Assistant RSD Officer

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The Assistant RSD Officer is a member of the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) team. Under the direct supervision of the RSD Officer (RSD Supervisor), s/he is responsible for conducting RSD interviews to determine eligibility for refugee status, undertaking country of origin (COI) and other research related to the claim, as required, and drafting RSD assessments. The Assistant RSD Officer provides counselling to asylum seekers and refugees on UNHCR's RSD procedures and on their status, rights and obligations in the country of asylum. The Assistant RSD Officer may review RSD assessments of less experienced members of the RSD team, seeking the advice of a more senior RSD/Protection Officer on complex cases. The Assistant RSD Officer assists in compiling and analysing information related to the RSD activities of the operation.

Strategic Direction and Coordination: • Stay abreast of legal, political, security and other developments which impact on the protec-tion environment, and in particular, on protection delivery through RSD. • Assist in the development of the RSD strategy of the operation and in the annual planning exercise.

Response and Advice: • Conduct RSD interviews and draft RSD Assessments in accordance with applicable stand-ards and guidelines. • Review RSD decisions and provide appropriate feedback and guidance to RSD staff.
• Maintain accurate and up-to date records and data related to all work on individual cases. • Provide counselling to asylum seekers and refugees. • Systematically apply an age, gender and diversity (AGD) perspective in the performance of assigned functions.
• Assist in monitoring RSD trends and in compiling and analysing RSD statistics related to RSD case processing to identify and respond to developments or issues impacting on the efficiency or quality of RSD decision-making, and to propose remedial measures.

Advocacy, Information Management and Research: • Conduct research on country of origin information (COI) and legal issues related to RSD and assist in maintaining a local repository of relevant information, guidelines and standards accessible to RSD staff in the operation. • Ensure that persons of concern, Government authorities and legal partners have accurate information on the RSD procedures, including UNHCR standards, policy and practice. • Assist in developing and maintaining processes to ensure that persons of concern, Govern-ment authorities and partners have accurate information on the RSD procedures, including UNHCR standards, policies and practice. • Assist in initiatives to advocate with and support Government authorities and legal partners to establish and strengthen fair and efficient RSD procedures and RSD decision-making. • Assist in evaluating and projecting RSD staffing needs using the RSD Staffing Benchmarks

• Integrity and professionalism, • Accountability, • Commitment to continuous learning, • Planning and organizing, • Teamwork and respect for diversity, • Multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication? • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

the area of refugee protection, human rights or international humanitarian law.

Fluency in English and another UN language, if and as required by the operational context.

Computer literate; proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc) and Internet browsing.

Knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles.

Strong research and analytical skills.

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.

The ability to work effectively under stress and in crisis situations.

Working experience with procedures and principles related to RSD is highly desirable.

Experience as a decision-maker in UNHCR or Government RSD procedures.

Experience in counselling asylum seekers or refugees.

Experience in working with vulnerable or traumatized individuals.

Completion of UNHCR's RSD Learning Programme, COI Learning Programme, or Protection Learning Programme.

Bujumbura is classified as Security level III. Caution is therefore advised at all times in the capital as well as in the interior of the country. Bujumbura is a non-family duty station category C; all UN personnel must carry VHF radios and it is mandatory to attend the safety briefing upon arrival in the country. Burundi is emerging from a long conflict and social indicators show that 70% of Burundi's population lives below the poverty line. The UN security service has certain security standards that all housing must meet and UN volunteers receive an allowance to ensure that these standards can be met. The electricity supply is erratic. Therefore, alternative source of electricity supply (e.g. use of generator) should be installed at residence. In terms of health, it is advised to drink bottled or boiled water; to be careful of what foods one eats and to always take the necessary precautions against malaria which is a serious threat in the country.

R&R (Rest and Recuperation), a mandatory leave aiming to remove staff from a stressful location) is applicable for staff assigned to Bujumbura every 8 weeks. The duty station classification is governed by the International Civil Service Commission and is subject to periodic review and possible change. Furnished houses are available in areas cleared by the UNHCR Field Safety Officer (rent ranges from USD 600 upwards).