UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR)
INTERNAL/ EXTERNAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Vacancy Notice No. TUNTU/15/2019
- Title of Post : Associate RSD Officer
- Category/grade : IICA-1
- Location : Zarzis, Tunisia
- Type of contract : UNOPS
- Date of Issue : 4 July 2019
- Closing Date : 13 July 2019
- Effective date of assignment : Immediately
- Duration of contract : 6 months with possibility of extension
Operational Context:
The Associate RSD Officer will be based in the Field Office Zarzis (Tunisia) and operates as a middle level manager, she/he will be supervised directly by the Head of Field Office in Zarzis.
In line with the overall protection strategy for the Tunisia operation, objectives for the incumbent will be guided and approved by the Head of Field Office, Zarzis. Monthly planning schedules will be made based on the operational direction and priorities, all activities are to be coordinated with the Head of Field Office.
The Associate RSD Officer is a member of the Protection Unit and the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) team. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Field Office, and will receive support from the Senior Protection Officer in CO Tunis, she/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 Associate 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, she/he will review review RSD assessments of cases when needed and agreed according to the work plan. The Associate RSD Officer assists in compiling and analysing information related to the RSD activities of the operation.
Functional Statement:
Under the direct supervision of the Head of Field Office, the Associate RSD Officer will undertake the following tasks:
- 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.
- Assign cases in need of RSD to the RSD team members, review RSD assessments both at first instance and appeal level and provide appropriate feedback and guidance to RSD staff.
- Maintain accurate and up-to date records and data related to all work on individual RSD cases.
- Provide counselling to asylum seekers and refugees.
- Systematically apply an age, gender and diversity (AGD) perspective in the performance of assigned functions.
- 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.
- Provide support and guidance as needed, in relation to case identification, preparation, related BIA/BID procedures, refugee counselling, and advocacy
Authority (decisions made in executing responsibilities and to achieve results)
- The incumbent processes 5 first instance RSD cases or 6 second instance RSD cases per week (RSD Interview and RSD Assessment completed);
- 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;
- Persons of concern are treated with dignity, respect and professionalism;
- The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counter-parts, including Partners;
- Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
- Regular reporting on activities and tracking of progress on cases is develop
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