Mission and objectivesThe office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was created in 1950, during the aftermath of the Second World War, to help millions of Europeans who had fled or lost their homes. The primary purpose of UNHCR is to safeguard the rights and well-being of people who have been forced to flee. Together with partners and communities, UNHCR works to ensure that everybody has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. UNHCR also strive to secure lasting solutions. For over half a century, UNHCR has helped millions of people to restart their lives. They include refugees, returnees, stateless people, the internally displaced and asylum-seekers. Our protection, shelter, health and education has been crucial, healing broken pasts and building brighter futures. While the UAE is not signatory to 1951 convention or any other agreement, and has no national asylum system in place, UNHCR works closely with the government to expand protection space for persons of concern to UNHCR. In the UAE context where resettlement remains as the only viable durable solution, interorganizational partnership and cooperation with government entities as well as other private and public ones play a crucial role in terms of advocating for complementary pathways. The use of RST can build confidence with the local authorities concerning the Officesโ capacity to provide solutions, and help to support capacity development activities. In addition, the UNHCR Office in the UAE continuously advocates and seeks opportunities for private or community sponsorship programmes and education and labour opportunities not only in the UAE but also to the third countries.
ContextThe incumbent online volunteer will be assisting the overall work in the Protection Unit to assist projects related to Complementary Pathway (https://www.unhcr.org/what-we-do/build-better-futures/solutions/complementary-pathways-admission-third-countries) to go smoothly, specifically in communication (calls or texts) with asylum seekers and refugees on demand and other administrative tasks on demand. The online UNV will be assisting the team specifically for the 3-month pilot project to enhance the English proficiency of asylum seekers and refugees with 'Learning Upgrade,' providing any technical assistance, monitoring the WhatsApp group, and managing the communication with AS/REF in general. The incumbent will also be engaged in other projects with academia, carrying out tasks in a similar manner, if necessary.
Task DescriptionUNHCR UAE is searching for online volunteers to provide support in the work and projects carried out by the Protection Unit. โข Communication with asylum seekers and refugees on demand/tasks to assist the project with Learning Upgrade (3-month pilot) and Sorbonne University and process of Learning Upgrade pilot, e.g. consolidate questions, complaints, and challenges โข Assess learning needs of candidates for a project with Sorbonne University aligning with Complementary Pathway โข Document translation or interpretation for interviews (on irregular basis) (Once a week)
Competencies and values
Living conditions and remarks