Associate RSD 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.

Asylum procedures in Burundi are regulated by the 2008 asylum law which is also the base for the creation of the “Commission Consultative pour les Etrangers et les Réfugiés” (CCER) and its permanent secretariat the “Office National pour la Protection des Réfugiés et des Apatrides” (ONPRA - Ministry of Interior). Since 2009 and with the creation of ONPRA and CCER, all asylum seekers have been undergoing individual RSD. Cases are administrated, registered and assessed by ONPRA. The latter’s Eligibility Officers make the first instance interviews and submit their recommendations to the CCER which takes individual decisions on each case. Subject to the nature of the case, asylum claims are assessed following two different procedures. An accelerated procedure is provided for the Eastern Congolese population from the Kivu provinces and who are using the 1969 O.A.U. Convention if the nationality and place of origin of the applicant are confirmed. All other claims fall under the 1951 Convention and follow a more in-depth assessment. Appeal applications are received by ONPRA (and are assessed by a different Eligibility Officer) who will submit its recommendations to the second instance decision maker, the Appeal Committee. The asylum process takes place in two different locations, depending on whether or not the applicant expressed his wish to be transferred to a refugee camp after recognition. The cases of urban asylum seekers are processed in Bujumbura while asylum seekers who want to be transferred to a camp complete the asylum procedure in Cishemere transit centre (Cibitoke Province). Derivative status applications will be processed in the camps or in Bujumbura, depending on the location of the Principal Applicant. The only instance whereby UNHCR Mandate RSD is conducted is for the LGBTI caseload. The penal code criminalizes homosexuality in Burundi and ONPRA does not undertake RSD processing for this caseload and has deferred to UNHCR.

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

Strategic Direction and Coordination:

Stay abreast of legal, political, security and other developments which impact on the protection environment, and in particular, on protection delivery through RSD.
Assist in the development of the RSD strategy of the operation and in the annual planning exercise.
Contribute to the development and enhancement of regional and global RSD standards and policies.

Response and Advice:

Review RSD decisions and provide appropriate feedback and guidance to RSD staff. [1]
Conduct RSD interviews and draft RSD Assessments in accordance with applicable standards and guidelines.
Maintain accurate and up-to date records and data related to all work on individual cases.
Provide counselling to asylum seekers and refugees.
Assist in designing, implementing and revising, as required, operation-specific SOPs for all aspects of the RSD operation in accordance with applicable standards and policies.
Systematically apply an age, gender and diversity (AGD) perspective in the performance of assigned functions.
Assist in monitoring RSD trends and in compiling and analysing RSD statistics related to RSD case processing to identify and respond to developments or issues impacting on the efficiency or quality of RSD decision-making, and to propose remedial measures.

Advocacy, Information Management and Research:

Conduct research on country of origin information (COI) and legal issues related to RSD and assist in maintaining a local repository of relevant information, guidelines and standards accessible to RSD staff in the operation.
Ensure that persons of concern, Government authorities and legal partners have accurate information on the RSD procedures, including UNHCR standards, policy and practice.
Assist in developing and maintaining processes to ensure that persons of concern, Government authorities and partners have accurate information on the RSD procedures, including UNHCR standards, policy and practice.
Assist in initiatives to advocate with and support Government authorities and legal partners to establish and strengthen fair and efficient RSD procedures and RSD decision-making.

Promotion and Capacity Building:
Assess training needs of UNHCR staff engaged in RSD and related activities and provide on-going training and coaching on legal and procedural RSD issues.
Support the development and implementation of RSD training initiatives for Government authorities and legal partners.

Human resources:
Assist in evaluating and projecting RSD staffing needs using the RSD Staffing Benchmarks.
Support UNHCR staff engaged in RSD and related activities and exercise effective oversight.

[1] Note: RSD UN Volunteers are not authorized to endorse and co-sign RSD decisions.

• Integrity and professionalism, • Accountability, • Commitment to continuous learning, • Planning and organizing, • Teamwork and respect for diversity, • Multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • Communication? • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Minimum years of relevant professional job experience, preferably in the area of refugee protection, human rights or international humanitarian law: 3 years (with a postgraduate degree) or 4 years (with an undergraduate degree).

Desirable Qualifications and Skills:

Minimum 1 year of experience working directly with procedures and principles related to RSD.
Knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles.
Strong research and analytical skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) awareness and demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
The ability to work effectively under stress and in crisis situations.

Bujumbura is classified as Security level III. Caution is therefore advised at all times in the capital as well as in the interior of the country. Bujumbura is a non-family duty station category C; all UN personnel must carry VHF radios and it is mandatory to attend the safety briefing upon arrival in the country. Burundi is emerging from a long conflict and social indicators show that 70% of Burundi's population lives below the poverty line. The UN security service has certain security standards that all housing must meet and UN volunteers receive an allowance to ensure that these standards can be met. The electricity supply is erratic. Therefore, alternative source of electricity supply (e.g. use of generator) should be installed at residence. In terms of health, it is advised to drink bottled or boiled water; to be careful of what foods one eats and to always take the necessary precautions against malaria which is a serious threat in the country.

R&R (Rest and Recuperation), a mandatory leave aiming to remove staff from a stressful location) is applicable for staff assigned to Bujumbura every 8 weeks. The duty station classification is governed by the International Civil Service Commission and is subject to periodic review and possible change. Furnished houses are available in areas cleared by the UNHCR Field Safety Officer (rent ranges from USD 600 upwards).