Associate Resettlement Officer – UNV  

Description of assignment title

Associate Resettlement Officer

Assignment country

Burundi

Expected start date

01/08/2024

Sustainable Development Goal

16. Peace, justice and strong institutions

Volunteer category

International UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity

UNHCR

Type

Onsite

Expected end date

31/12/2024

Number of assignments

1

Duty stations

Bujumbura

 Details

Mission and objectives

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

Context

The Associate Resettlement (RST) Officer is a Resettlement Unit and Protection section member. Under the direct supervision of the Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer, Bujumbura, s/he is responsible for conducting resettlement interviews and drafting Resettlement Registration Forms (RRFs). S/he may be required to undertake country of origin (COI) and other research related to the claim, and resettlement needs to be included in the RRF and resettlement assessments. The Associate Resettlement Officer provides counseling to refugees on UNHCR’s Resettlement procedures, the status of their cases, fraud and corruption matters, and the procedure to report such issues. The Associate Resettlement Officer may review deferral responses, resettlement assessments, and RRFs of other resettlement case workers and provide procedural guidance and coaching, as required. S/he contributes to comprehensive protection and solutions strategies and needs to make resettlement both strategic as well as responsive to the needs of forcibly displaced and stateless people for whom UNHCR works. The Associate Resettlement Officer may assist in developing and implementing resettlement training, including for Government authorities and partners, as well as other measures to enhance the quality and efficiency of resettlement processing. The Associate Resettlement Officer assists with the organization and logistics of resettlement selection missions, compiles and analyses information related to the operation’s resettlement activities, and participates in decisions regarding appropriate case management strategies. S/he will also be required to attend BID and fraud panels. Sustainable Development Goals: 16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Supervision, induction, and duty of care of UN Volunteers UN Volunteers should be provided with equal duty of care, as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to: • Introductory briefings about the organization and office-related context, including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice, and orientation to the local environment. • Support with arrival administration, including setting up bank accounts, residence permit applications, and completing other official processes as required by the host government or host entity. • Structured guidance, mentoring, and coaching by a supervisor, including a clear workplan and performance appraisal. • Access to office space, equipment, IT support, and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment, including a host entity email address. • Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training, and learning. • Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations. • Leave management. • DSA for official travel, when applicable. • All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Resettlement & Complimentary Pathways Officer in Bujumbura, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Conduct casework by interviewing identified refugees for resettlement. • Assess resettlement needs, complete Resettlement Registration Forms (RRF), and refer cases for review to the Resettlement & Complementary Pathways Officer. • Research country of origin information to support and strengthen resettlement cases. • Support and assist in preparing and facilitating resettlement country missions. • Assist the Resettlement and Complementary Officer with organizing training workshops and seminars on resettlement-related issues for UNHCR staff. • Manage refugees’ resettlement expectations in a fair manner through information sharing, outreach, and counseling. • Regularly liaise with Protection, Community Services, and other relevant Units for individual case processing within the Office. • Regularly update the proGres database with resettlement events and maintain own statistical data for reporting purposes. • Participate in the Resettlement Unit, Protection Section, and Office meetings when required. • Act as Officer in Charge of the resettlement unit in the absence of the Resettlement and Complimentary Pathways Officer/Associate Resettlement and Complimentary Pathways Officer. • Undertake support resettlement missions to field locations when required. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking an active part in UNV activities (for instance, in events that mark International Volunteer Day). • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities. • Contribute to articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. • Promote or advise local groups on online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever possible. Results/Expected Outputs: • Cases are referred for resettlement in accordance with existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). • Completion of about 8 to 15 RRFs per week, depending on the complexity of the cases. • Conduct counseling sessions for resettlement cases. • Preparation of interim reports for assignments of six (6) months or more and/or as necessary. A final report covering the entire period of his/her assignment is compulsory. The report shall contain a description of activities and the data collected regarding the number of cases worked on, the number of persons submitted, and to which country (whether accepted/denied/pending); • Participate in in-office meetings to discuss cases identified for possible resettlement consideration. • Ensure consistent resettlement updates in the proGres database and effective case tracking. • Resettlement country missions and refugee departures from (country) are facilitated. • Provide resettlement counseling to resettlement applicants. • Assist in the development of capacity building through coaching, mentoring, and formal on-the-job training when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs); • The age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in, and capacities developed.

Eligibility criteria

Age

18 – 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.

 Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in working with refugees and/or other people of concern in a protection capacity is required, especially in conducting RSD (Refugee Status Determination) and resettlement interviews. – Demonstrated experience in casework or case management, preferably in a refugee or immigration context, is desirable. Desirable Qualifications and Skills: • Knowledge of UN policies and procedures. • Field experience. • Flexibility and ability to support and oversee numerous projects at once and willingness to undertake some related administrative tasks. • Strong interpersonal and communication skills in a multicultural setting. • Ability to complete tasks within a set time frame. • Good analytical skills. • Ability to work effectively and with minimum supervision. • Interviewing skills. • Very good communication and drafting skills in English, as RRFs are drafted in English. • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, familiar with databases, especially proGress v4. Computer skills: – General computer literacy (word, email, internet) and good knowledge of basic data-management programs: Excel, Access, progress v4 (asset).

Area(s) of expertise

Legal affairs, Social work

Driving license

–

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Required French, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable Kiswahili, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Law, Social Sciences, Sociology, or related field.

Competencies and values

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in the area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative, and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality, and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate, and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender. • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options, and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote, and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary. • Genuine commitment towards voluntary engagement principles, which include solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, self-reliance, and commitment towards the UN core values.

 Other information

Living conditions and remarks

Bujumbura is classified as Security Level II. Caution is therefore advised at all times in the interior of the country as well as in the capital. Bujumbura is a family duty station; all UN personnel must carry VHF radios when traveling, and it is mandatory to attend the safety briefing upon arrival in the country. Street crime is high in Burundi, especially in the capital, Bujumbura, and caution should be exercised. Armed road ambushes may also occur, especially at night in the provinces. No inter-regional/inter-city travel is permitted between 1700hrs and 0800hrs. Armed escorts are required on the airport road between 2100hrs and 0600hrs. Armed escorts are also required for missions proximate to Kibira Forest, Ruvubu Forest areas, and Kirundo mountains, where there is no telecommunication network (no mobile phone network or UHF and VHF UN radio telecommunication. All new arriving UN personnel must attend a mandatory security briefing. The security situation is volatile and can change very quickly, resulting in lockdowns on short notice. Staff members are advised to always keep their radios with them to receive security updates. Burundi is emerging from a long conflict, and social indicators show that 70% of Burundi’s population lives below the poverty line. The UN security service developed certain security standards that all housing must meet, and UN volunteers receive an allowance to ensure that these standards are met. The electricity supply is erratic, so alternative sources of electricity supply (e.g., generators and solar panels) should be installed at the residence. In terms of health, it is advised to drink bottled or boiled water, be careful of what foods one eats, and always take the necessary precautions against malaria, which is a serious threat in the country. Vaccination against Yellow Fever is compulsory. Bujumbura is classified as family duty station C. Houses are available for rental, for an approximate rent of 500 US$ to 1500 US$ per month.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds

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