Resettlement Case Reviewer (2 positions), UNOPS IICA-2, Kakuma

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is offering a UNOPS ICA (Individual Contractor Agreement) position within the Resettlement Unit in our Country Office Kenya.

Title: Resettlement Case Reviewer – 2 Positions
Duty Station: Sub Office Kakuma
Duration: Initial period until 31 Dec 2022
Contract Type: UNOPS International ICA -2 (equivalent to P3)
Closing date: 06 April 2022
Start date: immediately

Organisational context

Refugees in Kenya are primarily identified for resettlement due to protection needs in line with the resettlement criteria in the Resettlement Handbook. In Kakuma, 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. In 2022, selection missions from various countries are planned.

Duties and responsibilities

Under direct the supervision of the Resettlement Officer in Kakuma, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Review RRFs drafted by other colleagues. During the periods that the consultant will be asked to review, a target of 6-8 cases to review per week will be set for the consultant;
• Complete Resettlement Referral Forms (RRFs) to meet agreed targets (6 per week) that will be balanced with review duties;
• Liaise with other functional units within UNHCR and partner agencies to ensure necessary action is taken / assessments made to finalise documentation on resettlement submissions;
• Participate in regular protection counselling activities in the field as part of a multi-functional team;
• Interview and assess sensitive cases with SGBV concerns;
• Fulfil other resettlement related duties as directed by the supervisor.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

The UNOPS ICA holder will be required to enter appropriate events in ProGres for each case that will enable the manager to easily compute the number of reviews completed (or RRFs drafted).

Further, the UNOPS ICA holder will be required to prepare reports following standard forms and deadlines:

• Weekly reports
• Statistical and narrative reports
• Provide statistics where needed to support program planning
• A Final Report (at the end of the assignment or end of the year)
• A Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) as per Annex N (UNOPS)
• The Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) must be signed by the direct UNHCR supervisor.

Essential minimum qualifications and professional experience required

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;
• 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

b. Work Experience

Essential

• At least 6 years ( 5 years with Graduate degree) of professional work experience relevant to refugee protection work, of which 2 years in an international capacity. Demonstrated experience in casework or case management, preferably in a refugee or immigration context (e.g. Assisting refugees in a resettlement context, case advocacy, assisting with family reunification, identifying resettlement needs, preparing resettlement referrals/submissions etc.).
• Professional experience in the area of refugee law or advocacy on behalf of refugees
• Professional experience writing detailed submissions on complex issues related to refugee law or refugee matters
• Experience conducting refugee status determination and resettlement interviews
• Experience drafting RRFs
• Experience drafting BIAs
• Experience in the area of refugee resettlement – conducting refugee resettlement assessments and submissions – required.

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. Knowledge of and experience with Complementary Pathways programmes. Diverse field experience. Experience working in a multi-cultural environment. Knowledge of additional UN languages.
• Minimum of one year professional experience in case review work
• Experience in editing resettlement submissions and/or other legal documents
• Experience giving advice on resettlement guidelines / policy – highly desirable

Competencies:

• Experience in the area of refugee resettlement – conducting refugee resettlement assessments and submissions – required.
• 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.
• 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.

Location

The successful candidate will be based within the team in Kakuma Kenya.

Conditions

This position is for an initial period until 31 Dec 2022. It is a full-time role with working hours starting from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday (40 hours per week).