IUNV Specialist Associate Durable Solutions Officer

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UNHCR - UN High Commissioner for Refugees

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Application deadline 2 years ago: Monday 15 Nov 2021 at 00:00 UTC

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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 UNHCR Sub Office Caribbean region covers the departments of La Guajira, Cesar, Magdalena, Atlantico and Bolivar. The region has approximately 8 million inhabitants (approx. 17% of the national population). According to Migracion Colombia approximately 430.000 Venezuelan refugees and migrants, or 25% of the Venezuelan refugees and migrants of Colombia reside in these 5 departments. Furthermore, a growing number of returnees, with a high percentage of ethnic populations, especially Wayuu.

The Caribbean region has a multidimensional poverty average of just over 30 percent, whereas the national average is 18.1 percent. However, the region is characterized by its diversity, where La Guajira has an average multidimensional poverty of 51,7 percent of its population, and the city of Barranquilla slightly below the national average with 17,4 percent.

There is 403 km of border between la Guajira and Cesar, and Venezuela, with only one formal border crossing (Paraguachon). Due to the geographical conditions, crossing the border at other points is easy, and there is a lot of movement both ways through the over 200 informal crossing points. According to Migracion Colombia, there are approximately 1500 Venezuelans entering Colombia through Paraguachon on a daily basis.

UNHCR sub office is based in Riohacha, with a field office in Barranquilla. Beginning of 2022 a field unit will be opened in Maicao, the border town with Venezuela.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Field Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

  • Provide counselling to refugees and other persons of concern (POC) to identify the most appropriate durable solution and to enable them to make a well-informed decision.

  • Implement and follow-through the country’s repatriation programme in all protection, ad-ministrative and logistical aspects, and liaise with the appropriate entities (external and internal) to ensure full coordination of movements and adherence to protection guidelines.

  • Interview and prepare Resettlement Referral Forms (RRF), in line with Resettlement SOPs.

  • Interview candidates for local integration and prepare the appropriate documentation for onward submission to local authorities or partners, in line with Local Integration SOPs.

  • Liaise and contribute to discussions on durable solutions, with local authorities, host populations and partners.

  • Assist in updating the electronic database for resettlement, voluntary repatriation and lo-cal integration, in line with Standard Operating Procedures.

  • Process documentation to ensure that POC receive the documents required for their durable solutions in a timely manner.

  • Prepare statistical and ad-hoc reports to ensure accurate information is available and shared with relevant offices and partners.

  • Interview and decide on the appropriate durable solution to be provided to POC.

  • When counselling POC, decide on the content of information and advice to be shared.

  • Enter information into available database, in line with SOPs.

  • Draft and submit reports relating to durable solutions.

  • Assist to the relevant interinstitutional and inter agency working groups focused on strengthening durable solutions to persons of concern.

  • Liaise, in close coordination with the Protection Unit, with key stakeholders working on durable solutions.

  • Support to reporting procedures, including gathering and sharing statistics, outcomes of UNHCR supported projects and of strategic alliances, and best practices and lessons learned.

  • Perform other related duties as required.

Results/Expected Outputs:

  • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counter-parts, including Implementing Partners (IPs);

  • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

  • Integrity and professionalism:

  • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.

  • Commitment to continuous learning:

  • Planning and organizing

  • Teamwork and respect for diversity

  • Communication

  • Flexibility and adaptability

  • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

a field related to external relations, communications, media relations or reporting

The Special Industrial and Port District of Barranquilla is the capital of the Department of Atlántico, Colombia. With a population of over 1,200,000 persons, Barranquilla is the fourth most important city in the country, following Bogota, Medellin and Cali.

It is located on the western bank of the Magdalena River, 7.5 km from its mouth in the Caribbean Sea. It is the main economic centre of the Caribbean Region of Colombia, among the economic activities that stand out are trade and industry. The average temperature is over 27 Celsius degrees.

The District counts on a wide network of hospitals and clinics, which guarantee a comprehensive medical coverage. Besides, the District has numerous parks and recreational areas, including libraries and shopping centres.

Added 2 years ago - Updated 2 years ago - Source: unv.org