Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)B
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Family
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeCONTR International Junior Level Professional
Target Start Date2024-02-01
Job Posting End DateFebruary 8, 2024
Terms of ReferenceThe candidate should have a Master’s/University degree or equivalent related to the topic (Law, Human Rights, International Development, etc.). Previous experience in developing and implementing differentiated case processing modalities in Mandate RSD operations will be an advantage. Experience as a decision-maker in UNHCR RSD procedures, including in exclusion case processing is essential. The incumbent should have experience in providing coaching, guidance or advice to staff and excellent analytical and drafting skills.
As of 31 December 2023, India hosts a total of 34,631 refugees recognized under UNHCR’s mandate and 11,941 asylum-seekers. Ethnic Rohingya from Myanmar (59%) and Afghans (29%) constitute the largest groups of refugees. Refugees are primarily residing in urban areas, with approximately half living in Delhi and half in other urban areas. In addition to the registered population of concern, Myanmar nationals have also arrived in the Northeast of India following the coup in Myanmar on 1 February 2021. The Government of India (GoI) provides direct protection and assistance to Sri Lankan (91,406) and Tibetan (73,404) refugees.
India is not a state party to the 1951 Convention or 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. India endorsed the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR), however, and is a member of UNHCR’s Executive Committee. India has no specific legislation governing the status and treatment of refugees. The Foreigners Act of 1946 regulates the entry, presence and departure of foreigners including refugees. The rules and policies under the Act are implemented by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). As there is no national asylum procedure, registration and refugee status determination are conducted by UNHCR under its mandate.
Refugees and asylum-seekers have access to basic services; however, some face administrative barriers trying to access services, often due to a lack of government-issued documentation. Moreover, refugees and asylum-seekers cannot open bank accounts and do not have access to digital payment methods such as mobile wallets. The lack of access to government-issued documentation also limits the full enjoyment of their socio-economic rights and access to national social welfare schemes, increasing their dependence on UNHCR for assistance.
Very few refugees registered with UNHCR can regularize their stay in India. Afghan refugees are able to obtain or extend their visas, provided they have valid passports. Most refugees/asylum seekers cannot renew their national passports due to high renewal fees or because they cannot safely approach their embassies due to their asylum claims. UNHCR advocates with the Government of India to waive penalty fees that have accumulated due to irregular entry or overstaying visas so that exit permits can be issued for refugees to depart to third countries for resettlement and complementary pathways, or voluntary repatriation.
Refugees can generally access primary and secondary education but may face administrative barriers due to their lack of government-issued documentation. Persons of concern to UNHCR access free primary healthcare services available at government dispensaries, including COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccinations, however they must pay for certain types of medicine and tests for secondary and tertiary healthcare at hospitals.
Shortlisted candidates may have to take a written test and/or participate in an interview as part of the recruitment process.
Please refer to the TOR in the attachment for more details.
Teleworking is possible for this assignment.
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Skills
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Work Experience
Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance
Home-BasedNo