Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The position for Associate Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer may be based in Country Operations, Regional Bureaux or Headquarters. The incumbent’s primary role is to support resettlement and complementary pathways activities in his/her Area of Responsibility (AOR) through identification of needs, submission of cases, monitoring procedural compliance, integrity and quality of case submissions, and ensure progress against targets. S/he takes part in assessing cases for resettlement and conducting interviews as well as monitoring procedural compliance and quality of case submissions. The role may also involve managerial responsibilities in supervising staff and affiliate workforce. S/he contributes to comprehensive protection and solutions strategies and needs to make resettlement both strategic as well as responsive to the needs of people of concern to UNHCR.
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
– Identify, interview, assess resettlement and complementary pathways needs, and process cases identified for resettlement and complementary pathways following established procedures; provide counselling to individuals.
– Support monitoring of activities for resettlement and complementary pathways, as applicable, to ensure progress against targets, transparency and efficiency in case submissions and appropriate follow-up with resettlement countries and other key stakeholders.
– Review and provide timely feedback and guidance on resettlement submissions prepared in the country office/ by country offices to harmonize quality and consistency of resettlement delivery.
– Support the management of processes to ensure that persons of concern and partners receive up-to-date and accurate information on UNHCR’s resettlement and complementary pathways policies and procedures.
-Support the implementation of UNHCR’s global resettlement and complementary pathways policies, procedures and guidelines in the AOR.
– Ensure Standard Operating Procedures for identification of cases for resettlement and resettlement case management are in place and in line with UNHCR Global Standards.
– Support and contribute to measures that enhance the prevention, detection and response to fraud committed by persons of concern generally and in resettlement and complementary pathways in particular.
– Support senior management in maintaining regular contact and close cooperation with resettlement countries and partners to ensure effective delivery of resettlement and complementary pathways; and adherence to adequate protection standards.
– Support government officials and partners undertaking missions related to resettlement and complementary pathways.
– Assist selection missions by resettlement countries to the region/country operations.
– Stay abreast and analyse the implication of political, legal, social and economic developments in the AOR and recommend policy / strategic approaches to further UNHCR objectives with respect to resettlement and complementary pathways.
– Contribute to the development and enhancement of policy and guidelines for resettlement and complementary pathways practices.
– Systematically apply an Age, Gender and Diversity perspective in all aspects of the resettlement and complementary pathways process; comply with UNHCR policy and guidelines on HIV/AIDS.
– Promote and support the establishment of mechanisms for preventing fraud in resettlement and complementary pathways activities to maintain the integrity of the resettlement and complementary pathways process in the AOR.
– Assist in the production of up-to-date and accurate statistics, analytical reports on resettlement and complementary pathways, updates and briefing notes, including with regard to the trends, the country/ region’s performance in meeting resettlement targets, challenges and responses.
– Contribute to comprehensive protection and solutions strategies in the country operation or region. – Perform other related duties as required.
For jobs in the Regional Bureaux only:
– Review and provide feedback and advice to country operations on their resettlement and complementary pathways strategies and priorities, to ensure that they are coherent and consistent with the regional strategy and are fully integrated into country operations plans.
– Assist offices in the annual planning exercise for resettlement and complementary pathways.
– Review and provide timely feedback and guidance on resettlement submissions prepared by country offices to harmonize quality and consistency of resettlement delivery; assist the supervisor in monitoring procedural compliance.
– Conduct periodic field missions to provide advice on the quality and consistency of resettlement submissions, decisions and activities.
– Assist in negotiating with resettlement countries the design and development of regional resettlement programmes and complementary pathways involving governments and non-governmental organisations in close consultation with the Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Service in the Division of International Protection (DIP) at Headquarters.
– Coordinate with DIP, other entities within the Bureau and country operations to ensure a comprehensive and consistent approach in the prevention, detection and response to fraud committed by persons of concern across the region.
– Collect resettlement and complementary pathways related information to be used by the Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Service in the DIP for external publications.
– Assist in assessing training needs, draw regional training plan and strategy and deliver resettlement, complementary pathways and related training to UNHCR staff, partners and other stakeholders as required.
– Contribute to a communications strategy that generates support from external parties for the expansion of resettlement and complementary pathways.
Minimum Qualifications
Years of Experience / Degree Level For P2/NOB – 3 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 2 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 1 year relevant experience with Doctorate degree Field(s) of Education Political Science; Social Sciences; International Law; Law; International Public Law; International Refugee Law; International Human Rights Law; Refugee and Forced Migration International Relations; or other relevant field. (Field(s) of Education marked with an asterisk* are essential) Certificates and/or Licenses Protection Learning Programme; Resettlement Learning Programme; (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
At least 1 year of professional work experience relevant to refugee protection work, preferably within the international capacity. Demonstrated experience in casework or case management, preferably in a refugee or immigration context.
Desirable Sound understanding and ability to implement UNHCR’s policy and global strategic priorities, such as AGDM, IDP, Statelessness, and HIV/AIDS, in the area of responsibility at appropriate level. Diverse field experience.
Experience working in a multi-cultural environment.
Functional Skills DM-Database Management PR-Refugee Resettlement programs PR-Resettlement Anti-Fraud Policy and Procedures PR-Mixed migratory movement management (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
The incumbent should possess solid leadership and coordination skills, as he/she will have to supervise a team of around 8-10 colleagues, as well as dealing with different stakeholders, including implementing partners, government officials, IOM and people UNHCR’s serves. Strong communication skills, people management, empathy and duty of care are also an asset for this position.
Ability to work under minimum supervision, working under pressure to meet tight deadline (the RST and PTA quota). Proven analytical skills, and ability to review complex RSD/RST cases, as well attention to details to process large sets of data and information. Previous experience in Child Protection, particularly in processes related to Best Interest Determination and knowledge on the use of ProGres is also preferable.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
Spanish
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Desired languages
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Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:
Nature of Position:
In recent years, the North of Central America (NCA) ― El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala ― has seen a dramatic escalation in the acute violence of street gangs and organized criminal groups that is driving increased forced displacement both within and from these countries. The NCA countries are experiencing some of the highest homicide rates ever recorded, and sexual violence, forced disappearances, forced recruitment into gangs, forced prostitution and trafficking of girls and women for sexual exploitation have also been reported as part of the violence pattern.
UNHCR has developed a comprehensive protection strategy for the NCA countries within the framework of the 2014 Brazil Declaration and Plan of Action and the 2016 San José Statement with the aim to provide protection to the persons UNHCR serves. In this context, UNHCR is building its response capacity to offer durable solutions to the persons UNHCR serves in Guatemala
The persons UNHCR serves in the NCA countries are both people at risk still in their countries of origin, as well as refugees and asylum seekers from neighbouring countries. UNHCR in Guatemala in fact identifies and processed cases of refugees and asylum seekers with the ‘traditional Resettlement’ scheme as well as implementing an innovative protection mechanism known as the Protection Transfer Agreement (PTA) – a resettlement programme for Guatemalans at risk still living in their country of origin.
The ongoing scale-up of the Guatemala operation saw a sharp increase in terms of annual quota for PTA and Resettlement. Specifically, in 2022 the PTA-Resettlement quota stood at 3,020 submissions, meanwhile for 2023 a total of 3,400 individuals are expected to be submitted.
Thanks to the Resettlement and PTA programmes, individuals with specific profile facing severe protection risks in Guatemala can have legal and safe access to another country where they can enjoy effective protection. The programs are coordinated by UNHCR, IOM, local NGOs, and with the Governments of the countries of asylum/origin and participating resettlement countries.
UNHCR works with civil society’s partners to identify cases at high risk in the country of origin, who also provide humanitarian assistance to identified cases and, where needed, provisional protection in safe houses.
The Associate Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer (P2) will work under the direct supervision of the Resettlement and Complementary Pathways Officer. The incumbent will assist with the implementation of the Protection Transfer Agreement (PTA) and Resettlement programmes in Guatemala and the management of a large team.
Living and Working Conditions:
Guatemala City is classified as an A Family Duty Station by the International Civil Service Commission. It is a modern city with a good infrastructure for (health, housing, banking, transportation, telecommunications and recreational facilities) and a suitable level of goods and services. In recent years, Guatemala has seen a dramatic escalation of acute violence related to street gangs and organized criminal groups; however most of this type of violence in concentrated in specific areas of Guatemala City. The statistics indicate that the robberies in streets and the extortions are the most frequent crime. Traffic accidents are also common especially during the rainy season (May-Oct) and the country is also prone to earthquake and volcanic eruptions.
Most international staff are advised to live in certain zones, such as Zone 10, 13, 14 and 16, which are considered safe. However, it is advised to never walk at night as many streets are not well lit nor heavily frequented by foot traffic. Buses are available however, these are not recommended for use by UN staff. Cars would be needed particularly in the field locations. Traffic can be heavy during peak hours.
The cost of living is reasonable for the region (reflected in the post adjustment), and it is relatively easy to locate modern housing, including close to the office (mainly apartments). It is advised to live in apartment buildings and not separate houses for security reasons.
There are a wide range of restaurants and food options, including modern supermarkets with imported goods and organic fruits/vegetables. There are many modern shopping malls with restaurants and a wide variety of stores. It is easy to move around in the country and there are many different cultural activities to enjoy, including outdoor and sport activities.
There are also several international schools with various curriculums in Guatemala City and private schools in some of the field locations. A full range of medical care is available in Guatemala City, but medical care outside the city is limited.
For moving around the city and everyday activities, Spanish knowledge would be useful as English is not widely spoken.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
People Management, PG-Stakeholder management and coordination with Implementing Partners (Gov/NGO/Corporate), PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD), PR-Asylum/Migration, PR-Durable Solutions/Comprehensive Solutions Strategies implementation, PR-Individual Case Management, PR-Interviewing skills (People of Concern), Prioritization, Proactive Approach, PR-Refugee Resettlement programs, Strategic Objectives, TR-Capacity Buidling
Education
BA: International Law (Required), BA: International Relations (Required), BA: Political Science (Required), BA: Social Science (Required)
Certifications
HCR Resettlement Learning Program – UNHCR, HCR RSD Learning Program – UNHCR
Work Experience
Case Management: Internally Displace Persons, Case Management: Refugees, Child Protection, Durable Solutions, RSD, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Political awareness, Teamwork & collaboration
UNHCR Salary Calculator
Compendium
Add. 3 to Bi-annual Compendium 2022 – Part B
Additional Information
Functional clearance
This position doesn’t require a functional clearance
How to apply
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please note that UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, travelling, processing, training or any other fees).
Closing date of receipt of applications: 16 March 2023 (midnight Geneva time)
