Associate Resettlement and 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.

The IUNV will work as an integral part of the protection unit to ensure effective, properly prioritized, and transparent delivery of durable solutions for identified refugees in the five countries under the purview of the MCO Cote d’Ivoire. The IUNV will have the responsibility to train protection partners in identifying suitable candidates for resettlement and complementary pathways based on existing guidelines. The UNV will report to the Statelessness Officer, and work under the overall guidance of the (Senior Protection Officer) in Abidjan. He/she will be responsible for updating SOPs and set up an identification and referral mechanism. He/She will conduct resettlement/CP interviews and prepare Resettlement Registration Forms and relevant CP forms for referral to the Regional Resettlement Unit of RB Dakar. The IUNV will also be required to undertake continuous liaison and constructive cooperation with other UNHCR units, implementing partners, refugee community representatives and provide support to resettlement country pre-screening and selection missions in the five countries. This part of the role will provide ample opportunities for networking and building relationships with local organizations, groups or individuals and supporting and/or participating in local volunteering initiatives. In 2024, the IUNV will work on providing job coaching to other members of the Protection unit and government partners to increase capacity in being able to screen family reunification cases. The IUNV will conduct outreach sessions with community leaders to explain the family reunification procedures and criteria, which will further aide to boost identification of cases. The IUNV will assist by screening cases with family ties to identify cases based on pre-defined criteria (i.e., secondary specific needs, status of the family member in the third country, etc.) in coordination with other units. S/he will collaborate with the education unit on education pathways cases. Identify and provide support required for any Family Reunification cases (whether through BIAs/BIDs, referrals to IRAP, coordination with embassies, or logistical interventions, punctual interventions, and logistical support any other way on the case. Coordinate with refugee communities (outreach activities), partners, embassies, and other UNHCR operations to support case identification, capacity building, and advocacy for family reunification and education pathways opportunities.]

Under the direct supervision of the Statelessness Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Identify, conduct interviews, assess resettlement and complementary pathways needs, and then process identified cases according to established procedures. • Prepare RRFs in accordance with applicable output targets (3-5 RRFs/week) to meet annual quotas for MCO country operations. • Provide advice and counseling to individuals in the resettlement process or c-pathways programmes on their individual case status; respond to individual queries. • Ensure the monitoring of resettlement and complementary pathways activities, as applicable, to ensure progress towards objectives, transparency, and effectiveness in case submissions, as well as appropriate follow-up with the Regional Bureau, resettlement countries and other key stakeholders. • Review and provide timely observations and advice on resettlement submissions in country offices under the purview of the MCO Côte d'Ivoire to harmonize the quality and consistency of resettlement delivery. • Support process management to ensure that individuals under its purview and partners receive up-to-date and accurate information on UNHCR's resettlement and complementary pathways policies and procedures. • Monitor the implementation of UNHCR's global resettlement and complementary pathways policies, procedures, and guidelines in the area of responsibility. • Ensure that standard operating procedures for identifying resettlement cases and managing them are in place and compliant with UNHCR's global standards. • Assist senior management in maintaining regular contacts and close cooperation with resettlement countries and partners to ensure effective delivery of resettlement and complementary pathways and compliance with adequate protection standards. • Assist in the selection missions for resettlement countries in regional/country operations. • Contribute to the development and improvement of policies and guidelines for resettlement and complementary pathways practices. • Systematically apply an age, gender, and diversity perspective in all aspects of the resettlement and complementary pathways process; adhere to UNHCR's policy and guidelines on HIV/AIDS. • Promote and support the establishment of fraud prevention mechanisms in resettlement and complementary pathways activities to maintain the integrity of the resettlement and complementary pathways process in the area of responsibility. • Assist in the production of up-to-date and accurate statistics, analytical reports on re-settlement and complementary pathways, updates, and information notes, including regarding trends, country/region performance in achieving resettlement objectives, challenges, and responses. • Contribute to overall protection and solutions strategies in the country or region. • Perform other related tasks as needed.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Judgement and Decision-making ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management

development studies, political science, refugee/international law or related areas. • Thorough understanding of the principles of refugee law and UNHCR’s Mandate. • Knowledge of migration law and policies in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand and other traditional resettlement countries is desirable. • Previous experience or exposure to third country solutions for refugees and complementary pathways of admission to third countries for refugees. • Specific experience in and knowledge regarding conducting family reunification interviews and assessments, processing of private sponsorship applications, scholar-ships and study or work visa applications is desirable. • Knowledge in developing and implementing communication strategies and plans that increase complementary pathways’ exposure and mobilize public, political, and financial support. • 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 stateless persons. • Knowledge of UNHCR guidelines on refugee status determination (RSD), resettlement and complementary pathways. • Cross-cultural interviewing experience. • Awareness of the importance of preventing fraud and ways to mitigate risks. • Working experience in Africa, including within the East African and/or Great Lakes regions, would be an asset. • Experience in drafting autonomously legal documents (including RRFs) in English and French is desirable.

Côte d’Ivoire is a country that spans equatorial sub-tropical environments and the beginning of the Sahara in the north. Abidjan, San-Pedro and Tabou and the entire west axis of the country were mostly affected by the post-election crisis. Despite the 9 years of sporadic conflict, there is reasonably good infrastructure, such as, running water, electricity, sanitation and housing, roads and transport networks. In compliance with security risks mitigation measures, UN Volunteers familiarize themselves with security guidelines and situation upon arrival in the country. In line with the IUNV Programme Management framework, the UNV Field Unit hosted at UNDP-Country Office will assist UN Volunteers to attend an in-depth security briefing. The UNV Field Unit will book a temporary accommodation for the first two nights at UN Volunteer expenses which can be extended or not at UN Volunteer discretion until getting a permanent accommodation, which is the entire responsibility of the UNV. Alternatively, UN Volunteer could co-rent and share private accommodation which must comply with the UN Minimum Residential Security Standards (RSM). UN Volunteers should be aware they are exposed to several tropical diseases. Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory to enter in Côte d’Ivoire, in addition to COVID-19 vaccination or a 72 hours-or less COVID-19 PSR test. Other mandatory vaccinations include Hepatitis A, B, tetanus, which are available at UN Medical Service in Abidjan for free. Malaria: Prophylaxis is recommended for all part of the country. Prophylaxis is available at UN Medical Service as well as in pharmacies. All UN staff members, including UN Volunteers, have a 24 hours access to a Medical Service clinic. Moreover, in Abidjan there are hospitals and clinics cleared by UN Medical Service. Côte d’Ivoire is hot and humid; Abidjan has relatively high temperatures (25 – 35 degrees celcius) and high humidity can have an impact on field working conditions. It is therefore advised to bring light clothing. The country has significant number of Muslims and Christians, with the former concentrated but not exclusively residing in the North of the country and places of worship exist in all duty stations. Expatriates based in the West of the country enjoy a large international community and make use of tourist attractions such as waterfalls and other on weekends. Telephone networks, 4G connectivity and optic fiber mainly supplied by Orange CI, MTN CI, and MOOV Africa are reliably working in Abidjan and major cities. Downgrade to 3G and/or absence of optic fiber may be experienced in remote areas. SIM cards are available at the airport or in shopping centers.