Latest Jobs at UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Category /Grade

IICA-1

Duration

Initially up to 31 December 2018

Reporting Date

01 July 2018

Type of Contract

International ICA

Location

Sub Office Kakuma

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

Refugees in Kenya are primarily identified for resettlement due to protection needs in line with the resettlement criteria in the Resettlement Handbook. In Kakuma, refugees are identified for resettlement through a new tool known as the Application for Integrated Management (AIM) for Protection and Durable Solutions. The United States receives the largest percentage of resettlement submissions; over 90%. Canada and Australia also receive cases from the Kenya operation. In 2018, selection missions from various countries are planned. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Solutions (Resettlement) Officer at the UNHCR Sub-Office Kakuma.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the Resettlement Officer, the incumbents will perform the following duties:
• Interview refugees, undertake necessary action / assessments to finalise the resettlement assessment, including, refugee status determinations and complete RRFs for cases deemed by the office to meet the resettlement criteria;
• Complete Resettlement Referral Forms (RRFs) to meet agreed targets in Kakuma. The consultant is expected to complete 6 RRFs per week or a NFF in lieu of an RRF when and if the case interviewed is recommended for closure;
• Liaise with other functional units with UNHCR and partner agencies to ensure necessary action is taken / assessments made to finalise documentation on resettlement submissions;
• Actively participate in expedited resettlement verification and quality assurance/review activities if requested by the Resettlement Officer;
• Fulfil other resettlement related duties as directed by the supervisor.

Essential Minimum Qualifications and Experience

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 UNHCR’s 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.
• 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 – desirable;
• Experience conducting refugee status determinations and resettlement assessments – required;
• Experience drafting resettlement submissions – required;

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.

Living Conditions

Kakuma is a security level 3 duty station, but it is relatively safe with very little criminality.

Staff members live in accommodation provided within the Office compound. The climate for most of the year is characterized by dry and hot temperatures.

There are limited medical facilities in Kakuma that are not fully equipped to deal with serious medical cases. Evacuation opportunities are limited. However, air ambulance evacuation can be organized for life threatening emergencies during day time. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised.

There are good banking facilities in Lokichoggio and Lodwar towns which are located about 1hr and 2hrs away from Kakuma, respectively, and Equity Bank in Kakuma Town.