Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)B
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Family
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeUNOPS LICA5
Target Start Date2023-05-01
Job Posting End DateMay 8, 2023
Terms of ReferenceThis is a UNOPS G5 level position which is a Senior RSD Assistant position within the RSD Unit.
The Senior Refugee Status Determination (RSD) Assistant is a member of the RSD Unit of UNHCR India. The Senior RSD Assistant will report to the RSD Associate. S/he will conduct RSD interviews with asylum applicants and draft assessments on their eligibility for refugee status at first instance and appeal stages of the RSD process. S/he supports all activities related to the processing of refugee claims including data management in the operation. The Senior RSD Assistant provides counselling to, and responds to queries from, asylum seekers and refugees regarding UNHCR's RSD procedures, their rights and obligations, including towards the host authorities, and the status of the processing of their claims. In discharging these responsibilities, the Senior RSD Assistant liaises closely with Registration, RSD, Community Services, Durable Solutions, and Protection staff. The Senior RSD Assistant is responsible for conducting country of origin information research and other research related to RSD and for contributing to the operation's local repository of relevant information, guidelines and standards.
He/she will perform the following tasks:
1. Conduct Refugee Status Determination interviews and draft assessments on eligibility for refugee status at first instance and appeal stages of the RSD process
2. Stay abreast of legal, political, security and other developments which impact on the protection environment in the countries of origin of the applicants and in the country of asylum;
3. Provide counselling to, and respond to queries from, asylum seekers and refugees, including in the context of the notification of negative RSD decisions;
4. Maintain accurate and up-to date records and data related to all work on individual cases;
5. Systematically apply an age, gender and diversity (AGD) perspective in the performance of assigned functions;
6. Conduct research on country-of-origin information (COI) and other issues related to RSD and contribute to the Operation's local repository of relevant information, guidelines and standards accessible to RSD staff in the operation;
7. Assist in developing and maintaining processes to ensure that persons of concern, Government authorities and partners have accurate information on the RSD procedures, including UNHCR standards, policies and practice;
8. Assist in any other related tasks as assigned.
ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
• Completion of secondary education and advanced training/certification in law, human rights, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience. Those with a university degree require 1.5 years of work experience.
• Computer skills (MS Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access).
• Fluency in English and Hindi.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
• University degree in Law, Human Rights, International Relations, or other clearly related disciplines.
• Previous work experience with UNHCR and with procedures and principles related to Refugee Status Determination
• Completion of UNHCR's RSD Learning Programme, Interviewing or COI Learning Programme and/or Protection Learning Programme
• Experience in interviewing and counselling asylum seekers or refugees
• Experience in working with individuals with specific needs or trauma
• Previous work experience with UNHCR India is an advantage
Standard Job Description RSD Associate Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The RSD Associate is a member of the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) team. S/he is responsible for supporting all activities related to the processing of refugee claims in the Operation. The RSD Associate provides counselling to, and responds to queries from, asylum seekers and refugees regarding UNHCR's RSD procedures, their rights and obligations, including towards the host authorities, and the status of the processing of their claims. In discharging these responsibilities, the RSD Associate liaises closely with Registration, Community Services, Resettlement, and other Protection staff. The RSD Associate is responsible for conducting COI and other research related to RSD and maintaining the Operation's local repository of relevant information, guidelines and standards. S/he may also assist in drafting RSD Assessments. The RSD Associate assists in compiling and analysing information related to the RSD activities of the Operation, and in drafting related correspondence and reports. The RSD Associate may provide interpretation and/or translation services in cases for which s/he has the required language competencies. 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 - Stay abreast of legal, political, security and other developments which impact on the protection environment, and in particular, on protection delivery through RSD. - Assist in the development of the RSD strategy of the operation and in the annual planning exercise. - Provide counselling to, and respond to queries from, asylum seekers and refugees, including in the context of the notification of negative RSD decisions. - Maintain accurate and up-to date records and data related to all work on individual cases. - Assist in preventing and identifying fraud in RSD through oversight, advice and guidance to UNHCR staff, partners and persons of concern. - Systematically apply an age, gender and diversity (AGD) perspective in the performance of assigned functions. - Conduct research on country of origin information (COI) and other issues related to RSD and maintain the Operation's local repository of relevant information, guidelines and standards accessible to RSD staff in the operation. - Assist in monitoring RSD trends and in compiling and analysing RSD statistics related to RSD case processing. - Assist in developing and maintaining processes to ensure that persons of concern, Government authorities and partners have accurate information on the RSD procedures, including UNHCR standards, policies and practice. - Assist in initiatives to advocate with and support Government authorities and legal partners to establish and strengthen fair and efficient RSD procedures and RSD decision-making. - Draft correspondence and reports relating to the RSD activities of the Operation. - Refer individual cases to other functional units in the Operation and/or external partners for appropriate follow-up, in accordance with established criteria. - Counsel individual asylum-seekers on the reasons for negative RSD decisions, in accordance with the RSD SOPs. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable. Certificates and/or Licenses Social work; HCR RSD Lrng Programme; HCR Cntry of Orig Inf Lrng Prg; HCR Protection Learning Prg; (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Not specified. Desirable Working experience with procedures and principles related to RSD. Knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles. Experience in working with vulnerable or traumatized individuals. Functional Skills PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) PR-Counselling Asylum Seekers or Refugees CM-Cross-cultural communication LE-Human Rights Law PR-RSD - Principles and Procedures, operational arrangements/assistance SO-Research PR-Government Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedures WB-Treatment of vulnerable/traumatized individuals (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.
Required Languages
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Desired Languages
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Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
CertificationsCommunity Development/Social Work - Other, HCR Country of Origin Information Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR RSD Learning Program - UNHCR
Work Experience
Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance