Resettlement Officer 226 views0 applications

Job Title: Resettlement Officer
Grade: 5 (I)
Level: Specialist
Salary: $34,486 Annually
Division: Program
Section: Africa Regional Deployment Unit (ARDU)

CWS RSC Africa
The Resettlement Support Center (CWS RSC Africa) operates a US refugee resettlement program in sub-Saharan Africa through a Cooperative Agreement with the Department of State/Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. CWS RSC Africa is responsible for the preparation of refugee case files for adjudication by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers, as well as the out-processing and cultural orientation of all approved cases. CWS RSC Africa is administered by the Church World Service Immigration Refugee Program (CWS/IRP) and is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with a sub-office in Pretoria, South Africa.

Benefits

CWS Global and RSC Africa offer a total compensation package. The total compensation package includes a housing stipend, company life insurance, comprehensive health insurance, vision coverage, a non-participatory 5% retirement contribution, 22 vacation days a year, 3 personal days per calendar year, 1 day of sick leave per month, AD&D insurance, Bereavement leave, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and optional dental coverage.

EEOC
Church World Service does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or the provision of services.

Due to the volume of applications that we receive, only those individuals shortlisted will be contacted.

To Apply:
Please click the below link to apply directly online to this position.
https://rscafrica.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a2d9enf5izh5?preview=1

This position is open to international applicants.

Please note CWS RSC Africa does not accept resumes for positions that are not posted. All applicants are required to submit their resume using the on-line applicant tracking system.

Eligibility List
The eligibility list established as a result of this job posting will be used for a minimum of six months or until the list is exhausted. This list will be used to fill any current and immediate future vacancies. Individuals who are interested in this position should submit their application materials now.

Communication
Please note CWS RSC Africa uses e-mail for all recruitment contacts. Please be sure to check your e-mail regularly.

Application Materials
Your application materials should clearly indicate how you meet the requirements of the position. Be sure your resume is in an easy to read format. Dates of employment on your resume should be in mm/yy format.

Primary Purpose

This is a full time position within the Africa Regional Deployment Unit, which strategically utilizes RSC deployments to UNHCR with the goal of increasing referrals to the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) in Africa. The primary function of the Resettlement Officer is to support the goals of ARDU through temporary deployments to UNHCR offices throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Tasks to be completed while on deployment will be determined in Terms of Reference for each deployment and will include activities that support refugee resettlement, including interviewing and writing resettlement referrals to the USRAP, DNA collection (for US passport holders).

Supervision

This position reports to the ARDU Supervisor.

Essential Duties

1. Conducts resettlement interviews with identified cases in line with UNHCR Resettlement Guidelines and country-specific Standard Operating Procedures.
2. Makes assessments and contributes towards identifying resettlement cases, including conducting profiling, case identification, verification, and complete the UNHCR Resettlement Registration Form (RRFs) for the identified cases in accordance with the relevant standards and requirements.
3. Travels on deployments to UNHCR locations, often on short notice.
4. Completes and updates all case files and database records as per UNHCR guidelines.
5. Submits regular reports to ARDU Manager in line with deployment goals and objectives.
6. Maintains current knowledge of refugee situations and population served in sub-Saharan Africa.
7. Actively participates as a member of the UNHCR team; and complies with UNHCR’s security requirements.
8. In field, undertakes additional related duties as agreed upon by the ARDU Manager, UNHCR Supervisor and deployee.
9. In field, (if US passport holder) conducts AOR interviews and collects DNA as agreed upon by the ARDU Manager, Field Processing Coordinator.
10. Contributes to the development of deployment training topics, procedures and implementation.
11. Undertakes additional assigned duties to support ARDU, including administrative tasks not limited to: data entry, data analysis and research.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field of study (preferable focus in international affairs, law, refugee law, human rights or social work) or four years of paid work experience is required.
• Master’s Degree in a related field of study preferred (preferable focus in international affairs, law, refugee law, human rights or social work).

Experience:

• Two (2) years’ of paid work experience is required.
• Six (6) months related experience is required, including in a developing country in a relevant work area (e.g. assisting refugees in a resettlement context, casework, preparing refugee resettlement referrals, etc.).

Knowledge/Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge of UNHCR/USRAP and resettlement processes.
• Knowledge of international legal framework governing refugees, human rights/human rights law preferred.
• Written and spoken fluency in English; secondary language skills, such as French, Arabic and other African regional languages (other than Kiswahili) required.
• Excellent interviewing and counseling skills.
• Excellent drafting, writing and analytical skills.
• Previous assessment/monitoring and evaluations skills preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
• Strong computer skills, in particular Microsoft Office.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Work experience with UNHCR or any other deployment scheme.

Other:

US passport holders preferred.

Abilities:

The Resettlement Officer must have the ability to:

• work effectively with partners and teams;
• remain collegial and flexible, including managing heavy workload under pressure;
• travel in sub-Saharan Africa on short notice and sometimes under difficult conditions, including refugee camps;
• work under deadline
• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• follow instructions from the Supervisor with a positive and receptive attitude;
• deal effectively and courteously with a large number of associates, outside agencies, refugees and members of the general public;
• conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of RSC Africa and CWS/IRP;
• maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail;
• carry out all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision;
• work independently and contribute to overall operations of RSC Africa;
• take initiative in the development and completion of projects;
• lead others and address issues as they arise;
• maintain strict confidentiality with RSC Africa administrative and operational information;
• manage a large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities;
• analyze and solve complex problems and make sound decisions;
• work well as a team in a multi-cultural environment while maintaining a high level of motivation;
• effectively manage RSC Africa’s resources;
• actively participate in the implementation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)

Working Conditions

Physical: This position requires bending, squatting, crawling, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/ pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and carrying/ lifting moderate loads.

Environmental: Incumbents in this position will be exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, harsh weather climates, dust and infectious diseases, working in confined quarters and dangerous insects, animals, reptiles, spiders, etc.

The US Embassy rates Kenya as both HIGH in crime and HIGH in terrorism. Incumbents should fully understand the insecurities present within Kenya and the region.

Special Requirements

Background check which includes references check is required before the start of employment. A valid passport and the ability to maintain a valid passport throughout the entire appointment is required, which includes having enough passport pages for travel. The candidate should be of good health, willing and able to travel extensively in often difficult conditions, and have a high degree of flexibility. Must be legally eligible to work and obtain a work permit in Kenya. Must have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination before traveling for RSC Africa. Employee will be entrusted with the receipt, custody and payment of money.

Licensing/Certification

None

Competencies

Communication

Ensure effective exchanges of information with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include speaking to others respectfully; expressing ideas in a logical, organized way; sharing information appropriately; and clarity and conciseness in written communication.

Relationships

Ensure constructive and supportive interactions with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include being positive and supportive when working with others; sharing information and resources freely; resolving conflict constructively; and proactively working to remove obstacles to success for others.

Job Knowledge

Utilize and apply job related knowledge to complete job tasks at a level that meets or exceeds expectations. Examples of skills and behaviors include utilizing job knowledge to solve problems or develop new approaches; maintaining or enhancing skills through continuing education; and taking on projects that will develop or enhance skills.

Teamwork

Work effectively and contribute as a member of a team. Examples of skills and behaviors include supporting other team members by sharing information; covering the work of others during absences, vacations etc.; and actively participating in developing ideas for ways to increase team effectiveness.

Problem Solving

Analyze information and develop solutions to challenges that arise during the course of performing a job. Examples of skills and behaviors include researching and collecting facts; defining the issues and the parties affected; formulating options/solutions for addressing the problem; and engendering support for and implementing the solution.

Program Planning and Management

Organize work and/or plan projects and ensure timely completion and/or successful implementation. Examples of skills and behaviors include identifying and analyzing program options; identifying the tasks and deliverables required for successful completion; managing one’s time; monitoring the resources involved and ensuring that they are directed most effectively; and working with all involved to ensure successful completion.

Leadership

Guide and direct oneself or other individuals and groups toward a desired outcome. Examples of skills and behaviors include taking the appropriate level of initiative to resolve problems or remove obstacles, bringing individuals together around a common goal; evaluating information and making decisions; navigating conflict and obstacles; and ensuring that communication takes place between all parties involved.

Resource Building and Stewardship

Balance the acquisition or investment of organization resources with responsible use of those resources in line with the organization’s mission. Examples of skills and behaviors include taking advantage of all opportunities to cultivate potential donors; evaluating situations to identify the best use of resources; and making responsible investments of resources that increase organization effectiveness.