Eligibility Expert - Refugee Status Determination

In April 2005 a decentralised Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedure was introduced in Italy. The law established Territorial Eligibility Commissions composed of an official from the Prefecture, with the fuction of President, an official from the Police, a person representing the regional and municipal administrations and a person representing UNHCR. In this context, UNHCR has a right to vote and therefore takes full part in the procedure in which the need for both international protection and humanitarian protection are being assessed.

In order to ensure continuity of UNHCR’s participation in the Government procedure to determine eligibility of asylum seekers, the UNHCR Regional Office (RO) in Rome is currently looking for a suitable candidate to take up a part-time (50%) assignment as Eligibility Expert at the Territorial Commission in Salerno.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the UNHCR Senior Protection Associate (Eligibility) in Rome and the direct supervision of a Protection Associate senior colleague acting as a coordinator of Eligibility Team members in Italy, the incumbent will:

1. Participate, on behalf of UNHCR, in the sessions of the Territorial Commission as a regular member. The incumbent will be responsible for case preparation, interviewing and assessment of individual asylum claims, and active participation in the decision-making process. Moreover, the incumbent will provide country of origin information, advice on interviewing techniques (with particular attention to child-sensitive and gender-sensitive interviewing skills) and guidance on the interpretation of relevant international and national legislation to the members of the Territorial Commission. The incumbent will carry out her/his functions in line with all relevant national legislation and in accordance with the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol;
2. Stay abreast of developments in human rights, refugee protection and refugee status determination issues generally, both at international and national level, as well as with regards to country of origin information;
3. Participate, upon request of UNHCR RO, in training activities organised for the members of the Territorial Commissions by the National Commission for the Right of Asylum, as well as other training events or activities as deemed appropriate;
4. Regularly report to UNHCR RO as requested, and participate in coordination events organised by RO Rome;
5. Liaise, in close co-operation with UNHCR RO, with NGOs, lawyers and other qualified individuals, associations or institutions working in the field of asylum in matters regarding individual cases;
6. Carry out, as may be requested by UNHCR RO, any other activities aiming at implementing UNHCR’s protection mandate in Italy, including prevention of refoulement.

Qualifications Required:

 University Degree in Law or related areas.
 At least four years of refugee related work, which should preferably include experience in RSD interviewing and assessment.
 Excellent interviewing, analytical, research and negotiation skills.
 Experience in the field and international exposure are an advantage.
 Fluency in Italian, good knowledge of English. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.
 Command of Microsoft Office applications.

Starting Date: February 2016

Envisaged Duration: initial period of three months (probationary) with possibility of extension

Duty Station: Salerno

Commitment required: part-time (50%)

Remuneration: UNOPS Local Individual Contractor Agreement (L-ICA) terms and conditions.

Closing Date for Applications: 13 January 2016

HOW TO APPLY:

Please download the Personal History Form (P11) at: www.unhcr.org/recruit/P11_UNHCR.doc. Complete the P11 in English and send it, along with a motivation letter also in English, by email to:itarovacancies@unhcr.org.

Please quote position title in the subject line.

Incomplete or late applications will not be taken into account.

Acknowledgements shall only be sent to candidates short-listed for an interview.

Vacancy originally posted at: www.unhcr.it/lavora-con-noi/current-vacancies