Associate Repatriation 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 Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safe-guard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

Beside its international protection of refugees in Mali, UNHCR main objective for this particular program is to find durable solutions for returning Malian former refugees as well as internally displaced persons.

The volunteer will be working in the Repatriation Unit based at the main office in Bamako with missions in the entire Northern regions of Mali. In the implementation of the programme, UNHCR works together with the government of Mali, specifically the line ministry (Ministè;re de la Solidarité, de l’Action Humanitaire et de la Reconstruction du Nord), also occasionally with officials from countries of asylum in the context of tripartite agreements; with implementing partners, and other UN agencies.

UNHCR has field offices in Tombouctou, Gao, and Mopti and plans to open new offices in Niafunke and Menaka as soon as feasible. During the performance of his/her tasks under the assignment the UNV will be interacting not only with all but also with beneficiaries, UNHCR staff and partners in countries of asylum.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Protection Officer the UN volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Monitor the implementation of the voluntary return operation through consultations, regular field visits and monitoring tools, suggesting amendments to the plan as necessary.
Ensure that activities are implemented in accordance with the voluntary repatriation strategy, with a view to ensuring that the return is voluntary and takes place in safety and dignity.
Gather and analyze data related to return movements and conditions in areas of return for planning, evidence-based advocacy and protection interventions.
Ensure that specific needs of vulnerable categories of returnees are duly addressed during the return movement.
Monitor and advise implementing partners on activities related to return.
Actively participate in inter-agency coordination processes and mobilize partners’ political and financial support, to ensure complementary interventions to voluntary repatriation/return program
Comply with UNHCR’s policy priorities, such as those related to persons with particular vulnerabilities
Identify, monitor and advise implementing partners on on-going activities related to return.
Mainstream AGD in all areas of work and ensure the full participation of returning refugees in matters relating to their own protection
Liaise with other UNHCR country offices and other key partners in the region to ensure appropriate cross-border cooperation and a harmonized voluntary repatriation process.
When working with national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, the incumbent should set aside dedicated time for training, coaching, mentoring and capacity development.

, Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Working in Teams

function of repatriation activities; a good UNHCR work experience is an asset.

Desirable Qualifications and Skills:

Knowledge of UN policies and procedures;
Field experience;
Commitment to help refugees and willingness to cooperate with counterparts;
Good analytical skills;
Strong interpersonal and communication skills in a multi-cultural setting;
Experience of working with refugees;
Ability to live and work in the difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries is essential.

Language: Fluent in French with good working knowledge of English, since the candidate is expected to work mostly in French.

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

Mali is a country that is currently trying to recover from a conflict in its northern part. The whole territory is a non-family duty station. This position is based in Bamako, whose living and security conditions are satisfactory however due to the recent events in Bamako the security phase has been increased to SLS 4 (Substantial - as per UN security classification).

The candidate will be entitled to R&R after every 8 weeks.

To enter Mali, a valid passport is required. A visa is also compulsory, except for nationals of ECOWAS member states (Economic Community of West African States), Morocco and Tunisie. Nationals of other countries should contact the representation of Mali in their country of residence for those who do not have a Malian representation in their country of residence, the visa can be issued at Bamako airport. In all cases, a Note Verbale will be issued with the aim of facilitating the visa issuance for the selected UN Volunteer.

The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory and a vaccination card should be brought with you for Malian health authorities’ check at the airport.

The selected UN Volunteer must attend, from the beginning of the assignment, all security-related trainings, which are compulsory for all UN personnel.