Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)A (least hardship)
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Family
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeUNOPS IICA1
Target Start Date2023-05-02
Job Posting End DateMay 16, 2023
Terms of ReferenceGeneral Background/Operational Context
In recent years, the North of Central America (NCA) โ El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala โ 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 Josรฉ 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, including third country 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 processes cases of refugees and asylum seekers with the โtraditional resettlement' scheme as well as thanks to an innovative protection mechanism known as the Protection Transfer Agreement (PTA) โ 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 in Guatemala works with civil society 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. UNHCR interviews eligible cases and refers them with an assessment of the individualsโ protection needs. Upon desk review by the receiving country, the case may be accepted for further consideration and UNHCR liaises with the transit country to ensure a smooth transfer. UNHCR partners in the transit country receive the individuals and ensure access to protection and assistance until finalization of case processing by the receiving country. IOM is currently supporting the transfers with logistical and administrative arrangements.
The incumbentโs primary role is to support resettlement activities through identification and follow up of protection needs, conducting regular interviews and submission of PTA and RST cases to ensure that the yearly RST and PTA quota is met, as well as provision of capacity building to local stakeholders, while enhancing communication with relevant field actors. 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 UNHCRโs serves.
Purpose and Scope of Assignment
- Assess and interview 4 resettlement cases per week with the aim of
submitting 12 cases (25-30 pax) per month.
- Provide counselling to individuals
- Participate in relevant meetings concerning RST/PTA and protection issues
- Support the implementation of UNHCRโs global resettlement and
complementary pathways policies, procedures and guidelines in the AOR
- Support and contribute to measures that enhance the prevention, detection
and response to fraud committed by persons UNHCRโs serves
- 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
- Contribute to comprehensive protection and solutions strategies in the
country operation or region
- Perform other related duties as required
Monitoring and Progress Controls
- Interview an average of 16 RST-PTA cases per month
- Draft and submit an average of 12 PTA-RST cases (25-30 pax) per month
- Produce reports on RST-PTA when required
Qualifications and Experience
a. Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)
Years of Experience / Degree Level
- 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.
Certificates and/or Licenses
Protection Learning Programme
Resettlement Learning Programme
b. Relevant Work Experience
Essential
At least 2 years 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 UNHCRโs 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.
c. Functional Skills
*PR-Resettlement/Repatriation/Voluntary Repatriation
PR-Resettlement Anti-Fraud Policy and Procedures
PR-Experience in Operations facing mixed migratory movements
DM-Database Management
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
d. Language Requirements
English (mandatory), Level โ Fluent (both written and spoken)
Spanish (mandatory), Level โ Fluent (both written and spoken)
e. Competency Requirements
Core Competencies
Accountability
Communication
Organizational Awareness
Teamwork & Collaboration
Commitment to Continuous Learning
Client & Result Orientation
Managerial Competencies
Empowering and Building Trust
Managing Performance
Judgement and Decision Making
Cross-Functional Competencies
Analytical Thinking
Planning and Organizing
Political Awareness
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.
Recruitment as a UNHCR staff member and engagement under a UNHCR affiliate scheme or as an intern is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19.
Standard Job Description
Required Languages English
,Spanish
Desired Languages
,
Additional Qualifications
Skills
EducationBS: International Human Rights Law (Required), BS: International Law (Required), BS: International Refugee Law (Required), BS: Law (Required), BS: Political Science (Required), BS: Refugee and Forced Migration Studies (Required), BS: Social Science (Required)
Certifications
Work Experience
Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance