Associate Reporting 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 continued situation of socio-political strife in Nicaragua has resulted in a constant increase in the numbers of persons seeking international protection in Costa Rica, with a record high 14,500 starting the process in January 2022. At the end of 2021, Costa Rica was home to nearly 153,000 asylum seekers (mostly from Nicaragua, Venezuela, Cuba and the North of Central America) and was the world’s 4th largest recipient of new individual asylum claims; by May 2022, this figure had reached 200,000. After February 2022, the number of new appointments to formalize asylum claims seemed to have stabilized at around 10,000 per month; however, as these add to the existing pending cases the backlog continues to increase, adding to the already complex situation.

Since the offset of the Nicaraguan situation in 2018, UNHCR has permanent presence in the Northern region through its Field Office in Upala. The constant influx of migrants and asylum seekers through the northern border, the constant occurrence of natural disasters and the lack of livelihoods has put additional pressure on host communities. UNHCR has called the attention of the Government of Costa Rica and key stakeholders over the need to strengthen the capacities of host communities and promote development actions that would benefit both nationals and foreigners equally. UNHCR developed a Concept Note to bring humanitarian actors, UN Agencies and International Financial Institutions to work together in an Area-Based Approach. This initiative is supported by the Chaves Robles Administration and the World Bank.

UNHCR in Costa Rica has maintained a continuous presence since 1978 and will continue to support the national authorities and key partners to respond to the situation of the people we serve, strengthen and guarantee protection and solutions. UNHCR key activities involve registration, border monitoring, community-based protection to identify particularly vulnerable individuals, case management, counselling, livelihoods and peaceful coexistence projects through its partners and directly. A CBI response has been started in October 2019 and is being developed to reduce vulnerabilities and fill basic assistance gaps.

Under the overall guidance of the External Relations Officer, the Reporting Associate contributes to production, editing and quality control of reports under his/her Area of Responsibility (AOR). By systematization and sharing of accurate and timely information, the Reporting Associate promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNHCR. Reporting Associate must have excellent writing skills, both in Spanish and English. An English level of C1-C2 is required for the position.

The Reporting Associate establishes close contacts with all UNHCR´ units to gather and analyze information. In coordination with the External Relations officer, he/she maintains effective professional relationships with a wide variety of donors, operational and implementing partners, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to gather, analyze and disseminate information about activities of UNHCR and its partners.

The Reporting Associate will fulfil internal and external reporting requests. S/he is supervised by the External Relations Officer or another professional staff depending on the staffing structure of the Office. The incumbent receives regular guidance and advice from the supervisor. Advice and operational support may also be received from other senior staff and support units at the Country Office / HQ. The incumbent will establish strong liaison with both internal and external parties, including Donors, UN Agencies, and Implementing and Operational partners.

Duties: • - Stay abreast with the operational developments and assist in the preparation of briefing notes and reports. • - Assist in consolidation of data and facilitate the preparation of periodic reports including Sitreps, Fact Sheets and other activity specific reports. • - Liaise with internal and external partners to gather information. • - Work closely with Information Management Unit to ensure accurate and standard data presentation. • - Assist in the development of funding submissions, appeals and reports. • - Prepare and distribute meeting minutes. • - Consolidate and provide inputs for donor reports. • - Enforce compliance with reporting requirements. • - Perform other related duties as required

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Commitment to Continuous Learning, • Communication • Integrity • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Working in teams

producing, editing and quality control of reports/texts for different stakeholders; experience with dealing with the public and diverse stakeholders is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Excellent writing skills in English. Writing skills in Spanish is an asset. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing in English. • An English level of C1-C2 is required for the position. • 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; • Have affinity with or interest in the mandate of UNHCR, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

In many aspects, Costa Rica is a success story in terms of development. It is considered an upper middle-income country, which has shown a steady economic growth over the past 25 years. This growth resulted from an outward- oriented strategy, based on the openness to foreign investment and gradual trade liberalization. Costa Rica is also a global leader for its environmental policies and accomplishments, which have helped the country build its Green Trademark. The pioneering Payments for Environmental Services (PES) program has been successful in promoting forest and biodiversity conservation; making Costa Rica the only tropical country in the world to have reversed deforestation. Costa Rica is a country without Armed Forces. The country has a uniformed Police Force (Fuerza Publica) and a Judicial Police (Organismo de Investigación Judicial – O.I.J.) under the Ministry of Justice. Law enforcement response, while not comparable to the United States or Europe, is considered adequate. Costa Rica’s climate is stable throughout the year. During the rainy season, from May to November, some rural roads are blocked by landslides. During the Caribbean hurricane season, from June to November, heavy rainfall can affect both the Caribbean and Pacific coast with occasional flooding on settlements and roads. Costa Rica faces a recognized high level of non-violent crimes against tourists and regular citizens. The use of fire weapons during a criminal event is common. Despite relatively low levels of criminality in the overall situation of the Central America region, robberies (including armed robberies and residential breakins) are frequently reported crimes within the whole country. Some of these crimes are associated to drug consumption. Unstable perpetrators, eventual confrontation or any other triggering situation, during such events, along with widespread use of fire weapons, may easily lead to violence and impact UN personnel integrity. The possibility of a residential break-in to go wrong, in case robbers are confronted by victims in the house, is too high to be discarded. More than 8000 robberies are reported every year, which due to the bureaucracy involved, is still believed to be underreported Costa Rica is a unique country, it provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.