Resettlement Case Reviewer – (2 Positions) - Kakuma at United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Organizational context

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 internal and external referrals and the office is looking into the use of a new tool to identify those refugees most in need of resettlement. The United States receives the largest percentage of resettlement submissions; over 90%. Canada and Norway also receive cases from the Kenya operation. In 2022, selection missions from various countries are planned.

Duties and responsibilities

• Under the direct supervision of the Resettlement & CP Officer at the UNHCR Sub Office in Dadaab, the UNOPS IICA 2 will:
• 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 finalise 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.
• Monitoring and Progress Controls
• The consultant will be required to enter appropriate events in ProGres for each case that will enable the manager to easily compute the number of reviews completed (or RRFs drafted).
• Further, the consultant will be required to prepare reports following standard forms and deadlines:
• Weekly reports
• Statistical and narrative reports
• Provide statistics where needed to support program planning
• A Final Report (at the end of the assignment or end of the year)
• A Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) as per Annex N (UNOPS)
• The Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) must be signed by the direct UNHCR supervisor.

Essential minimum qualifications and professional experience required

Education

• university degree in relevant area (e.g. international law / refugee law, political science, social sciences – preferably in social work etc.) thorough understanding of the principles of refugee law and UNHCR’s mandate;
• 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Work Experience

Essential

• At least 6 years ( 5 years with Graduate degree) of professional work experience relevant to refugee protection work, of which 2 years in an international capacity. Demonstrated experience in casework or case management, preferably in a refugee or immigration context (e.g. Assisting refugees in a resettlement context, case advocacy, assisting with family reunification, identifying resettlement needs, preparing resettlement referrals/submissions etc.).
• Professional experience in the area of refugee law or advocacy on behalf of refugees
• Professional experience writing detailed submissions on complex issues related to refugee law or refugee matters
• Experience conducting refugee status determination and resettlement interviews - required
• Experience drafting RRFs
• Experience drafting BIAs
• Experience in the area of refugee resettlement - conducting refugee resettlement assessments and submissions – required.
• Experience in complementary pathways activities- highly desirable.

Desirable

• Sound understanding and ability to implement UNHCR’s policy and global strategic priorities, such as AGDM, IDP, Statelessness, and HIV/AIDS, in the area of responsibility at appropriate level. Knowledge of and experience with Complementary Pathways programmes. Diverse field experience. Experience working in a multi-cultural environment. Knowledge of additional UN languages.
• Minimum of one year professional experience in case review work
• Experience in editing resettlement submissions and/or other legal documents
• Experience giving advice on resettlement guidelines / policy – highly desirable

Competencies:

• Experience in the area of refugee resettlement - conducting refugee resettlement assessments and submissions – required.
• 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.
• 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.

Location

• The successful candidate will be based within the team in Kakuma Kenya.

Conditions

• This position is for an initial period until 31 Dec 2022. It is a full-time role with working hours starting from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday (40 hours per week).