Associate Resettlement Case Reviewer (Dadaab) at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

OrganizationaL Context

The town of Dadaab is in the North Eastern Province of Kenya. It is in a semi-arid area and is mostly dry plus hot all year round. Due to the isolation of the duty station and ongoing security concerns, the duty station is categorized as hardship category `E and substantial security level. The UN compound is surrounded by the Hesco fences and there is curfew in place from 6pm to 6am,when the external gate is closed. All movement outside the UN compound to and within the camps requires armed police escort. International staff have one-week R&R break (Rest and Recreation) after every 6 weeks in the operational area.

There are limited banking facilities at Dadaab with only one bank in which staff may open a bank account and withdraw cash with certain debit/credit cards. Internet and communications networks are available at the compound. Remoteness, isolation and lack of entertainment in social life are the factors to be also considered prior to applying.

Security Considerations:       

The security situation continues to be a challenge in SO Dadaab and the candidate needs to have undergone proper security training. Meanwhile, staff movements in the Dadaab Operation are strictly restricted and all staff are obliged to adhere to security advisories. Staying in the office compound is regulated by a curfew in effect during the night and the requirement to answer daily radio checks.

Dadaab is at UN security level (SLS) 4 as a duty station.

All international staff live in the Compound. Climatic conditions are harsh, and despite fumigation of the compound, insects and even snakes are present in the environment. Apart from a satellite level 1 JMS medical clinic, there is no other medical back up therefore staff assigned to Dadaab must be in good health. Evacuation opportunities are limited. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised.

Accountability

Refugees in Kenya are primarily identified for resettlement due to protection needs in line with the resettlement criteria in the Resettlement Handbook. In Dadaab, refugees are identified for resettlement through UNHCR�s main database, ProGres V4. The United States receives the largest percentage of resettlement submissions; over 90%. Canada, Germany, Australia, Sweden, among others, also receive cases from the Kenya operation. The office will continue to prioritize resettlement submissions despite the Covid-19 situation. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer at the UNHCR Sub-Office Dadaab.

Responsibility

Under the supervision of the Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Review RRFs drafted by other colleagues. During the periods that the consultant will be asked to   review, a target of 20 cases to review per week will be set for the consultant;
• Complete Resettlement Referral Forms (RRFs) to meet agreed targets (6 per week) that will be balanced with review duties;
• Interview refugees, undertake necessary actions / assessments to complete RRFs;
• Liaise with other functional units within UNHCR and partner agencies to ensure necessary action is taken / assessments made to finalize documentation on resettlement submissions; 
• Support complementary pathways activities;
• Fulfil additional responsibilities as assigned, including as focal person for resettlement countries, etc.;
• Participate in regular protection counselling activities in the field as part of a multi-functional team;
• Interview and assess sensitive cases;
•  Fulfil other resettlement related duties as directed by the supervisor.

Authority

The incumbent will be required to prepare UNOPS evaluations on key performances.

Essential Minimum Requirements

University degree in relevant area (e.g. international law / refugee law, political science, social sciences preferably in social work etc.) and thorough understanding of the principles of refugee law and UNHCRs mandate;

Experience:-
Minimum one-year professional experience in relevant work area (e.g. Assisting refugees in a resettlement context, case advocacy, assisting with family reunification, identifying resettlement needs, preparing resettlement referrals/submissions etc.) – required.

Desirable qualifications

Professional experience in the area of refugee law or advocacy on behalf of refugees – required;

•  Professional experience writing detailed submissions on complex issues related to refugee law or refugee matters required;
• Experience conducting refugee status determinations and resettlement assessments
• Experience drafting resettlement submissions required;
• Experience in complementary pathways activities- highly desirable.

Key Competencies:-

• Fluency in English language, strong drafting skills – required.
• Knowledge of and/or preparedness to become familiar with and abide by UNHCR�s principles, code of conduct and humanitarian goals – required.
• Knowledge of the international legal framework governing refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and statelessness – required.
• Knowledge of UNHCR guidelines on refugee status determination / resettlement. – desirable;
• Awareness of gender issues – required.
• Knowledge of rights and community-based approach to identify and respond to specific needs – desirable.
• Awareness of the importance of preventing fraud – required.
• Awareness of ways to mitigate risks – desirable.
• Respect for diversity. Ability to work in a multicultural environment. Adherence to the principles of transparency, confidentiality and fair treatment of refugees – required.
• Excellent interviewing and counselling skills – required;
• Ability to conduct assessments and identify protection risks of individuals and groups – desirable;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in teams – desirable;
• Ability to work in stressful situations and in hardship locations – desirable;
• International/field experience particularly with NGOs or UN agencies working with refugees in countries of refuge highly desirable.
•  Working knowledge of ProGres – essential.

Dadaab is at UN security level (SLS) 4 as a duty station.

All international staff live in the Compound. Climatic conditions are harsh, and despite fumigation of the compound, insects and even snakes are present in the environment. Apart from a satellite level 1 JMS medical clinic, there is no other medical back up therefore staff assigned to Dadaab must be in good health. Evacuation opportunities are limited. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised.

Accountability

Refugees in Kenya are primarily identified for resettlement due to protection needs in line with the resettlement criteria in the Resettlement Handbook. In Dadaab, refugees are identified for resettlement through UNHCR�s main database, ProGres V4. The United States receives the largest percentage of resettlement submissions; over 90%. Canada, Germany, Australia, Sweden, among others, also receive cases from the Kenya operation. The office will continue to prioritize resettlement submissions despite the Covid-19 situation. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer at the UNHCR Sub-Office Dadaab.

Responsibility

Under the supervision of the Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Review RRFs drafted by other colleagues. During the periods that the consultant will be asked to   review, a target of 20 cases to review per week will be set for the consultant;
• Complete Resettlement Referral Forms (RRFs) to meet agreed targets (6 per week) that will be balanced with review duties;
• Interview refugees, undertake necessary actions / assessments to complete RRFs;
• Liaise with other functional units within UNHCR and partner agencies to ensure necessary action is taken / assessments made to finalize documentation on resettlement submissions; 
• Support complementary pathways activities;
• Fulfil additional responsibilities as assigned, including as focal person for resettlement countries, etc.;
• Participate in regular protection counselling activities in the field as part of a multi-functional team;
• Interview and assess sensitive cases;
•  Fulfil other resettlement related duties as directed by the supervisor.

Authority

The incumbent will be required to prepare UNOPS evaluations on key performances.

Essential Minimum Requirements

University degree in relevant area (e.g. international law / refugee law, political science, social sciences preferably in social work etc.) and thorough understanding of the principles of refugee law and UNHCRs mandate;

Experience:-
Minimum one-year professional experience in relevant work area (e.g. Assisting refugees in a resettlement context, case advocacy, assisting with family reunification, identifying resettlement needs, preparing resettlement referrals/submissions etc.) – required.

Desirable qualifications

Professional experience in the area of refugee law or advocacy on behalf of refugees – required;

•  Professional experience writing detailed submissions on complex issues related to refugee law or refugee matters required;
• Experience conducting refugee status determinations and resettlement assessments
• Experience drafting resettlement submissions required;
• Experience in complementary pathways activities- highly desirable.

Key Competencies:-

• Fluency in English language, strong drafting skills – required.
• Knowledge of and/or preparedness to become familiar with and abide by UNHCR�s principles, code of conduct and humanitarian goals – required.
• Knowledge of the international legal framework governing refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons and statelessness – required.
• Knowledge of UNHCR guidelines on refugee status determination / resettlement. – desirable;
• Awareness of gender issues – required.
• Knowledge of rights and community-based approach to identify and respond to specific needs – desirable.
• Awareness of the importance of preventing fraud – required.
• Awareness of ways to mitigate risks – desirable.
• Respect for diversity. Ability to work in a multicultural environment. Adherence to the principles of transparency, confidentiality and fair treatment of refugees – required.
• Excellent interviewing and counselling skills – required;
• Ability to conduct assessments and identify protection risks of individuals and groups – desirable;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in teams – desirable;
• Ability to work in stressful situations and in hardship locations – desirable;
• International/field experience particularly with NGOs or UN agencies working with refugees in countries of refuge highly desirable.
•  Working knowledge of ProGres – essential.