For Junior (P2), Mid (P3) and Senior (P4) Level Positions
The RSD Officer supervises the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) team and manages and oversees UNHCR's RSD procedures and decision-making as well as related activities in the operation to promote the effectiveness of RSD as a protection tool and maximize the efficiency and quality of RSD decision-making.
Typical functions may include:
• Stay abreast of legal, political, security and other developments which impact on the protection environment, and in particular, on protection delivery through RSD.
• Contribute to the development of the RSD strategy, including operation-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and support senior management to ensure that the RSD strategy is fully and effectively integrated into the Country Operations Plan.
• Conduct, supervise and oversee RSD and RSD-related activities to promote full compliance with written) for all aspects of the RSD operation and other relevant standards and guidelines and provide appropriate feedback and guidance to RSD staff.
• Prevent and identify fraud in RSD through oversight, advice and guidance to UNHCR staff, partners and persons of concern.
• Monitor RSD trends and regularly and systematically compile and analyse RSD statistics related to RSD case processing and maintain an accurate assessment of the capacity and resource requirements of the operation.
• 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.
• Evaluate and project RSD staffing and financial needs using the RSD Staffing Benchmarks; advocate with senior management for the allocation of appropriate human, material and financial resources.
• Ensure that persons of concern, Government authorities and partners have accurate information on the RSD procedures, including UNHCR standards, policy and practice.
• Advocate with and support Government authorities and legal partners to establish and strengthen fair and efficient RSD procedures and RSD decision-making.
• Assess training needs of UNHCR staff, Government authorities and legal partners engaged in RSD and develop and implement RSD training initiatives.
Minimum qualifications and professional experience required:
For positions at the P2 level
Education: University degree in law, political science, international relations or another related field.
Job Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with Advanced University/Master’s Degree, preferably in the area of refugee protection, human rights or international humanitarian law (4 years with University/Bachelor’s Degree). Minimum 1 year of experience working directly with procedures and principles related to RSD.
Languages: Excellent knowledge of English and good working knowledge of another UN language.
Knowledge and competencies:
Knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles. Strong research and analytical skills. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
For positions at the P3 level
Education: University degree in law, political science, international relations or another related field.
Job Experience: Minimum of 6 years of relevant (international) job experience, with Advanced/Master’s Degree, preferably in the area of refugee protection, human rights or international humanitarian law (8 years with University/Bachelor’s Degree). Minimum 3 years of experience working directly with procedures and principles related to the adjudication of individual asylum claims in RSD procedures.
Languages: Excellent knowledge of English and good working knowledge of another UN language.
Knowledge and competencies:
Knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles. Thorough knowledge of the "Procedural Standards for Refugee Status Determination under UNHCR's Mandate" and other guidelines and standards governing UNHCR's mandate RSD activities. Excellent drafting and report writing skills.
For positions at the P4 level
Education: University degree in law, political science, international relations or another related field.
Job experience: Minimum of 10 years of relevant international job experience with Advanced University/Master’s Degree, preferably in the area of refugee protection, human rights or international humanitarian law (12 years with University/Bachelor’s Degree). Minimum 4 years of experience working directly with procedures and principles related to the adjudication of individual asylum claims in RSD procedures.
Languages: Excellent knowledge of English and good working knowledge of another UN language.
Knowledge and competencies: In-depth knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles. Experience as a decision-maker in UNHCR or Government RSD procedures. Experience in supervising a team. Thorough knowledge of the "Procedural Standards for Refugee Status Determination under UNHCR's Mandate" and other guidelines and standards governing UNHCR's mandate RSD activities. Excellent drafting and report writing skills.
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