Associate RSD Officer – Level 2

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 Liberia Operation work focus on seeking Durable Solutions, emphasis on voluntary repatriation of Ivorian refugees as major strategic priority. The operation continues with efforts to local integration Ivorian refugees who opt to locally integrate and other for protection reasons are unable to return. 38,464 refugees most from Cote d’Ivoire and 38 asylum seekers asylum seekers are registered Liberia as October 2021. Ivorian refugees are recognized on prima facie basis, it is expected cessation clause will come into force in June 2022. Other nationals go through individual status determination. The operation is working with the regional Bureau of West Africa and Central Africa and the RSD section in Geneva and the Liberian Government to set up implementation of exemption procedures schedule to take place in 2022. UNHCR Liberia is committed to support GoL to build capacities on RSD to develop a road map on cessation eventual exit strategy. The Associate RSD Officer-Level 2 will require an individual with solid Protection, RSD and Registration experience; have strong advocacy, coordination competencies and experience to represent UNHCR while working with government entities including LRRRC. Experience in UNHCR Progress V4 is advantage.

Under the direct supervision of Senior Durable Solutions Officer based in Monrovia, the UN Volunteer will: 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.
• 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 analyzing 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.

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

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 Bench-marks. • Support UNHCR staff engaged in RSD and related activities and exercise effective oversight.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; personal initiative, and ability to take ownership to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented in compliance with organization-al rules and regulations. • 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 others • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender. • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, and capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups. • Flexibility and adaptability: ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, re-mote 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. • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise. • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

Computer literate; proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.) and Internet browsing. • 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.

Desirable qualifications and competencies: • Experience as a decision-maker in UNHCR or Government RSD procedures is highly desirable; • Experience in counselling asylum seekers or refugees; • Experience in working with vulnerable or traumatized individuals; • Completion of UNHCR's RSD Learning Programme, COI Learning Programme, Protection Learning Programme; • Experience in supervising and in providing training or coaching, guidance or advice to staff.

Liberia, Africa's oldest Republic, is located at the western edge of the continent, on the Atlantic coast between Sierra Leone and Côte d'Ivoire. The population of Liberia is approximately 4.5 million and contains about 16 different ethnic groups. A large percentage of Liberia’s population lives in the capital. The Specialist will be based in Monrovia the capital city of Liberia. The climate features a wet season and a dry season, but precipitation is seen even during the dry season. Temperatures remain constant throughout the year averaging around 26.4 °C (79.5 °F). Some visitors may feel cold during the day and evenings in the rainy season; also, most rooms are air-conditioned, so it is suggested that appropriate clothing (light sweater or jacket) be brought along. The country is generally safer, except for petty crimes, especially in the cities. It is mandatory to complete the United Nations Security course BSAFE. The cur-rent UN security level for Liberia is level 2. Upon arrival in the country, all UN staff receive a security briefing from UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) . Security recommendations from UNDSS must be followed by all UN Staff and UN Volunteers during their assignments in Liberia. In Monrovia, apartment-type accommodation can be found in areas such as Mamba Point and Sinkor. These are of various standards and usually come furnished with water and electricity and security guards, in compliance with UN security requirements. Prices are negotiable. The UNV Field Unit Liberia connects arriving volunteers to furnished MORSS compliant property owners. The Field Unit supports incoming volunteers to identify suitable accommodation prior to arrival. There are hotels and guesthouses in various county capitals that are comfortable and furnished with facilities such as wi-fi, laundry service, electricity, and security. There are a variety of sports outfits in hotels and other accommodations for privacy. This includes gyms, swimming pools, tennis/basketball courts and stadium reserved for football. A gym is also available at the One UN House for all categories of staff based on the presentation of the UN ID Card. The US dollar is widely used and can be exchanged with the Liberian dollar (exchange rate as of March 2021: 1 US$ = 174 Liberian dollars). Credit cards and travelers' checks are not commonly accepted but there are several cash machines/ATMs in Liberia that take visa cards.

Liberia is a unique country with a unique (humanitarian) operation. 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.