Vacancy Notice No.: ETH/JI/UNOPS/VN/006/19
Organizational Context
The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the UNHCR Associate Protection Officer (Child) or Protection Officer in UNHCR Jijiga Sub Office depending on the existing structure of the office. He /She has to show an ability to engage and form effective working relationship with implementing partners and any other relevant child protection actors, local authorities and refugees while working very closely with the Associate Durable Solutions Officer.
The primary responsibility of the incumbent is to conduct Best Interest Determination (BID) Reports for unaccompanied and separated children in line with agreed upon objectives with his/her supervisor. S/he will receive regular supervision in the form of review of his or her BID reports and structured, supervision sessions.
The incumbent works in a team of UNHCR and partner protection case workers in the field and office. He/she will be required take on additional responsibilities such as mentoring of new caseworkers, preparing and facilitating BID Panel/ trainings and case management meetings with partners. The incumbent will be required to take on some of the functions of the Associate Protection Officer (Child) in his or her absence.
Responsibilities
- Organize interviews with beneficiaries a week in advance in line with the list of prioritization assigned by the supervisor.
- Consult the physical file (including the BIA), the database and with the necessary social worker from IRC before the organization of any interview.
- Proceed with the conducting of interviews directly either in the camps in line with the SOPs for the protection of refugee children and BID Guidelines.
- Receive refugees in a professional and respectful manner and be attentive to their needs, addressing them in a personal and adapted manner if the person has specific needs.
- Conduct home visits in order to collect information and inform beneficiaries of the BID procedure throughout the process.
- Analyze the situation of children at risk and make referrals as necessary.
- Evaluate the maturity of the child and their ability to give informed consent to share information. According to the age and maturity of the child, obtain their consent and the consent of their caregiver to share information with organizations specified, explaining the reason for each referral.
- Revise and correct BIDs in line with feedback given from the supervisor.
- Present BIDs in front of the panel regularly.
- Update proGres events as well as the physical file and in the case tracking excel sheets. Ensure that the final version of the BID is saved in the K drive with the scanned signature page directly after the BID Panel.
- Inform his or her supervisor if there is any difficulty or delay in producing the required number of BIDs.
- Inform the child and family of the decision taken during the panel and explain to them the follow up actions. Ensure that responsibility is taken for completing all follow up actions needed.
- Participate in necessary trainings in order to remain up to date regarding BID procedures and the SOPs.
- Regularly participate in supervision sessions and team meetings organized by supervisor.
Accountability
- BIDs are produced each month directly in English using the BID report generated in proGres based on the number of BIDs required by the office.
- The Supervisor is assisted in the organization of the BID Panel and with the mentoring of caseworkers as required.
- Complete regular narrative and statistical reports of activities is done in accordance with the demands of the supervisor.
Authority
- Make recommendations in the best interest of the children in question and complete BID reports.
- Analyze the credibility of information provided during interview and assess the possibility of fraud. Send all potential cases of fraud to the Protection Officer of the office.
Duration of the contract: 6 months
Job Requirements
Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience
- Education: completion of secondary education with training/certificate in law, social sciences, public administration or a related field.
- 3 years or more of relevant experience, including record-keeping and processing of information related to social protection of children.
- Direct experience of conducting best interest assessments and determinations desirable.
- Knowledge of work in PC, applications, spreadsheets, word processing and use of progress (UNHCR software).
- Ability to conduct interviews, to analyze and report on the situation of the beneficiaries.
- Ability to acquire knowledge of the organization’s protection policies.
- Ability to work in the field.
- Fluency in English
- Somali speakers are encouraged to apply
Cross Functional Competencies
- Planning and Organizing
Desirable Qualification and Competencies:
- Negotiation skills.
- Reporting/drafting skills
- Exposure to UN rules, regulations and guidelines on security management
How to Apply
This vacancy is open for qualified Ethiopians only.
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.
UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
IMPORTANT
Applicants who wish to be considered for this position should send a motivation letter the P11 Form and or the most recent fact sheet through the online application system using the link below:
https://unhcr-eth.org/jobs/vacancy/273
Candidates will be required to sit for a test.
Due to the volume of applications only short listed candidates will be invited for interview.
Former UNHCR General Service staff members, having held an Indefinite or FTA appointment for an uninterrupted period of at least one year may apply for internally advertised vacancies at their previous grade or equivalent or one grade above, if the seniority requirements are met, for a period of two years following separation.
Refugees – who cares? We Do.
More Information
- Job City Jijiga, Somali
