UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
Family Type
Family
Residential location (if applicable)
Grade
PR3
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Professional
- Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff member’s country of nationality.
In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
Remote work accepted
No
Target Start Date
2024-01-01
Job Posting End Date
December 21, 2023
Standard Job Description
RSD Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The RSD Officer provides legal, operational and strategic support on mandate or national RSD at global, regional or country operations level. The position may be located at Headquarters (within the Division of International Protection), in a Regional Bureau or in a Country Office and reports to the Senior RSD Officer or Senior Protection Officer or Head of Protection Service, as appropriate.
The incumbent provides advice and guidance on legal and procedural matters related to RSD whether in the context of mandate RSD and/or national asylum/RSD systems (as applicable), is responsible for review, endorsement and clearance of recommendations on individual cases in line with requirements under the RSD Procedural Standards or as directed by Senior Management. The incumbent is also responsible for contributing to the development of or, depending on the context, develop an RSD strategy and, where required, methodologies to promote the effectiveness of RSD as a protection tool and implementing broader organizational objectives and priorities, in compliance with relevant UNHCR standards and policies. Whether in the context of national or mandate RSD, the incumbent provides advice and support to staff engaged in RSD and related activities, monitors trends of RSD decision-making, and conducts training and other capacity-building/strengthening activities to promote consistency in RSD procedures and decision-making. S/he contributes to developing and enhancing regional and global RSD standards and policies, as necessary.
If based in a country operation, the RSD Officer advocates with and supports Government authorities and legal partners in further developing their capacities in line with the GCR and other key UNHCR planning considerations.
The RSD Officer works closely with senior managers, RSD staff as well as staff responsible for registration, resettlement and training activities. S/he also liaises with relevant focal points in DIP, in particular within the RSD and PNSS Sections and other HQ Divisions as required. The incumbent normally supervises National Officers or support staff at lower grade levels.
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
- Provide legal/procedural advice and support on RSD adjudication issues within the Area of Responsibility (AoR).
- Stay abreast of legal, political, security and other developments relevant to mandate RSD, the protection environment, including developments in relation to national asylum/RSD systems, as applicable.
- Engage relevant national authorities and structures in identifying and expanding opportunities in view of developing or strengthening national asylum/RSD systems.
- Undertake quality review of RSD Assessments in line with UNHCR policies/guidelines related to mandate RSD and endorse RSD decisions as required.
- Conduct interviews and draft RSD Assessments in complex/sensitive cases per relevant standards and guidelines.
- Provide ongoing coaching as well as specialized training on the inclusion criteria; principles/procedures related to exclusion; cancellation/revocation; international humanitarian law; human rights law; interviewing techniques and credibility assessment/establishing the facts; and legal drafting.
- Provide specialized training to other UNHCR units on the refugee criteria and related issues as needed. Contribute to the development of the RSD strategy and support senior management to ensure its full and effective integration into the protection and solution strategy of the Country Operations Plan.
- Contribute to developing/enhancing regional and global RSD standards and policies, as required.
- Support the design and implementation of operation-specific SOPs for all aspects of RSD operations in line with relevant standards/policies, including UNHCR’s AGD policy and Forward Plan, ensuring the prioritisation of persons with specific needs if based in a Regional Bureau, provide support to operations on the above.
- Monitor trends and systematically compile statistics related to RSD case processing.
- Analyze key indicators of the quality and efficiency of decision-making in RSD processing to assess capacity and resource requirements of operations in the region or the operation to which the RSD Officer is assigned.
- Contribute to the evaluation and projection of RSD staffing and financial needs using the RSD Staffing Benchmarks, and support allocation of appropriate human, material and financial resources.
- Contribute to identifying and preventing fraud in RSD through oversight, advice and guidance to UNHCR personnel, partners and persons of concern.
If based in DIP or a Regional Bureau:
- Conduct support missions, as required.
- Assess training needs in UNHCR RSD operations and assist RSD Supervisors to provide coaching/capacity building for UNHCR personnel and deployees under their supervision, in coordination with the GLC as appropriate.
- Maintain and manage a consultative process with operations and other stakeholders in the region.
If based in a country operation, together with competent host authorities and partners, develop processes aiming at developing national institutional capacities and the timely identification of international protection needs in line with the GCR and other key planning considerations.
- 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P3/NOC – 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
International Refugee Law; International Human Rights Law; International Humanitarian Law;
International Criminal Law; Social Sciences; or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
RSD Learning Programme
Management Learning Programme
Protection Learning Programme
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
3 years of experience working directly with procedues and principles related to adjudicating individual asylum claims in RSD procedures. In-depth knowledge of International Refugee Law, International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Law and ability to apply relevant legal principles in the RSD context, including exclusion decision-making. Thorough knowledge of the “Procedural Standards for RSD under UNHCR’s Mandate” and other guidelines and standards governing UNHCR’s mandate RSD activities. Experience in counselling asylum-seekers and individual case management. Experience in refugee law training.
Desirable
Experience as a decision-maker in UNHCR or Government SD procedures is highly desirable. Experience in providing legal representation to asylum seekers in UNHCR or Government SD procedurest. Experience in supervising a team. Completion of other UNHCR Learning Programmes relevant to RSD.Training and coaching experience. Experience in working with vulnerable or traumatized individuals. Knowledge of additional UN languages.
Functional Skills
CO-Cross-cultural communication
PR-Human Rights Doctrine/Standards
PR-Individual Case Management
LE-International Criminal Law
LE-International Refugee Law
PR-RSD – Principles and Procedures, operational arrangements/assistance
PR-International Humanitarian Law
PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators
PR-Government Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedures
PR-Interviewing and counselling refugees/asylum seekers
(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.
Desired Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate must possess a minimum of 5 years of pertinent experience in the protection of forcibly displaced populations. This experience should encompass a thorough understanding of the work & mandate of UNHCR and the Organization’s priorities, guidelines, policies and approaches on asylum and refugees’ status determination procedures:
- Knowledge of International Refugee Law, Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles in the context of mixed movements.
- Experience in Refugee Status Determination procedures and supporting the development of national asylum capacities and policies, including Country-of-Origin Information and working with government officials, RSD adjudicators, legal practitioners and aid providers.
- Experience in the implementation of legal stay arrangements, temporary protection mechanisms or migratory frameworks benefiting forcibly displaced persons.
- Understanding of the political, humanitarian, social, protection and legal context and dynamics in the Americas at national and regional level.
- Demonstrated ability to support the organization and facilitation of regional or national training workshops or meetings.
- Experience in working with regional mechanisms, processes and for a related to asylum and human mobility, in particular the Inter-American Human Rights System.
The desirable candidate should have excellent command of the English and Spanish language, both written and oral and a proven ability to present complex matters to a range of audiences, incl. partners, donors and authorities. Knowledge of Portuguese is an asset.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
Spanish
,
,
Desired languages
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
Nature of Position:
This position is based at UNHCR’s Regional Bureau for the Americas in Panama City. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior Protection Coordinator.
S/he will be responsible for advancing the Bureau’s regional Asylum Strategy, in line with the Office’s protection and solutions mandate, UNHCR Strategic Directions 2022-2026, the Global Compact of Refugees, regional protection frameworks, and the commitments arising from the Global Refugee Forums. S/he will be responsible for the regional implementation of UNHCR RSD-asylum related guidelines, the forthcoming UNHCR’s Five Year Strategy on Asylum Capacity Development and RSD Global RSD Strategic Directions, ensuring a coherent and coordinate approach in the region on access to asylum and international protection. Against a backdrop of increasing mixed movements throughout the region, S/he will also provide advice and guidance on alternative legal stay arrangements and temporary protection mechanisms being implemented or developed in the region.
Due of the regional scope, the incumbent will provide technical, legal and operational guidance and support to the Bureau and to operations on regional asylum/RSD priorities, namely: strengthening asylum capacities development; harmonization of internal regulations and practices on refugee protection, asylum and migration governance with international and regional standards; lead capacity building of staff, partners and national authorities, the promotion of International refugee law and State´s accession to international conventions; strategic use of mandate RSD, promoting intersection across sectors; support development of legislation, drafting court interventions, project proposals, and commenting on states policies with special focus in the response to mixed movements; drafting of eligibility guidelines, International Protection Considerations and country of origin information to addressing emerging needs; advance the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Our Common Agenda, the Asylum Capacity Support Group initiative, ensuring complementarity of the different regional and global asylum initiatives, and the implementation of GRF pledges related to asylum and legal aid: and support the implementation of UNHCR´s new Policy and Procedures on Addressing Fraud Committed by Persons of Concern ensuring prevention, detection, and response to fraud in RSD and asylum procedures.
In these endeavors, s/he will closely coordinate her/his work within the Protection and Solutions Pillar of the Bureau and with other Units and Pillars, in particular with DIMA, Senior Operational Offices, Programme and External Relation colleagues. S/he will also coordinate and liaise with colleagues at DIP and DER at Headquarters.
S/he will need to stay abreast of the legal, political, security and other developments which impact on the protection delivery through asylum procedures and mandate RSD procedures. The incumbent will require to work closely with States, asylum institutions, NGOs, regional organizations, academia, donors, persons forcibly displaced and other relevant stakeholders, and to engage with regional state-led and inter-agency processes and fora to advance the regional protection agenda on asylum and international protection, asserting the international protection dimension in the context of mixed movements and promoting complementary among migration and international protection status to enhance protection and solutions, ensuring asylum remain open for those seeking international protection
Living and Working Conditions:
Panama City is classified ‘A’ Duty Station (Family) and has good infrastructure (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications and recreational facilities) and good supply of goods and services, with no particular health hazards. -In terms of security Panama is relatively safe compared to other cities throughout Latin America and it is rated as security level ‘1 minimal’ whereas for Darién Province (border with Colombia) it is security level ‘2 low’. The city is a communication hub and it is possible to fly to all countries of the region with direct flights and it offers good options for travelling in general. -UNHCR offices are located in the Canal Zone, in a green area outside the city centre called ‘Ciudad del Saber’ where most of the other UN Agencies are also located, as well as International Schools, NGOs and research centres, etc. -The cost of living is relatively high for the region (reflected in the post adjustment), especially for housing and health, but it is easy to find accommodation on the private market, including in the area of the office in houses or in the city centre towers in modern apartments. Most of the food is imported except for sea products and some fruits and vegetables. There is a wide range of international schools, several of them offering IB curriculum including some in the office area. -In terms of recreational activities, Panama being a hub for the purchasing of goods for neighbouring countries, the city offers a lot of malls and doing shopping and going to malls is a common week end activity. Cultural offer is limited but there is a good offer of restaurants and a dynamic nightlife. Beaches on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts are reachable within one hour by car or by boat directly from the city and there are some options for hiking too. There is also a relatively good range of sports activities.
Skills
Additional Qualifications
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science
Certifications
HCR Management Learning Program – UNHCR, HCR Protection Learning Program – UNHCR, HCR RSD Learning Program – UNHCR
Work Experience
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Policy research & development, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Add. 2 to Bi-annual Compendium 2023 – Part B
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance
To apply for this job please visit unhcr.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com.