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.

This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine in accordance with UNHCR’s Administrative Instruction on Covid-19 Vaccination and related Safety Measures.

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: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priori-ties and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, re-mote 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.

Minimum 3 years of relevant professional job experience, preferably in the area of refugee protection, human rights or international humanitarian law.

• Computer skills: Office Package (excellent knowledge of Word, good knowledge of Excel and Power Point) 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.

Liberia, Africa's oldest Republic, is located at the western edge of the continent, on the Atlantic coast between Sierra Leone and Côte d'Ivoire. The population of Liberia is approximately 4.5 million and contains about 16 different ethnic groups. A large percentage of Liberia’s population lives in the capital, Monrovia.
The Liberia climate features a wet season and a dry season, but precipitation is seen even during the dry season. Temperatures remain constant throughout the year averaging around 26.4 °C (79.5 °F). The weather is sometimes cold during the day and evenings in the rainy season; also, most rooms are air-conditioned, so it is suggested that appropriate clothing (light sweater or jacket) be brought along. The country is generally safer, except for petty crimes, especially in the cities. It is mandatory to complete the United Nations Basic Security course BSAFE. The current UN security level for Liberia is level 2. Upon arrival in the country, all UN staff receive a security briefing from UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). Security recommendations from UNDSS must be followed by all UN Staff and UN Volunteers during their assignments in Liberia. There are hotels and guesthouses in the capital, Monrovia, that are comfortable and have electricity and security. All UN Staff and UN Volunteers are to use only UN-approved guest houses and hotels. There is a UN Clinic located within the UN Compound, accessible to all UN Staff. Also available in the country are recognized hospitals and clinics that UN staff can visit, based on his/her decision. A gym is available at the One UN House for all categories of staff based on the presentation of the UN ID Card. A mini-mart and two local banks (UBA and Eco bank) are available on the underground floor of the UN Compound for easier access by UN staff.