Repatriation Associate

Organizational Context

The Repatriation Associate operates within UNHCR, reporting to a senior colleague in a Field, Sub Office, or Country Office. This role is crucial for advancing repatriation activities, ensuring the voluntary repatriation program adheres to standard operating procedures and upholds the principles of safety, dignity, and informed decision-making for persons of concern.

Job Purpose

The Repatriation Associate is responsible for implementing UNHCR's voluntary repatriation program, ensuring all movements are voluntary, safe, and dignified, with full participation and support of the individuals and communities involved. This involves interviewing candidates to ensure they make informed decisions about returning to their country of origin, based on current information about conditions there. The role requires preparing necessary documentation, facilitating communication between UNHCR and persons of concern, and providing logistical and administrative support for repatriation movements. Additionally, the associate will monitor the implementation of return operations, gather data on returnee conditions, and assess the specific needs of vulnerable returnees, advising senior colleagues on appropriate responses and registration for further processing.

Responsibilities

The Repatriation Associate conducts interviews with individuals seeking voluntary repatriation, verifying their informed decision-making based on up-to-date information regarding conditions in their country of origin. They are responsible for preparing essential documents, including Voluntary Repatriation Forms, and ensuring refugees receive appropriate documentation. The role involves facilitating UNHCR's communication with persons of concern, potentially through translation and cultural mediation, and participating in mass information campaigns about the voluntary repatriation program. Logistical and administrative support for border-crossing and return movements is a key duty. The associate will assist in monitoring the voluntary return operation through consultations, field visits, and monitoring tools, gathering and entering data on return movements and conditions in areas of return. They will assess the specific needs of vulnerable returnees and advise on appropriate responses, while also informing senior colleagues about individuals suitable for further return processing. Data entry into databases and drafting reports on voluntary repatriation are also required. Furthermore, the associate supports risk management, identifying and reporting risks and issues to supervisors, and performs other related duties as required.

Work Experience

Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 2 years of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree or higher. Demonstrated knowledge of UNHCR refugee protection standards, repatriation procedures, and policies on durable solutions is essential.

Skills

UNHCR refugee protection standards Procedures for Refugee Repatriation Policies on durable solutions for refugees Interviewing Documentation preparation Logistics support Administrative support Monitoring implementation Data gathering and entry Needs assessment Risk management Computer Literacy

Explore related opportunities