Senior Durable Solutions Officer

Overview

Lead strategies for durable solutions for refugees and IDPs.

You have:

• 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
• International Public Law, International Refugee Law, Political Science, International Human Rights Law, Refugee and Forced Migration, International Relations, Law, or other relevant field.
• Previous experience in solutions contexts and thorough knowledge of International refugee law and its application.
• Experience working in IDPs context and interagency experience.
• Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
• Adequate expertise in human rights law, humanitarian law and protection principles in emergencies and conflict.
• Legal background as well as knowledge of Portuguese language are not mandatory but an asset.

Only candidates who are not nationals of the country of assignment are eligible to apply to this position

Hardship Level

BFamily Type

FamilyResidential location (if applicable)

Grade

PR4Staff Member / Affiliate Type

Professional### * Staff members will not normally serve in International Professional positions in the country of their nationality. In addition, in case of a first appointment upon recruitment, the assignment must be outside the staff member’s country of nationality.

In practical terms this means that you are not eligible to apply for International Professional vacancies advertised in the country where you are national of.

Reason

Regular > Regular AssignmentRemote work accepted

NoTarget Start Date

2024-04-01Job Posting End Date

February 14, 2024Standard Job Description

Senior Durable Solutions Officer

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Senior Durable Solutions Officer is the designated focal point for solutions in a regional office or country office. S/he reports to the Head of Bureau Protection, or Deputy Director in the Bureau, or to the Senior Durable Solutions Coordinator, or to the Representative/ Deputy Representative in a country operation.

The incumbent acts as an advisor to the senior management in the regional Bureau and to Country operations on all durable solutions topics. These include: voluntary repatriation (refugees) or return (IDPs) and sustainable reintegration; local integration and other local solutions; relocation, resettlement and complementary pathways for admission to third countries; Global Compact on Refugees commitments and opportunities; housing, land and property; statelessness (in line with the campaign to End Statelessness by 2024); age, gender, diversity (AGD) and accountability to affected populations (AAP) through community-based protection. Fostering an environment to enhance partnerships is a critical element of the work, as are activities designed to strengthen the involvement of refugee communities and their hosts in the design and implementation of solutions strategies. If in a regional office, s/he also coordinates durable solutions activities between and among country offices in the region ensuring consistency with relevant Global Strategic Priorities and Policies.

The incumbent may have direct supervisory responsibility for Durable Solutions staff. S/he maintains close working relations with senior protection staff in all countries in the region as well as regionally based UN sister entities, other intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organisations on durable solutions matters. In the Bureau, s/he works closely with protection, registration, information management, education, development, programme and technical staff including cash, livelihoods and shelter, and promotes operational standards, policy and practices in comprehensive solutions delivery.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties - Develop multiyear comprehensive protection, resilience and solutions strategies as relevant, together with UNHCR¿s stakeholders in Bureau and country operations, governments and other partners. - Monitor the implementation of the protection and solutions strategy/ies, identify challenges and report on achievements. - Serve as focal point for durable solutions, including chairing Durable Solutions Working Group(s) and achieving a schematic overview of country/regional Durable Solution Working Groups or other solutions coordination mechanisms. - Participate in consultative processes within UNHCR and with a broad range of external partners to promote all durable solutions. - Ensure close linkages with staff that oversee data and information production to deliver fact based advocacy and support for durable solutions. - Act as focal point for the internal UNHCR processes related to voluntary repatriation and returns, including data management, the preparation of Exchange of Letters, Tripartite Agreements, standard operating procedures and other agreements as required. - Support country operations in the development and implementation of the local integration and other local solutions aspects of solutions strategies, ensuring inclusion of persons of concern in national systems and services, and in national and local development processes. - In the absence of dedicated resettlement and complementary pathways staff, and in close collaboration with multi-functional teams: ensure UNHCR¿s resettlement and complementary pathways for admission standards are correctly and coherently applied; efficient, fair and transparent procedures are in place across the AOR, targets are met and fraud prevention mechanisms are in place; operations are supported to develop advocacy strategies and operational responses to pursue the identification, development, promotion and facilitation of access to complementary pathways for admissions to third countries; ensure that country operations plans reflect the strategy on RST/CP and that the necessary resources are allocated to address gaps across the AOR. - Represent UNHCR¿s Resettlement and Complementary Pathways positions with Resettlement and other third countries, host government and at regional level. - Building on the commitments made in the Global Compact on Refugees, develop and maintain strategic partnerships with UN and other development agencies, civil society, peacebuilding actors, and the private sector, engaging on areas including resilience, rule of law and governance, and housing land and property. - Ensure that UNHCR¿s analysis of the risks and obstacles to solutions, including sustainable reintegration and integration, is instrumental in development actors¿ priority areas of engagement. - Provide planning and foresight to advance progress for protracted refugee situations, and/or to prevent new situations from becoming protracted. - Develop and maintain close liaison with senior managers and colleagues for the purpose of identifying and prioritizing durable solutions needs and ensuring adequate and timely interventions. - Support Communication staff in developing a communication plan to support the durable solutions strategy, including media. - Serve as focal point on durable Solutions-related issues for communities to ensure good communication. - Advise on populations of concern¿ appropriate engagement for the identification of the most appropriate solutions, including through enhanced two-way communication, participatory assessments, intentions and perceptions surveys, and other forms of community based assessments. - Promote the strengthened involvement of persons of concern in the design and implementation of solutions strategies, transition projects, peace-building and development initiatives.

In addition to the main duties listed above, for positions located in regional bureaux: - Develop multiyear regional situational comprehensive protection, resilience and solutions strategies as relevant, together with UNHCR¿s stakeholders in Bureau and country operations, governments and other partners.

- Lead risk assessments and discussions with team(s) to proactively manage risks and seize opportunities impacting objectives. Ensure that risk management principles are integrated in decision-making both at strategic and operational levels. Allocate resources for planned treatments with resource requirements in Strategic Plans. Ensure that risks are managed to acceptable levels and escalate, as needed. If a Risk Owner, designate the Risk Focal Point and certify that the annual risk review is completed and ensure that the risk register is updated during the year, as needed. - Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Years of Experience / Degree Level For P4/NOD - 9 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 8 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 7 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education International Public Law; International Refugee Law; Political Science; International Human Rights Law; Refugee and Forced Migration; International Relations; Law; or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Certificates and/or Licenses Not specialised

Relevant Job Experience Essential Previous experience in solutions contexts. Thorough knowledge of International refugee law and its application. Desirable Solid UNHCR experience from both the Field (including Hardship Duty stations) and Headquarters.

Functional Skills IT-IT Refugee Systems & Applications PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) PR-Developing Strategic Protection Framework PR-Comprehensive Solutions Framework (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

Experience in developing and implementing strategies and approaches on protection and durable solutions for both refugees and IDPs. Experience working in IDPs context and interagency experience. Experience in strategic engagement with humanitarian fora and with development partners on protection and durable solutions issues, Versed with programmatic interventions related to access to justice, civil documentation, HLP, livelihood, and community-based protection, GBV, child protection, especially focusing on inclusion into strengthened national systems. Experience in managing the protection and durable solution dimension of refugee operation including strengthening national asylum system, local integration, resettlement and voluntary repatriation. Skills and experience to lead the Community Engagement and Accountability to Affected People Working Group as well as be a proactive member of the PSEA Network at the national level. Adequate expertise in human rights law, humanitarian law and protection principles in emergencies and conflict, and capacity to lead of law and policy initiatives. Ability to work collaboratively with various authorities, inter-agency partners and local NGOs in a sensitive political context. Legal background as well as knowledge of Portuguese language are not mandatory but an asset.Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

Portuguese,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Mozambique hosts around 25,000 asylum seekers and refugees the majority of whom are living in urban and rural communities. Around 80 per cent of the population are asylum-seekers pending refugee status determination by the government. Refugees and asylum seekers have de facto access to identification documents, birth registration, work, health, education, and justice systems. Nevertheless, in each of these areas some challenges remain in terms of access associated with and gaps in quality of services. Many refugees and asylum seekers in Mozambique live in a situation of protracted displacement and access to durable solutions is one of the priorities. While activities of voluntary repatriation and resettlement are on-going, local integration is the solution for the majority of the population. The Government has pledged in 2023 GRF to strengthen the local integration of refugees with a particular focus on inclusion into national systems.

In the North of Mozambique, the situation remains fluid with an ongoing armed conflict, but also with significant movements of returnees back to their areas of origin, that are still considered volatile. The Centre region (e.g. Sofala, Manica) is affected almost on an annual basis by extreme weather events and many people previously remain vulnerable. As of August 2023, around 850,599 individuals remain internally displaced in northern and central regions of Mozambique due to conflict perpetrated by non-state armed groups (NSAGs) and the devastating impacts of the climate crisis. At the same time, 571,468 IDPs have returned to their areas of origin – often living in IDP-like situations with poor living conditions and lack of access to basic services. Humanitarian assistance to meet the basic need is still needed in areas of return and or displacement as development and stabilization programmes scale up and national services are being re-established. In this context Mozambique was selected as a pilot country for the Action Agenda which calls on the UN, States and other actors to step up efforts towards finding solutions to internal displacement, to better prevent displacement crises from emerging, and to ensure that internally displaced persons receive effective protection and assistance.

In Mozambique, UNHCR leads the Protection Cluster and the HLP AoRs and co-lead the Solutions Working Group and provides protection response, at national and at provincial levels. UNHCR is working with the government and partners to i.e., implement protection monitoring; increase the issuance of civil documentation; prevent, mitigate risk, and respond to GBV, strengthen Community-based Protection (CBP) activities and capacity-building, and increase the activities of livelihoods and economic inclusion. UNHCR ensures full compliance with humanitarian principles, including protection from SEA (PSEA) and ‘Do No Harm,” and applies an age, gender, and diversity (AGD) and rights-based approach. UNHCR is working with development actors to support the inclusion of IDPs and refugees into development plans, actions and policies and thus leaving no one behind in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Senior Durable Solution Officer in Maputo will lead the Protection and Solutions Units in Branch Office, will work under the supervision of the Deputy Representative (Protection) and work closely with colleagues from the three offices, including FO Nampula and SO Pemba, while executing his/her duties. While the focus of the multiyear strategy is on solutions, both for IDPs and refugees, the incumbent will be in charge of all protection related activities including n the context of emergencies, that keep happening in Mozambique due to conflict and climate shocks. In addition, work in the area of statelessness is expected to increase in the coming years, which will also fall under the responsibility of the incumbent.

Living and Working Conditions:

Mozambique has a total population of 29 million people and Maputo is its capital city. The total area of Mozambique is 799 380 Km square from North to South. It is tropical hot and humid. The hottest and wettest months are December to February, when the average daily minimum temperatures are around 22 °c and the average daily highs of 30 °c. The rainy season is between October and April. Winters (June to August) are mild with the average daily temperature ranging from 13 °C to 24 °C.

Maputo is a B, Family duty-station where the security level is considered low (2). The security situation in the Southern area is relatively calm, the biggest concern being criminality in the main urban centers of Maputo, Matola, Xai-Xai and Inhambane cities. Floods occur every two to three years, with higher levels of risk in the southern provinces. Seasonal rains (November to April) and the lack of drainage infrastructure to accommodate stormwater runoff often leads to flash floods.

Traffic accidents are common in Mozambique due to the poor condition of the roads and poor driving and vehicle standards.

The metical is the local currency and exchange rate stands at USD 1 equivalent to about 63.25 meticais (MZN) as per December 2023. There is a wide range of Banks and ATMs to meet financial needs. Credit/debit cards are accepted in most places.

The public healthcare system in Mozambique is basic and limited. Private clinics can be found in Maputo and other larger cities in Mozambique. Mozambique lies in a malaria zone, so the necessary precautions should be taken: Avoiding mosquito bites by using nets, candles and sprays is recommended.

Vaccinations for diphtheria, hepatitis A, tetanus and typhoid are recommended. Tap water in Mozambique is not safe to drink, so bottled or boiled water should be used instead. Communication and transport services are available at various costs. The housing market is healthy but quite expensive, with a wide selection of apartments and houses for rent. Apartments can be rented from US$ 1,000 to US$ 1,500 per month and meals at the restaurant cost between US$ 10 and US$ 30.

Maputo has several open food markets and several large supermarkets that sell food, clothing, and household goods at reasonable prices. There are cinemas, several bars and discotheques for entertainment. Maputo is only two to three hours' drive away from Swaziland (Mbabane) and South Africa (Nelspruit).

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Social ScienceCertifications

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Leadership, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Strategic planning & visions, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awarenessUNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Add. 3 to Bi-annual Compendium 2023 - Part BAdditional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unhcr.org