RSD Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

Mauritania hosts more than 16,000 refugees and asylum seekers in urban areas, principally in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. These refugees are mainly from countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. Mali, Syria, Senegal and the Central African Republic, Si are among the most represented nationalities because of the internal conflicts raging in these countries. In support of the Mauritanian authorities, and in order to protect and support urban refugees in Mauritania, UNHCR carries out protection activities including Registration and Refugee Status Determination (RSD). The RSD Assistant is supervised by the Associate Protection Officer and works closely with the rest of the Protection team and partners. He/she is responsible for conducting interviews, researching country of origin and other relevant sources, and writing RSD assessments in accordance with relevant standards and procedures. He/she will help compile and analyze information related to RSD activities and write related correspondence and reports. The RSD Assistant will also provide advice and address concerns of asylum seekers and refugees regarding UNHCR RSD procedures, their rights, obligations, and the status of their claims processing. The RSD Assistant will work closely with partner staff to ensure the timely identification and referral of those affected by protection monitoring. He / she may also provide interpretation and / or translation services in cases for which he / she has the required language skills.

The development and maintenance of constructive relationships with PoC that measurably impact and enhance protection planning, programming and results, form the core of the work of the incumbent

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Protection Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will:

• Through relationships with PoC and network of partners, stay abreast of political, social, economic and cultural developments that have an impact on the protection environment and provide advice to the protection team.
• Conduct RSD interviews, carry out information searches (COIs) on countries of origin and assess the eligibility for refugee status of assigned cases, in accordance with international law, UNHCR standards, norms and procedures on RSD.
• Provide advice and address concerns of asylum seekers and refugees regarding RSD procedures, their rights and rights, including in the context of notifications of negative RSD decisions.
• Maintain registration data and systematically update the physical records and the database (proGres v4) for all actions taken in the context of monitoring or processing individual cases.
• Systematically apply the age, gender and diversity (AGD) approach in the performance of assigned functions and ensure that all persons of concern to UNHCR have fair and transparent access to RSD procedures.
• Help monitor RSD trends, compile and analyze RSD statistics related to the treatment of RSD cases. Help develop, update, and maintain the various processes to ensure that people seeking international protection are effectively identified and have accurate information on RSD procedures, including standards, UNHCR policies and practices.
• Write correspondence and reports relating to the Operation’s RSD activities.
• Identify protection cases, including people with specific needs and ensure their timely referral to other units and / or competent partners.
• Collaborate with protection staff and / or partners in the implementation of the various protection services. Assume the role of interpreter when necessary. Carry out all other associated tasks requested.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• 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 instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• 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.13.

Results/expected outputs:

• As an active UNHCR team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly, and high-quality support rendered to UNHCR and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated, and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Years of experience / Diplomas High school diploma and post-secondary training / certificate in Social Sciences, Law, International Relations, Political Science or related fields.

Relevant professional experiences 3 years’ experience working with asylum seekers and refugees desirable. Experience in protection field desirable. Knowledge of interviewing techniques with vulnerable persons desirable. Being able to take initiatives when necessary.

Skills Good computer skills. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work in a team. Flexible and able to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Languages Fluency in French and Arabic or English required. Work Knowledge of English, Arabic or local languages desired.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials