Hardship LevelU (unclassified)
Family TypeNon Family
Family TypeNon Family
Residential location (if applicable)
GradeGS6
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeGeneral Service
ReasonRegular > Regular Assignment
Remote work acceptedNo
Target Start Date2024-04-01
Job Posting End DateDecember 7, 2023
Standard Job DescriptionDurable Solutions Associate Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Durable Solutions Associate reports to a more senior Durable Solutions or Protection colleague. The incumbent is relied upon to contribute to the implementation of a durable solutions strategy. S/he works closely with protection, programme and field staff, contributes to fostering an environment to enhance partnerships is a critical element of the work, as are activities designed to strength the involvement of refugee communities and their hosts in the design and implementation of solutions strategies. All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCRยฟs core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. Duties - Provide counselling to refugees and other persons of concern (POC) to identify the most appropriate durable solution and to enable them to make a well-informed decision. - Interview candidates for voluntary repatriation and prepare documentation for their return, in line with Voluntary Repatriation SOPs. - Interview and prepare Resettlement Referral Forms (RRF), in line with Resettlement SOPs. - Interview candidates for local integration and prepare the appropriate documentation for onward submission to local authorities or partners, in line with Local Integration SOPs. - Assist in updating the electronic database for resettlement, voluntary repatriation and local integration, in line with Standard Operating Procedures. - Process documentation to ensure that POC receive the documents required for their durable solutions in a timely manner. - Prepare statistical and ad-hoc reports to ensure accurate information is available and shared with relevant offices and partners. - Interview and advise on the appropriate durable solution to be provided to POC. - Prepare documents relating to durable solutions. - Enter information into available database, in line with SOPs. - Draft and submit reports relating to durable solutions. - Perform other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher Field(s) of Education Not applicable. Certificates and/or Licenses HCR Protection Learning Prg; HCR Resettlement Lrng Prg; HCR Protection Induction Prog; (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential) Relevant Job Experience Essential Not specified. Desirable Diverse field experience. Experience in interviewing. Functional Skills DM-Database Management IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential) Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English. 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. This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile - Demonstrated work experience related to protection programmes in humanitarian settings
- Strong case management and drafting skills are an asset for discharging the functions of the position.
- Strong stakeholder management and communications skills considering the large number of external partners, s/he will need to coordinate and advocate with.
- Good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports and presentations; articulate options, recommendations and positions concisely;
- Ability to clearly communicate with counterparts, local interlocutors and communities with capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups from diverse backgrounds are desirable qualities.
- Strategic thinking, good political awareness, planning and analytical skills together with the ability to forecast evolving situations.
- Effective organizational and problem-solving skills, ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner;
- With a team of staff under his/her oversight, demonstrated leadership competencies are an added advantage.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
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Desired languages
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Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
Field Units Aw-barre and Shedder will be headed by the Durable Solutions Associate (G6) overseeing activities and services provided by UNHCR and partners to refugees and other forcibly displaced populations in Aw-barre and Shedder camps. Shedder and Aw-Barre camps (both hosted in Aw-barre district) are on the same flank which is approximately one hour and thirty minutes drive respectively from Jijiga (no tarmac road). All refugees are in a protracted situation and fled from Somalia at the beginning of the civil war in 1997 and during the outbreak of violence following the rise of the Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) militia. Shedder refugee camp hosts a total population of 14,695 individuals, and Aw-barre 13,413 individuals, of which 52% are women and children.
The incumbent is relied upon to contribute to ensuring a conducive environment leading towards finding durable solutions. He/she should participate in consultative processes within UNHCR and a broad range of partners to promote durable solutions and advance the efficiency of UNHCRโs interventions. Activities to strengthen the involvement of refugee communities, IDPs and their hosts in the design and implementation of solutions strategies are a critical element of the work.
Key responsibilities will include assessing refugee needs in the various fields of assistance, closely monitoring the implementation of projects under the geographical area of responsibility and ensure the provisions under the agreements signed with the implementing partners are being adhered to. He/she will regularly prepare written reports on the implementation of projects and the situation in the sites, and provide updates on any challenges that may occur affecting programme, beneficiaries and the smooth running of the operation. The incumbent will identify vulnerable groups or individuals who may need special attention or special arrangements and make recommendations on the needs of different groups of refugees, and implement activities in accordance with the comprehensive solutions strategy, with a view to finding durable solutions to the maximum number of refugees and other affected populations within available regional and national legal frameworks. He/she will participate in consultative processes within UNHCR and with a broad range of regional and national partners to promote voluntary repatriation, local integration and resettlement, and develop and maintain relations with local authorities ensuring smooth negotiations in all aspects of UNHCR's mandate for the benefit of refugees and other displaced populations.
The position is directly supervised by the Protection Officer who provides the incumbent with general guidance and workplans. He/she will work independently with oversight from the supervisor and the Associate Field Officer. The incumbent liaises with relevant Officers in the Sub-Office and Representation Office in Addis Ababa as applicable, for technical guidance, and may have supervisory responsibility over support staff working in Aw-barre and Shedder. He/she will also have close liaison with a range of local authorities and counterparts in NGOs and UN agencies to discuss matters of common interest.
Living and Working Conditions:
Aw-barre is one of the Field Units of Sub-Office Jigjiga. It is located north west of Jigjiga on about 72 km of rough road. It is also about 20 kilometres away from the border with Somaliland with the security level 3 (moderate) duty station.
Accommodation: UNHCR provides accommodation in Aw-barre, and national staff live in the compound at a standard price, in accordance with UNHCR Policy on Providing Accommodation in the Field. Most accommodations are fully furnished, with private bathrooms, equipped common kitchen in a dining hall, and internet access through a Wi-Fi connection. Cleaning services also are provided daily.
Health Service: The refugee health centre is run by Refugees and Returnees Service - RRS (Government counterpart/implementing partner) and is available in Aw-Barre with the provision of basic health services. However, it is strongly recommended to bring oneโs own personal medication and at least a two-month supply stock, especially if in need of treatment that cannot be provided inside the compound or surrounding areas. The medical facilities in the area are insufficient to treat urgent medical cases.
Other services: The currency used in Aw-barre is the Ethiopian Birr (ETB). There is Government Bank in the city and money transactions can be undertaken, including dollar exchange as well as no standard restaurant or hotel in Aw-barre town. Staff members are recommended to cater for his/her own meals. All mail services are facilitated through the Jigjiga Office including shipping items and materials.
The UNHCR Field Office in Aw-barre is a non-family duty station. For this reason, staff spouses and dependents are not entitled to live in the compound.
Additional Qualifications
SkillsDM-Database Management, IT-Microsoft Office Productivity Software
Education
CertificationsHCR Protection Induction Prog - UNHCR, HCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Resettlement Learning Program - UNHCR
Work Experience
CompetenciesAccountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration, Technological awareness
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Compendium
Additional InformationFemale candidates are encouraged to apply.
Functional clearanceThis position doesn't require a functional clearance