Resettlement Officer at HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS Kenya seeks to recruit a Resettlement Officer who will contribute to advancing departmental objectives by promoting resettlement as a durable solution for the most at-risk refugee populations. The Resettlement Officer will be responsible for conducting resettlement interviews, analyzing claims, and assessing eligibility and need for resettlement in accordance with applicable legal and procedural frameworks. The role also involves drafting high-quality Refugee Resettlement Forms (RRFs) and ensuring accuracy and completeness of case documentation. The incumbent will represent HIAS resettlement clients in Kenyan courts and provide legal information, guidance, and assistance throughout the resettlement process. As part of the case management process, the Resettlement Officer will liaise with relevant external stakeholders and partners, facilitate coordination, and actively participate in comprehensive case conferencing to support effective case decision-making.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct resettlement interviews, assess claims, and apply relevant international legal frameworks in line with HIAS Standard Operating Procedures.
• Prepare and draft Resettlement Referral Forms for review by Resettlement Specialists.
• Complete resettlement documentation for submission to relevant Embassies, ensuring a target of at least 30 individuals per month.
• Participate in case conferencing meetings to review and discuss client files.
• Provide individual counseling to clients, physically, telephonically, or via email, on HIAS internal resettlement processes and anti-fraud policies.
• Conduct case counseling sessions and provide clients with timely, accurate updates on the status of their applications across all communication channels.
• Represent HIAS resettlement clients in Kenyan courts and provide legal information, guidance, and assistance throughout the resettlement process.
• Develop and maintain case management strategies for all cases under consideration for resettlement.
• Update and manage case information within the Case Management System in a timely and accurate manner.
• Maintain comprehensive records and accurate resettlement statistics; contribute to periodic reporting.
• Contribute to both internal and external reporting requirements, including submissions to HIAS country office, headquarters, and donors
• Provide technical and administrative support, including participating in resettlement training initiatives, preparing training materials, and conducting relevant research.
• Support the development of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials related to resettlement processing.
• Perform any other duties as assigned to support program objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law and an advocate to the High Court of Kenya.
• Minimum of 3 years’ professional experience in refugee protection, resettlement, or NGO programming (resettlement experience is highly preferred).
• Sound knowledge of international refugee law, human rights frameworks, and related legal instruments (preferred).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interviewing and counseling abilities, with a client-centered approach.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with refugee populations, with strong interpersonal, cultural sensitivity, and diplomacy skills.
• Knowledge of Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) principles.
• Familiarity with Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) standards