Posts
Title of Post: RSD Associate
Vacancy Notice No.: IVN/EVN/KEN/KAK/13/010 ADD 1
Grade: G6
Post Number: 10009001
Date of Issue: 02/10/2013
Location: Sub Office Kakuma
Closing Date: 16/10/2013
ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Define the role of the position within the team, describing its
leadership role, if any, it’s external/internal work relationships or contacts,
the contextual environment in which it operates and the scope of supervision
received, and where applicable, exercised by the incumbent.
The RSD Associate is a member of the Refugee Status Determination (RSD)
team. S/he is responsible for supporting all activities related to the
processing of refugee claims in the Operation. The RSD Associate provides
counselling to, and responds to queries from, asylum seekers and refugees
regarding UNHCR's RSD procedures, their rights and obligations, including
towards the host authorities, and the status of the processing of their claims.
In discharging these responsibilities, the RSD Associate liaises closely with
Registration, Community Services, Resettlement, and other Protection staff. The
RSD Associate is responsible for conducting COI and other research related to
RSD and maintaining the Operation's local repository of relevant information,
guidelines and standards. S/he may also assist in drafting RSD Assessments. The
RSD Associate assists in compiling and analysing information related to the RSD
activities of the Operation, and in drafting related correspondence and
reports. The RSD Associate may provide interpretation and/or translation
services in cases for which s/he has the required language competencies.
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.
- Provide counselling to, and respond to queries from, asylum seekers and refugees, including in the context of the notification of negative RSD decisions.
- Maintain accurate and up-to date records and data related to all work on individual cases.
- Assist in preventing and identifying fraud in RSD through oversight, advice and guidance to UNHCR staff, partners and persons of concern.
- Systematically apply an age, gender and diversity (AGD) perspective in the performance of assigned functions.
- Conduct research on country of origin information (COI) and other issues related to RSD and maintain the Operation's local repository of relevant information, guidelines and standards accessible to RSD staff in the operation.
- Assist in monitoring RSD trends and in compiling and analysing RSD statistics related to RSD case processing.
- 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.
- Draft correspondence and reports relating to the RSD activities of the Operation
- Authority (decisions made in executing responsibilities and to achieve results)
- Refer individual cases to other functional units in the Operation and/or external partners for appropriate follow-up, in accordance with established criteria.
- Counsel individual asylum-seekers on the reasons for negative RSD decisions, in accordance with the RSD SOPs.
Essential Minimum Qualifications
and Experience
- Completion of Secondary School and advanced training/certification in social work or a related field.
- Minimum 6 years of relevant professional job experience.
- Research and analytical skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Fluency in English and working knowledge of another relevant UN language or local language.
- (In offices where the working language is not English, excellent knowledge of working language of duty station and working knowledge of English.)
Desirable Qualifications &
Competencies
- Working experience with procedures and principles related to RSD.
- Knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles.
- Experience in counseling 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
Submission of Applications
This vacancy is open for qualified Kenyans ONLY. Female candidates are
encouraged to apply.
While this vacancy is open internally and externally, priority
consideration will be given to internal applicants.
IMPORTANT
Staff members who wish to be considered for this position should send
an Application letter to: The Secretary, Regional Assignments Committee (RAC),
Human Resources Section, Nairobi and attach Personal History Form (P.11).
Please quote Reference: IVN/EVN/KEN/KAK/13/010 Add 1. Late applications will
not be considered.
PLEASE REFER TO PPAL REGULATION No.16-22 on eligibility to apply
(IOM/49-FOM/50/2012 dated 15 June refers).
Applicant should clearly indicate the Title of the Position and vacancy
notice number. Please remember to submit photocopy/scanned copies of all
supporting documents. Documents submitted shall not be returned to the
applicants. Due to the volume of applications only short listed candidates will
be invited for interview. A test may also be administered.
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.
EXTERNAL CANDIDATES
Candidates should also complete a Personal History form (P.11)
available on the following link - http://www.unon.org/docs/P11.doc and attach
it to their application for the position. Applications should be sent either
through the post address, P.O. Box 43801, 00100 or hand delivered to UNHCR
Branch Office for Kenya, Lynwood House, Waiyaki Way (opposite Lions Place).
Please quote Reference: IVN/EVN/KEN/KAK/13/010 Add1. Candidates should also
submit copies of academic Certificates from the relevant institutions.
