Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)A (least hardship)
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Family
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeUNOPS IICA1
Target Start Date2024-04-01
Job Posting End DateMarch 6, 2024
Terms of ReferenceTerms of Reference
Associate Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer
Resettlement Unit
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is offering a UNOPS International within the Resettlement Unit in our Sub- Office in Quito.
UNHCR is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. Every year, millions of men, women and children are forced to flee their homes to escape conflict and persecution. We are in over 125 countries, using our expertise to protect and care for millions.
Title: Associate Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer
Duty Station: Quito, Ecuador
Duration: until 30 June 2024
Contract Type: International-Specialist ICA, Level (P2/IICA-1)
Closing date: 05 March 2024, 17h00 Ecuador Time
(06 March 2024, 00h00 Geneva Time)
Start date: 01 April 2024
Organizational context
The Operation in Ecuador has focused its protection and solutions strategy to achieve the most appropriate conditions for persons UNHCR serves to achieve local integration. The Operation has strengthened governmental institutional capacity, through technical and financial support, to improve the delivery of international protection and solutions and to implement a new migration registration and regularization exercise that initiated in September 2022 and is expected to extend throughout 2023. However, as the security situation has further deteriorated in Ecuador with increased levels of violence, resettlement which has traditionally been a lifesaving intervention mechanism, has emerged as an essential tool providing sustainable and tangible solutions for at-risk groups such as: Survivors of Violence and or Torture (75% of total submissions in 2022); Women and Girls at Risk; Children and Adolescents at Risk; minority populations such as LGTBIQ+ and people with Legal and Physical Protection Needs. From 2003 to date, the Ecuadorian operation resettled and changed the lives of 10,255 persons.
On 5 January 2023, the US government announced a series of changes affecting asylum seekers and migrants at or on their way to the US southern border. They included an expansion of refugee resettlement from Latin America and the Caribbean, although no operational details were provided.
The US government has since advanced a plan for “regional processing centers” in countries in Central and South America, specifically Guatemala and Colombia. The centers will pre-screen individuals for possible lawful pathways to the US, Canada and Spain, such as refugee resettlement, humanitarian parole, family reunification or temporary labor visas.
UNHCR and IOM will be the operational partners for this initiative. IOM and UNHCR will screen and refer individuals for assessment by the US government for eligibility to the US refugee resettlement program or other lawful pathways to the US.
The Associate Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer will report to the Senior Protection Officer and manage the local Resettlement team towards reaching quota objectives, in compliance with UNHCR and local host country requirements, while also maintaining the highest levels of commitment and quality standards.
The position
The Associate Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer is directly supervised by the Senior Protection Officer, while receiving guidance from relevant protection / coordination staff at national level.
Duties and responsibilities
- Identify, interview, assess resettlement and complementary pathways needs, and process cases identified for resettlement and complementary pathways following established procedures; provide counselling to individuals.
- Support monitoring of activities for resettlement and complementary pathways, as applicable, to ensure progress against targets, transparency and efficiency in case submissions and appropriate follow-up with resettlement countries and other key stakeholders.
- Review and provide timely feedback and guidance on resettlement submissions prepared in the country office/ by country offices to harmonize quality and consistency of resettlement delivery.
- Support the management of processes 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.
- Support the implementation of UNHCR’s global resettlement and complementary pathways policies, procedures and guidelines in the AOR.
- Ensure Standard Operating Procedures for identification of cases for resettlement and resettlement case management are in place and in line with UNHCR Global Standards.
- Support and contribute to measures that enhance the prevention, detection and response to fraud committed by persons of concern generally and in resettlement and complementary pathways in particular.
- Support senior management in maintaining regular contact and close cooperation with resettlement countries and partners to ensure effective delivery of resettlement and complementary pathways; and adherence to adequate protection standards.
- Support government officials and partners undertaking missions related to resettlement and complementary pathways.
- Assist selection missions by resettlement countries to the region/country operations.
- Stay abreast and analyse the implication of political, legal, social and economic developments in the AOR and recommend policy / strategic approaches to further UNHCR objectives with respect to resettlement and complementary pathways.
- Contribute to the development and enhancement of policy and guidelines for resettlement and complementary pathways practices.
- Systematically apply an Age, Gender and Diversity perspective in all aspects of the resettlement and complementary pathways process; comply with UNHCR policy and guidelines on HIV/AIDS.
- Promote and support the establishment of mechanisms for preventing fraud in resettlement and complementary pathways activities to maintain the integrity of the resettlement and complementary pathways process in the AOR.
- Assist in the production of up-to-date and accurate statistics, analytical reports on resettlement and complementary pathways, updates and briefing notes, including with regard to the trends, the country/ region’s performance in meeting resettlement targets, challenges and responses.
- Contribute to comprehensive protection and solutions strategies in the country operation or region.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Essential minimum qualifications and professional experience required
- 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1-year relevant experience with Doctorate degree.
- Demonstrated experience in casework or case management, preferably in a refugee or immigration context.
- Sound understanding and ability to implement UNHCR’s policy and global strategic priorities, such as AGDM, IDP, Statelessness, and HIV/AIDS, in the area of responsibility at appropriate level. Diverse field experience. Experience working in a multi-cultural environment.
- Knowledge/experience in the region is mandatory.
- Good communication skill, both internal and external
- Excellent English and Spanish drafting skill
- Good knowledge of Microsoft programmes, such as Word, Excel, Power Point, database system
- Orientation towards solutions and actions
- Ability to work in a team but also in independence
- Upholding of team spirits and peaceful working environment
Location
The successful candidate will be based in Guayaquil, Ecuador.
Conditions
- The position is for the period until 31 December 2023 and the start date is 1 August 2023. It is a full-time role with working hours starting from 08h30 to 17h30 Monday to Friday (40 hours per week).
- English and Spanish language knowledge is mandatory (B2 level)
- A technical test may be administered to the shortlisted candidates.
To apply
“International individual contracts apply to a person who does NOT reside in the country where he or she is to perform the services. This person has been hired from outside the country of work and the travel to the place of work and return at the end of the contract is at the organization´s expense”. (Annex II, Administrative Instruction on Managing Affiliate Workforce, 11 December 2020).
“Individuals cannot be hired under an international individual contract in the country of their nationality or permanent residence. Furthermore, a local individual contract holder shall not be hired for an international engagement…” (Annex II, Administrative Instruction on Managing Affiliate Workforce, 11 December 2020).
If you wish to be considered for this vacancy, please submit your application according to the following instructions:
A) Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, independently of contract type and duration. The recommended candidate(s) will be required to provide the proof of vaccination prior to recruitment.
B) If you wish to be considered for this vacancy, please submit your application according to the following instructions:
i. CANDIDATES WITH ACCESS TO THE WORKDAY: In order to apply, you must first create your profile in the WORKDAY system.
ii. EXTERNAL CANIDATES: Candidates who do NOT have access to the WORKDAY system should submit their application through UNHCR's official site for applications:
https://www.unhcr.org/careers.html
Associate Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The position for Associate Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer may be based in Country Operations, Regional Bureaux or Headquarters.
The incumbent's primary role is to support resettlement and complementary pathways activities in his/her Area of Responsibility (AOR) through identification of needs, submission of cases, monitoring procedural compliance, integrity and quality of case submissions, and ensure progress against targets. S/he takes part in assessing cases for resettlement and conducting interviews as well as monitoring procedural compliance and quality of case submissions. The role may also involve managerial responsibilities in supervising staff and affiliate workforce. S/he contributes to comprehensive protection and solutions strategies and needs to make resettlement 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
- Identify, interview, assess resettlement and complementary pathways needs, and process cases identified for resettlement and complementary pathways following established procedures; provide counselling to individuals.
- Support monitoring of activities for resettlement and complementary pathways, as applicable, to ensure progress against targets, transparency and efficiency in case submissions and appropriate follow-up with resettlement countries and other key stakeholders.
- Review and provide timely feedback and guidance on resettlement submissions prepared in the country office/ by country offices to harmonize quality and consistency of resettlement delivery.
- Support the management of processes 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.
- Support the implementation of UNHCR's global resettlement and complementary pathways policies, procedures and guidelines in the AOR.
- Ensure Standard Operating Procedures for identification of cases for resettlement and resettlement case management are in place and in line with UNHCR Global Standards.
- Support and contribute to measures that enhance the prevention, detection and response to fraud committed by persons of concern generally and in resettlement and complementary pathways in particular.
- Support senior management in maintaining regular contact and close cooperation with resettlement countries and partners to ensure effective delivery of resettlement and complementary pathways; and adherence to adequate protection standards.
- Support government officials and partners undertaking missions related to resettlement and complementary pathways.
- Assist selection missions by resettlement countries to the region/country operations.
- Stay abreast and analyse the implication of political, legal, social and economic developments in the AOR and recommend policy / strategic approaches to further UNHCR objectives with respect to resettlement and complementary pathways.
- Contribute to the development and enhancement of policy and guidelines for resettlement and complementary pathways practices.
- Systematically apply an Age, Gender and Diversity perspective in all aspects of the resettlement and complementary pathways process; comply with UNHCR policy and guidelines on HIV/AIDS.
- Promote and support the establishment of mechanisms for preventing fraud in resettlement and complementary pathways activities to maintain the integrity of the resettlement and complementary pathways process in the AOR.
- Assist in the production of up-to-date and accurate statistics, analytical reports on resettlement and complementary pathways, updates and briefing notes, including with regard to the trends, the country/ region's performance in meeting resettlement targets, challenges and responses.
- Contribute to comprehensive protection and solutions strategies in the country operation or region.
- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
- Perform other related duties as required.
For jobs in the Regional Bureaux only:
- Review and provide feedback and advice to country operations on their resettlement and complementary pathways strategies and priorities, to ensure that they are coherent and consistent with the regional strategy and are fully integrated into country operations plans.
- Assist offices in the annual planning exercise for resettlement and complementary pathways.
- Review and provide timely feedback and guidance on resettlement submissions prepared by country offices to harmonize quality and consistency of resettlement delivery; assist the supervisor in monitoring procedural compliance.
- Conduct periodic field missions to provide advice on the quality and consistency of resettlement submissions, decisions and activities.
- Assist in negotiating with resettlement countries the design and development of regional resettlement programmes and complementary pathways involving governments and non-governmental organisations in close consultation with the Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Service in the Division of International Protection (DIP) at Headquarters.
- Coordinate with DIP, other entities within the Bureau and country operations to ensure a comprehensive and consistent approach in the prevention, detection and response to fraud committed by persons of concern across the region.
- Collect resettlement and complementary pathways related information to be used by the Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Service in the DIP for external publications.
- Assist in assessing training needs, draw regional training plan and strategy and deliver resettlement, complementary pathways and related training to UNHCR staff, partners and other stakeholders as required.
- Contribute to a communications strategy that generates support from external parties for the expansion of resettlement and complementary pathways.
Minimum Qualifications
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
Political Science;
Social Sciences;
International Law;
Law;
International Public Law;
International Refugee Law;
International Human Rights Law;
Refugee and Forced Migration International Relations;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Protection Learning Programme;
Resettlement Learning Programme;
(Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
At least 1 year of professional work experience relevant to refugee protection work, preferably within the international capacity. Demonstrated experience in casework or case management, preferably in a refugee or immigration context.
Desirable
Sound understanding and ability to implement UNHCR's policy and global strategic priorities, such as AGDM, IDP, Statelessness, and HIV/AIDS, in the area of responsibility at appropriate level. Diverse field experience. Experience working in a multi-cultural environment.
Functional Skills
DM-Database Management
PR-Refugee Resettlement programs
PR-Resettlement Anti-Fraud Policy and Procedures
PR-Mixed migratory movement 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.
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SkillsDM-Database Management, PR-Mixed migratory movement management, PR-Refugee Resettlement programs, PR-Resettlement Anti-Fraud Policy and Procedures
EducationBachelor of Arts (BA): International Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Social Science
CertificationsHCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Resettlement Learning Program - UNHCR
Work Experience
Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance
Home-BasedNo