Associate Resettlement Case Worker – UNOPS IICA 1, 2 Positions.

General Background and operational context

Refugees in Kenya are primarily identified for resettlement due to protection needs in line with the resettlement criteria in the Resettlement Handbook. In Dadaab, refugees are identified for resettlement through internal and external referrals and the office is looking into the use of a new tool to identify those refugees most in need of resettlement. The United States receives the largest percentage of resettlement submissions; over 90%. Canada and Norway also receive cases from the Kenya operation. The office will continue to prioritize resettlement submissions despite the Covid-19 situation.

Duties and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Resettlement & Complimentary Pathways Officer the UNOPS IICA 1 will:

• Interview refugees, undertake necessary action / assessments to finalise the resettlement assessment, including, refugee status determinations and complete RRFs for cases deemed by the office to meet the resettlement criteria;

• Complete Resettlement Referral Forms (RRFs) to meet agreed targets in Dadaab. The consultant is expected to complete 6 RRFs per week or a NFF in lieu of an RRF when and if the case interviewed is recommended for closure;

• Liaise with other functional units with UNHCR and partner agencies to ensure necessary action is taken / assessments made to finalise documentation on resettlement submissions;

• Actively participate in expedited resettlement verification and quality assurance/review activities if requested by the supervisor;

• Fulfil other resettlement related duties as directed by the supervisor; and Support complementary pathways activities.

Qualifications and Experience

a. Education

· university degree in relevant area (e.g. international law / refugee law, political science, social sciences – preferably in social work etc.) thorough understanding of the principles of refugee law and UNHCR’s mandate;

· 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree

b. Work Experience

Essential

• Minimum 3 years relevant work experience with 1 year of professional experience in ; Assisting refugees in a resettlement context, case advocacy, assisting with family reunification, identifying resettlement needs, preparing resettlement referrals/submissions etc. – required.

• Professional experience in the area of refugee law or advocacy on behalf of refugees – required;

• Professional experience writing detailed submissions on complex issues related to refugee law or refugee matters – desirable;

• Experience conducting refugee status determinations and resettlement assessments – required;

• Experience drafting resettlement submissions – required;.

Key Competencies: – **

• Fluency in English language, strong drafting skills – required.

• Knowledge of and/or preparedness to become familiar with and abide by UNHCR’s principles, code of conduct and humanitarian goals – required.

• Knowledge of the international legal framework governing refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and statelessness – required.

• Knowledge of UNHCR guidelines on refugee status determination / resettlement. – desirable;

• Awareness of gender issues – required.

• Knowledge of rights and community-based approach to identify and respond to specific needs – desirable.

• Awareness of the importance of preventing fraud – required.

• Awareness of ways to mitigate risks – desirable.

• Respect for diversity. Ability to work in a multicultural environment. Adherence to the principles of transparency, confidentiality and fair treatment of refugees – required.

• Excellent interviewing and counselling skills – required;

• Ability to conduct assessments and identify protection risks of individuals and groups – desirable;

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in teams – desirable;

• Ability to work in stressful situations and in hardship locations – desirable;

• International/field experience – particularly with NGOs or UN agencies working with refugees in countries of refuge – highly desirable.

• Working knowledge of ProGres – essential.