Associate Registration and Identity Management 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 acute crisis in CAR since 2013 has caused over 1.5 million of forcibly displaced persons, including some 700,000 refugees who fled to neighbouring countries and over 715,000 internally displaced persons. CAR offers a complex and challenging operational context for implementation of activities. The operation is underfunded and yet requires adequate registration capacities. In 2021, UNHCR CAR has embarked on a major transition from a “Care & Maintenance” approach to Protection and Solutions which will be consolidated over the coming years. At the same time, the operation has to respond to new forced displacements, i.a. through protection monitoring. Through the commitments made within the framework of the World Refugee Forum, UNHCR has strengthened its advocacy and strategic partnerships for the implementation of durable solutions for refugees, notably through their inclusion in national systems (health, education, social protection) and in local development plans. Refugees in CAR are biometrically registered and identity cards are issued to them. Capacity building needs have been identified for the staff in charge of registration and information management both in Bangui and in the field. The incumbent’s role will be to strengthen the capacities of staff involved in registration activities, to support the review of the registration strategies, SOPs as well as data sharing protocols.

The UNHCR Data Transformation Strategy 2020-2025 envisions that by 2025 UNHCR becomes a trusted leader on data and information related to refugees and other persons of concern (POC), thereby enabling actions to protect and to empower them. The Strategy invests in four complementary priority areas: data management and governance; information systems; capacities and skill development; and culture for evidence-informed decision-making.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Senior Protection Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Associate Registration and Identity Management Officer will:

• Assist in the implementation of registration, enrolment and digital identity strategies, for populations of concern in compliance with global and regional protection and inclusion objectives and priorities, ensuring that relevant standards are met, and appropriate methodologies and technologies are implemented. • Conduct data audits/ Data quality reports as required in CAR and follow up on gaps identified; • Coordinate and build the capacity in the Bangui office and field for the use of proGres v4. Undertake field missions and organize trainings in this context. • Liaise with the National Commission on Refugees on registration issues, under supervision of the Snr Prot. Officer. • Coordinate with the registration team in Bangui and at the field level. • Supervising the registration of new arrivals and unregistered individuals. • Review and improve the registration strategy and SOPs. Implementation of strategies for good registration practices. • Preparation and execution of registration and verification exercises. • Ensuring UNHCR staff use implemented proGres and PRIMES modules. • Training of government users on registration procedures. • Providing technical assistance to users. • Preparation reports following standard forms and deadlines • Planning of operations, statistical reports for registration and verification operations, adapting of existing SOP to V4, and drafting of new SOPs under guidance of the SPO. • Statistical reports whenever required (weekly/monthly/Annual). • Provide technical support to staff on planned registration and digital identity management activities. • Contribute to the development and dissemination of operational guidance, instructions and capacity-development initiatives, in accordance with policy and guidance disseminated by the Global Data Service in Headquarters. • Design appropriate procedures and systems for assurance of quality registration data and conduct regular data quality and audit checks to monitor the accuracy of data collected, as well as a tool for identification and prevention of fraud. • Provide post-deployment support and maintenance of the UNHCR refugee systems applications as required. • Assist the country team to establish and strengthen internal digital identity, registration and identity management capacity and/or that of government counterparts to manage registration and maintain population data. • Liaise with the RB as necessary to facilitate registration and identity management activities in the region/ country. • Advocate with and support government authorities to establish and strengthen fair and efficient registration and digital identification procedures and systems and that POCs’ identity documents or credentials are recognized for the purposes of accessing humanitarian, public and private sector services. • Establish linkages with key partners to implement appropriate case and data management approaches for efficient, accountable and standardized targeting and delivery of assistance and other programming and protection needs. • Support the operationalization and negotiation with government and UN partners related to interoperability of external digital identification systems with UNHCR refugee registration and identity management systems. • Liaise and actively engage with government, humanitarian and development actors, and the private sector to promote the inclusion of refugees and asylum-seekers into host States’ population registers and digital identity systems and the registration of birth, marriages, deaths and other vital events of forcibly displaced persons in the host Government’s civil registry. • Support the collection of reliable data and the availability of effective analysis relating to POCs’ registration, identity management and digital identification. • Monitor, document and report on registration and identity management activities at the country level, and report on the impact of support interventions to the management of operations. • Perform other related duties as required.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNHCR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNHCR 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; • 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; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; • 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 priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, • 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; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort;

Technical expertise in registration, individual case management and identity management systems, including proGres, in refugee and internal displacement situations. Knowledge of UNHCR and interagency policies, standards, programmes and humanitarian operations in a variety of geographical locations and operational contexts. Familiarity with planning, programming and implementation of registration operations at the field levels, including strategic planning, project development, budgeting and resource mobilization. Computer skills: Knowledge of databases, proGres V3, V4, SQL and scripting and programming languages advanced knowledge of Microsoft applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI and ideally mapping and GIS software. Knowledge of Kobo Toolbox for Humanitarian Response will be an asset. Database management

Understanding of the principles and concepts of international protection and UNHCR, including UNHCR’s registration and identity management guidance and the Policy and Guidance on the Protection of Personal Data of Persons of Concern.

Technical expertise in registration, digital identity or biometric management systems. Experience with UNHCR’s PRIMES applications. Familiarity with planning, programming, strategic planning, project development, budgeting and resource mobilization. Understanding of civil registration, national identity management or digital identification systems (including population registries) and digital identity technical standards. Demonstrated knowledge of UNHCR and interagency policies, standards, programmes and operations. Experience of devising data collection and analysis. Experience working with partners, including host and donor Governments, humanitarian and development partners.

Functional Skills PR-Civil Registration PR-Individual Case Management PR-Protection related guidelines, standards and indicators DM-Data collection methodologies DM-Data Management

Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Sound security awareness; Have affinity with or interest in refugee assistance volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The country is landlocked with very limited travel possibilities and surrounded by countries with volatile and security problems (Chad, DRC, Sudan, and Cameroon). A curfew is in place from 10pm to 5am. A UN Hospital provides basic medical care for the UN personnel. Four airlines officially recognized by UN System serve the country: Air France and Kenya Airways (twice a week), Royal Air Maroc and Asky (three times a week). The R&R cycle in the entire Central African Republic 6 weeks. Products and food such as vegetables and fruits are available in supermarkets in Bangui as one would find in “developed countries”. Bangui offers high-quality restaurants, gym and swimming pools for recreational purposes. Private accommodation possibilities are limited and getting a house according to the security measures can take about 4 weeks or more. Nevertheless, currently all serving UN Volunteers have a decent accommodation ensuring minimum and above the minimum standard of comfort. The average cost for accommodation varies from around 500 USD, for a small apartment with no furniture and no power generator, to 1700 USD with all commodities.

Important consideration during the COVID-19 pandemic: As we continue to deliver services to the beneficiaries amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the latter can present a heightened risk to people over the age of 65 and to those with pre-existing medical conditions, some of which are listed below, and candidates are strongly encouraged to consider whether they wish to apply to this IUNV Assignment in Central African Republic: • Poorly controlled diabetes (Hb1AC above 7%); A history of cardiac failure; • Unstable angina or a myocardial infarction in the past 6 months; • Chronic obstructive lung disorder or asthma requiring daily use of inhaler; • Ongoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or immunotherapy for cancer treatment; • Long-term treatment with immunosuppressive drugs; • Dialysis patients; any type of organ transplant; HIV with detectable viral load and CD4 count under 500; Pregnancies