Associate Complementary Pathways 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.

Jordan is not a State party to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and it does not have any national refugee legislation. At the end of 2020, a total of 753,191 refugees and asylum seekers were living in Jordan. The refugee population in Jordan consists of Syrian nationals (88%, or 650,190 individuals) and refugees of other nationalities (12%, or 87,533 individuals)

The resettlement of refugees from Jordan is currently limited to refugees with compelling protection vulnerabilities in Jordan. In 2021 over 5,000 refugees were submitted for resettlement. As the Syrian crisis continues into its tenth year, Jordan has witnessed ongoing protection needs paired with limited available solutions. Due to these factors, UNHCR has been working to better support refugees’ access to complementary pathways from Jordan

The need to increase complementary pathways for refugees is a feature of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). Recognizing that these opportunities are, as of now quite limited, we begin to see additional countries and partners interested to expand these options. Recent focus within the operation has been on strengthening complementary pathways expertise through supporting individual case management, and improving information sharing with refugee communities on various opportunities

UNHCR Jordan has been a global leader in the design and implementation of innovative pilot programs, the development of standard operating procedures, and the fostering of new partnerships to leverage opportunities for solutions for refugees. Despite these efforts, the recorded number of refugees departing on complementary pathways has remained low due to limited available programs, restrictive procedures, and documentation requirements. Challenges remain in determining the full scope of complementary pathways departures from Jordan as many refugees can access pathways independently and, as such, complete data of complementary pathways departures remains unavailable

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Christopher Murphy, Associate Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Associate Complementary Pathways Officer will:

• Coordinate the work of BO Amman to facilitate and improve access to complementary pathways for refugees together with resettlement, livelihoods, education and external relations colleagues; • Research and map various complementary pathways opportunities available to refugees in Jordan, including through focus group discussions with refugees on existing pathways, information needs, and the obstacles in accessing them; • Mainstream complementary pathways activities within the operation including through the maintenance of standard operating procedures, ensuring data quality and review, and regular reporting on complementary pathways activities. • Provide training to UNHCR relevant units/colleagues and key partners on complementary pathways and UNHCR’s role in facilitating complementary pathways; • Ensure that persons of concern have access to information and accurate messages on complementary pathways and explore innovative ways to design information sharing tools together with refugees; • Engage with partners who are or have the potential to facilitate the admission of refugees through complementary pathways and work to address barriers to access specific to refugees (e.g. related to documentation, access to embassies, etc.) • Monitor and advise on integrity issues, and data protection safeguards related to complementary pathways as necessary. • Work with relevant colleagues to strengthen data on refugees skills and develop advocacy materials highlighting the contributions that refugees in Jordan could make through complementary pathways. • Support NGO partners on UNHCR-commissioned research initiatives related to complementary pathways to ensure adequate methodology and pertinent findings to better inform complementary pathways advocacy and programming in Jordan. • Provide guidance and support for new pilot initiatives on complementary pathways in the Jordan operation, including potentially around labor migration, innovative financing and cross-border loan mechanisms, educational scholarships, and family reunification.

As an active UNHCR team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNHCR and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Improved data and tracking on complementary pathways assistance and departures, as well as systems to better gather information on refugee profiles (education, skills, family links, etc.) • Coordination with NGO partners around research initiatives including providing guidance, support, and review capacity to ensure a useful and pertinent final product that can enhance advocacy initiatives. • Strengthened systems for communication with communities around complementary pathways, including sharing/disseminating information on opportunities as well as conducing focus group discussions and key informant interviews with refugees at different stages of accessing complementary pathways.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNHCR technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNHCR protection procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNHCR in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Communication • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions. • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNHCR’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

• University degree (at least Bachelor degree) in relevant area (e.g. law, political science, social sciences or social work etc.); • Knowledge of and/or preparedness to become familiar with and abide by UNHCR’s principles, code of conduct and humanitarian goals; • Knowledge of the international legal framework governing refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced and statelessness persons; • Strong understanding of international refugee law, international human rights law, international humanitarian law, and international criminal law are a must;
• Working experience in immigration or international refugee law, in counseling or supporting immigrants, refugees/asylum-seekers, and other groups in immigration or humanitarian pathways. • 1 year of experience conducting Resettlement /Complementary Pathways and/or asylum/immigration casework; • Knowledge of UNHCR guidelines on refugee status determination / resettlement / complementary pathways; • Awareness of issues related to vulnerable refugee categories (women, children, the elderly, minorities, the disabled) and how to apply rights and community-based approach to identify and respond to specific needs; • Cross-cultural interviewing experience; • Awareness of the importance of preventing fraud and ways to mitigate risks; • Knowledge of or willingness to become familiar with methods for communication with communities, counselling, and information dissemination. • The Associate Complementary Pathways Officert should be able to work well in a multicultural team. • Complementary Pathways management capacity building and Complementary Pathways training; • Previous working experience with above-mentioned refugee caseloads, would be an asset; • Working experience in the Middle East would be an asset; • Ability to work with proGres (or rapidly learn it) and other computer and technological equipment

Particular other skills needed to fulfil the assignment (experience / demonstrable skills):

• Three years’ work 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.); • Excellent interviewing and counselling skills; • Excellent drafting and analytical skills including a background in academic research methods, data collection, and analysis; • Knowledge of or willingness to become familiar with methods for identifying individual refugees or refugee populations for Complementary Pathways; • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in teams; • Ability to work in stressful situations and in hardship locations; • Experience giving advice on complementary pathways guidelines / policy – highly desirable; • Experience in the area of complementary pathways for admission programmes • Have affinity with or interest in refugee protection, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Jordan is a unique country and UNHCR’s Jordan operation is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as commitment to make life comfortable and affordable given the expensive living conditions.

Location: The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is strategically located in the Middle East covering a diversity of landscapes. Bound by Syria to the north, Iraq to the northeast, Saudi Arabia to the east and south, the Red Sea to the south and the Palestinian National Authority to the west.

Weather: The weather in Jordan is not too extreme. Summer is dry, with temperatures regularly reaching 35 degrees centigrade. The winter is colder with temperatures often dropping to freezing point. Amman is hot and sunny from May to October with cool, pleasant evenings, whereas winters are rainy with occasional short snowfalls.

Safety and Security: Jordan remains one of the stable countries in the Middle East due to the well trained, equipped and alert security apparatus in the Kingdom. However, incidents in the past have clearly highlighted that this position is easily shifted. While there is no past history of direct threats made against the United Nations operations in Jordan, terrorist groups in the region with varying degrees of credibility and capability have issued threatening communiqués against the organisation.

The potentials for internal or external armed conflict are considered very unlikely in the current political environment. Peaceful demonstrations, and sometimes road blockages, do occur in Jordan motivated by domestic factors such as unemployment, deprivation of resources and development or for regional issues such as solidarity with the Palestinian cause or with the Syrian crises. Most of these events are driven by civil society unions and Islamic parties. Domestic tribal civil unrest sometimes turning violent especially outside the main cities due to tribal dispute or socio-economic reasons. In all occasions law enforcement agencies usually manage to contain the situation.

Road traffic accidents are the primary threat against UN personnel in Jordan. Poor road conditions and bad driving behaviors are the main reasons for the high rate for traffic accidents.

Amman is a category A duty station with security level 1.

Transportation: Taxis are abundant and readily available in Amman. Public minibuses are the most common form of public transport. They normally only leave when full, so waiting times of an hour or more are inevitable, especially in rural areas. The larger air-con buses offer a speedy and reliable service, departing according to a fixed schedule.

Health Services: Medical facilities are generally very good, particularly in Amman where there are several modern, well-equipped public and private hospitals. Almost all doctors (and most pharmacists) speak English; many have studied abroad.

Language: The official language of Jordan is Arabic, but English is widely spoken – especially in the cities. Many Jordanians have travelled or have been educated abroad so French, German, Italian and Spanish are also spoken, but to a lesser extent.