RSD Associate

Organizational Context

The RSD Associate is part of the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) team, supporting all activities related to processing refugee claims within the Operation. This role involves direct interaction with asylum seekers and refugees, providing crucial information and guidance on UNHCR's RSD procedures, their rights, and obligations.

Job Purpose

The RSD Associate is responsible for supporting the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) process within the Operation. This involves providing counselling and responding to queries from asylum seekers and refugees regarding UNHCR's RSD procedures, their rights and obligations, and the status of their claims. The role requires close liaison with other protection units and maintaining a repository of relevant information. Additionally, the Associate will conduct research on country of origin information (COI) and other RSD-related issues, assist in drafting RSD assessments, and compile/analyze data on RSD activities. The position also entails assisting in developing and maintaining communication processes for accurate information dissemination to concerned persons, government authorities, and partners, and supporting initiatives to strengthen fair and efficient RSD procedures.

Responsibilities

The RSD Associate will stay informed about legal, political, and security developments impacting the protection environment and RSD delivery. They will assist in developing the operation's RSD strategy and annual planning. A key duty is providing counselling to asylum seekers and refugees, including explaining negative RSD decisions, and maintaining accurate case records. The Associate will help prevent and identify fraud in RSD through guidance to staff, partners, and persons of concern, applying an age, gender, and diversity perspective. They will conduct research on COI and maintain a local repository of RSD information, guidelines, and standards. Monitoring RSD trends, analyzing statistics, and assisting in developing processes for information dissemination are also required. The role involves supporting initiatives to advocate for and strengthen fair RSD procedures with government authorities and legal partners. Drafting correspondence and reports on RSD activities, referring cases for follow-up, and counselling asylum seekers on negative decisions are essential. The Associate will also manage risks and opportunities impacting their area of responsibility, ensuring risk-based decision-making and reporting concerns to supervisors.

Work Experience

Working experience with procedures and principles related to RSD is desirable. Experience in working with vulnerable or traumatized individuals is also desirable. Knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law and the ability to apply relevant legal principles are beneficial.

Skills

Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) application Counselling Asylum Seekers or Refugees Cross-cultural communication Human Rights Law RSD - Principles and Procedures Research Government Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedures Treatment of vulnerable/traumatized individuals

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