Resettlement Expert/Case Officer at UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Category /Grade

IICA-1

Duration

Initially up to 31 December 2019

Reporting Date

Organizational Context (role of the position within the team, describing its leadership role, it’s external/internal work relationships or contacts, the contextual environment in which it operates and the scope of supervision received, and where applicable, exercise by the incumbent)

The vast majority of refugees in Kenya are from Somalia, followed by refugees from South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Republic of Kenya has acceded to the 1951 Convention relating to the status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol as well as the 1969 OAU Convention, and has ratified various other international instruments protecting human rights. In December 2006, Kenya enacted its first refugee legislation, the Refugees Act of 2006. Although the 1951 Convention holds a contracting State responsible for according to refugees, lawfully staying on its territory, the right to choose their place of residence and to move freely within its territory, Kenya has since the early 1990s practiced a policy of encampment which obliges the majority of refugees to remain within the confines of UNHCR-administered refugee camps. Although the Act does not indicate specifically whether refugees shall be required to reside in these designated areas, it provides for legal sanctions against those who contravene the Act by residing, without authority, outside camps in urban areas. Between 2012 and 2014 the Kenya authorities implemented the encampment policy very strictly through implementation of two ‘Relocation Directives’ as well as part of the Usalama Security Operation.

Refugees in Kenya mainly receive UNHCR protection and assistance at the Sub-Office levels in either Kakuma or Dadaab refugee camps. Kakuma refugee camp and Kalobeyei Settlement are host to over 185,000 refugees of various nationalities. In September 2017, the Protection Unit in Kakuma was restructured paving way for the establishment of a Solutions Unit which consists of Resettlement, Voluntary Repatriation and Complementary Pathways. The limited access refugees have to local and national economic activities, combined with a very poor resource base constitute serious constraints for refugees to attain any level of self-sufficiency, let alone local integration. The psychological effects of surviving trauma, have contributed to a protracted refugee population that is highly vulnerable. Resettlement therefore remains a viable solution for many vulnerable refugees in Kakuma refugee camp and Kalobeyei settlement.

Sub-Office Kakuma Resettlement Activities

A significant number of resettlement referrals/submissions are expected during 2019; a total of 3500 are expected to be submitted from Sub-Office Kakuma, with the likelihood of an increase to this number. This position is required in order to assist the Office to meet the current resettlement targets

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 Senior Protection Coordinator and SGBV Officer at the UNHCR Sub-Office Kakuma.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Senior Protection Coordinator, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Interview refugees, undertake necessary action / assessments to finalize the resettlement assessment, including, refugee status determinations and complete RRFs for cases deemed by the office to meet the resettlement criteria;
• Interview and assess sensitive cases with SGBV concerns under the supervision of SGBV Officer;
• Complete Resettlement Referral Forms (RRFs) to meet agreed targets in Kakuma. The consultant is expected to complete target RRFs per week in consultation with the supervisor or a NFF in lieu of an RRF when and if the case interviewed is recommended for closure;
• Liaise with other functional units, primarily the SGBV unit and partner agencies, to ensure immediate intervention and response to sensitive individuals concerns, and assessments made to finalize documentation on resettlement submissions;
• Attend the field post coverage as a member of Protection Team
• Fulfill other SGBV related duties as directed by the supervisor.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

Consultants will be required to enter appropriate events in ProGres for each case that will enable the manager to easily compute the number of RRFs drafted or reviews completed.

Further, the consultant will be required to prepare reports following standard forms and deadlines:

• Biannual statistical and narrative reports
• 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 and by the Senior Protection Coordinator/ Senior Protection Officer.

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;
• Experience working on SGBV response and prevention in the field- required;

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.

Competencies:-

• Values
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect For Diversity Core Competencies

Core Competencies

Accountability

• Team Work & Collaboration
• Communication
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Client & Results Orientation
• Organizational Awareness
• Candidates may also be tested on relevant managerial and cross function competencies. Examples are listed below:-

Managerial Competencies

• Empowering & Building Trust
• Managing Performance
• Judgement & Decision Making
• Strategic Planning & Vision
• Leadership
• Managing Resources
• Cross – Functional Competencies
• Analytical Thinking
• Innovation & Creativity
• Technological Awareness
• Negotiation & Conflict Resolution
• Planning & Organizing
• Policy Research & Development
• Political Awareness
• Stakeholder Management Change Capability & Adaptability

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.