Description
Associate 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.
Recommended:
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.
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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.
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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)
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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 Associate RSD Officer will oversee the overall processing of RSD
in the Tanzania operation and at the same time be the expert responsible
for training government officials and UNHCR staff on RSD. In addition,
the desired candidate will be required to conduct appeal of complex RSD
cases and coordinate with the Bureau and Headquarters on complex RSD
cases. The candidate will also assist on general and legal protection
issues both in the capital and in the field and will be responsible to
supervise a few national protection staff in the general service
category. This will entail coordinating day to day reception and
response to refugee and asylum seeker issues. The ideal candidate should
be able to discuss issues with government counterparts in a tactful and
diplomatic manner in order to have refugee concerns addressed. The
candidate should have cogent interpersonal and managerial skills.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
Desired languages
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Even if you are a frequent traveler, it is important to visit your
UNHCR’ s medical service or contact them to make sure that you have all
the necessary inoculations for your potential new duty station, Dar es
Salaam. Some vaccinations (especially against certain hepatitis strains)
require boosters which can only be administered after a fixed period of
time has elapsed. Yellow Fever is not endemic in Tanzania. Even so, the
Ministry of Health requires all travelers to show a valid yellow fever
vaccination certificate. Dengue Fever and Malaria are present in much of
Tanzania, particularly in Dar es Salaam, but less so in Zanzibar.
Malaria is especially prevalent during the rainy seasons as the
mosquitoes that carry it are most active then. However, it does remain a
year- round problem. Discuss preventive options with a medical
professional as there are a variety of useful options to lower your
chance of contracting the illness. One of the simplest is to become a
fastidious applier of insect repellent – those containing DEET are the
most effective. You are encouraged to do your research to see which
option is best for you. Sleeping with mosquito nets is highly
recommended.
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Nature of Position:
The United Republic of Tanzania, a country in East Africa with a
population of 60 million people and has been a significant
refugee-hosting country in the region for decades and has experienced
the most recent influx of refugees from Burundi in 2015. There are
currently two refugee camps in Tanzania, Nduta, hosting Burundian PWS,
and Nyarugusu refugee camp hosting both Burundians and Congolese PoCs. A
small number of refugees, from different nationalities, live on
exceptional permits in Dar Es Salaam and other urban areas. The total
number of refugees is over 247, 000.
UNHCR currently has one Country Office in Dar Es Salaam, one sub-office in Kigoma, a Field Offices in Kibondo and Kasulu respectively, and a Field Unit in Dodoma. UNHCR’s main counterpart from the Government of Tanzania (GoT) on asylum matters is the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and its Refugee Services Department (RSD). Rights and duties, treatment and status of refugees and asylum seekers in Tanzania are governed by the Refugees Act of 1998 and the 2003 Refugees Policy.
The Associate RSD Officer will be based in Dar es Salaam, supervised by the Senior Protection Officer and will provide legal, operational and strategic support on mandate or national RSD at country operations level.
Living and Working Conditions:
The most popular areas for international staff are Masaki, Msasani
Peninsula and Oysterbay, collectively called “the Peninsula”. All are at
the coast and centrally located nearby shopping centers, schools,
restaurants, hotels and UN offices. There is a wide variety of housing
options: high- rise and low- rise apartments, townhouses and stand-alone
houses. Rental prices start from USD 1,200 per month for an apartment
and from USD 3,000 per month for a house – depending on the number of
bedrooms and the requirements. Word of mouth is the best way to get an
idea of current prices, so definitely seek your colleagues’ advice.
Mikocheni, Kawe and Mbezi Beach have beautiful homes with direct beach
access. Unfortunately, traffic congestion translates into long commuting
times from these places to more central areas. Upanga is a popular area
for young professionals. It is a fast- developing area, closer to the
city center. Nationally recruited staff members generally choose to live
across a wider swathe of the city, and so enjoy a broader range of
housing options – and equally, more flexibility in rental rates.
Preferred neighborhoods are Sinza, Tabata, Kimara, Tegeta, Temeke. Rates
are lower than on the peninsula.The position is located in Dar es
Salaam where the usual facilities for a regular family duty station are
available. There are suitable international schools, hospitals and
entertainment spots. There is is an international airport providing link
to other destinations nationally and internationally.
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Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
BA: 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 – UNHCR
Work Experience
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
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Add.2 to Bi-annual Compendium 2022 – Part B
Functional clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance
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