CONTEXT AND DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
The Assistant RSD Officer is a member of the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) team. S/he is responsible for conducting RSD interviews to determine eligibility for refugee status, undertaking country of origin (COI) and other research related to the claim, as required, and drafting RSD assessments. The Assistant RSD Officer provides counselling to asylum seekers and refugees on UNHCR’s RSD procedures and on their status, rights and obligations in the country of asylum. S/he may review RSD assessments of less experienced members of the RSD team, seeking the advice of a more senior RSD/Protection Officer on complex cases, and may assist in developing and implementing RSD training and other measures to enhance the quality and efficiency of RSD decision-making.
THE INCUMBENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FOLLOWING ASSIGNED DUTIES:
Accountability (key results that will be achieved)
- UNHCR’s RSD procedures are implemented in accordance with relevant UNHCR standards and policies, including policies related to age, gender, and diversity mainstreaming (AGDM).
- Persons of concern have fair and transparent access to the RSD procedures.
- Fraud in the RSD process is identified and appropriately addressed.
Responsibility (process and functions undertaken to achieve results)
- Stay abreast of legal, political, security and other developments which impact on the protection environment, and in particular, on protection delivery through RSD.
- Assist in the development of the RSD strategy of the operation and in the annual planning exercise.
- Conduct RSD interviews and draft RSD Assessments in accordance with applicable standards and guidelines.
- Review and endorse RSD decisions and provide appropriate feedback and guidance to RSD staff.
- Maintain accurate and up-to date records and data related to all work on individual cases.
- Provide counselling to asylum seekers and refugees.
- Assist in preventing and identifying fraud in RSD through oversight, advice and guidance to UNHCR staff, partners and persons of concern.
- Assist in monitoring RSD trends and in compiling and analysing RSD statistics related to RSD case processing to identify and respond to developments or issues impacting on the efficiency or quality of RSD decision-making, and to propose remedial measures.
- Conduct research on country of origin information (COI) and legal issues related to RSD and assist in maintaining a local repository of relevant information, guidelines and standards accessible to RSD staff in the operation.
- Ensure that persons of concern, Government authorities and legal partners have accurate information on the RSD procedures, including UNHCR standards, policy and practice.
- Assist in developing and maintaining processes to ensure that persons of concern, Government authorities and partners have accurate information on the RSD procedures, including UNHCR standards, policies and practice.
- Assist in initiatives to advocate with and support Government authorities and legal partners to establish and strengthen fair and efficient RSD procedures and RSD decision-making.
- Assist in evaluating and projecting RSD staffing needs using the RSD Staffing Benchmarks.
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Law, Political Science, International Relations or another related field plus minimum 1 year of relevant professional job experience, preferably in the area of refugee protection, human rights or international humanitarian law. Knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles. Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master’s) or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) may also be accepted.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES
- Working experience with procedures and principles related to RSD is highly desirable.
- Experience as a decision-maker in UNHCR or Government RSD procedures.
- Experience in counselling asylum seekers or refugees.
- Experience in working with vulnerable or traumatized individuals.
- Completion of UNHCR’s RSD Learning Programme, COI Learning Programme, or Protection Learning Programme.
- Knowledge of additional UN languages.
§ Interested candidates are to complete, sign and submit the new Personal History Form (Nov 2017 version) which includes a Letter of Interest for the specific position prior to the closing date of the vacancy notice through UNHCR Egypt’s recruitment portal: https://www.unhcr.org/eg-jobs/
§ Shortlisted applicants might be required to sit for a written examination and will have to undergo an oral interview. Only short–listed applicants will be contacted.
§ UNHCR follows a strict non-smoking environment policy.
§ UNHCR is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees)
More Information
- Job City Cairo
