Senior Repatriation Assistant

Organizational Context

The Senior Repatriation Assistant reports to a supervisor within a Field Office, Sub Office, or Country Office. This role is crucial for advancing repatriation activities and ensuring the voluntary repatriation program operates in compliance with standard operating procedures, prioritizing safety, dignity, and the full participation of persons of concern.

Job Purpose

The Senior Repatriation Assistant is responsible for implementing UNHCR's voluntary repatriation program, ensuring all movements adhere to the principles of voluntariness, safety, and dignity. This involves interviewing individuals to ensure informed decisions about returning to their country of origin, based on up-to-date information. The role requires facilitating communication and access between UNHCR and persons of concern, including providing translation and cultural mediation. Additionally, the incumbent will support mass information campaigns to inform refugee communities and stakeholders about the repatriation program, and provide essential logistics and administrative support for return movements. A key aspect is assessing the specific needs of vulnerable returnees and advising on appropriate responses, while also accurately entering repatriation data into databases.

Responsibilities

The Senior Repatriation Assistant will conduct interviews with individuals seeking voluntary repatriation, ensuring they make informed decisions based on current conditions in their home countries. They will assist in preparing necessary documentation, including Voluntary Repatriation Forms, and ensure refugees receive appropriate paperwork. The role involves facilitating communication and access between UNHCR and persons of concern, providing translation and cultural mediation services. The incumbent will participate in mass information sessions to educate refugee communities and stakeholders about the voluntary repatriation program. They will provide logistical and administrative support for voluntary repatriation border crossings and return movements. Furthermore, the assistant will help assess the specific needs of vulnerable returnees during their journeys and recommend suitable support measures. They will advise senior colleagues on the voluntary nature of return decisions and identify individuals for further return processing according to existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Data entry of voluntary repatriation information into relevant databases, in compliance with SOPs, is also a core duty. The role includes supporting risk management by identifying and managing risks and opportunities impacting the area of responsibility, ensuring risk-based decision-making, and escalating issues to supervisors.

Work Experience

2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant experience with a Bachelor's degree or equivalent or higher.

Skills

Voluntary Repatriation Program Implementation Informed Decision Making Support Documentation Assistance Communication Facilitation Translation Cultural Mediation Mass Information Campaigns Logistics Support Administrative Support Vulnerable Returnee Needs Assessment Data Entry Risk Management

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