Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)A (least hardship)
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Family
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeCONS International
Target Start Date2023-12-01
Job Posting End DateNovember 12, 2023
Terms of ReferenceThis is an international consultant position, and therefore, the vacancy is open to applications of non-nationals of Aruba. Please note that this is a 6 months contract.
The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.
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.
Levels of language knowledge:
A1-beginner
A2-elementary
B1-lower intermediate
B2-upper intermediate
C1-advanced/proficient
C2-fluent
โQuality Assurance Initiative (QAI)โ Review and Mapping of RSD Practices, Procedures, Legal Frameworks and providing Recommendations.
Purpose of project: To conduct an in-depth evaluation and research to deliver several documents mapping out current practices, policies as well as legal and administrative frameworks in relation to the Asylum Procedure in Aruba and provide a final report with concrete recommendations and a prioritization overview for the development of a strategy, policy, tools, and the next steps in terms of a Quality Insurance Initiative contributing to a fair, efficient and sustainable RSD system.
General Background of Project/Assignment
As part of its supervisory responsibility under Article 35 of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, UNHCR supports states worldwide to develop and improve asylum systems and related legal frameworks. Supporting the development of Statesโ capacity to manage asylum processes, specifically refugee status determination (RSD), is an important priority for UNHCR.
In some contexts, UNHCRโs collaboration with government authorities has extended to the joint development of mechanisms to regularly monitor and review asylum decisions and related processes to maintain high-quality (international) standards. Such cooperation often takes the form of dedicated \"quality assurance initiativesโ (QAI), which are usually jointly run by government authorities and UNHCR, often with the involvement of dedicated project staff.
Aruba context
Aruba is an autonomous, self-governing constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and is considered a small international development state. The proximity of Aruba to Venezuela, historical cultural and economic ties, as well as higher living standards in Aruba have made the island an important destination for Venezuelans fleeing the humanitarian situation in Venezuela. In addition, Aruba continues to receive individuals from Colombia, and other countries in the region and hosts a significant number of persons as part of the mixed movement flows of which a substantial number asylum-seekers.
The 1967 Protocol and the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees apply to Aruba. The Government has introduced a national mechanism to determine refugee status, which is managed by the Department of Integration, Management and Admission of Foreigners (DIMAS). It has published statistics on the number of asylum-seekers and refugees registered/or recognized in the 2022 year-end report. According to those statistics, 4,107 asylum applications were filed from 2015 to 2022, involving 5,250 people, with most of the applications coming from Venezuelans and Colombians and a granting rate of 1.1% in 2022.
The response capacity of Aruba, an island of only 110,000 inhabitants on a surface of 180 km2 (30 km length x 8 km width), has been severely stretched. This has also overburdened the system and resulted in delays in processing asylum claims, creating potential barriers to accessing effective remedies, which increased the dependency of forcibly displaced populations on humanitarian aid.
UNHCR, therefore, will support the Aruban government to increase the national asylum system's efficiency, adaptability, and integrity through a Quality Assurance Initiative.
This consultancy aims at supporting the Government of Aruba in strengthening the capacity of the Asylum Unit and other authorities involved in asylum adjudications and refugee status determination (RSD) procedures in Aruba. This consultancy aims to create the initial diagnostic and recommendations that can be built upon with the Government of Aruba and with Governmental approval (depending on capacity, funding and infrastructure).
Overall purpose and Scope of Assignment
The consultant is expected to review and analyze the systems related to RSD in Aruba and provide recommendations for strengthening and streamlining the RSD process. The assignment will consider the resources provided by UNHCR and make suggestions for input and support of UNHCR to continue the QAI implementation and further support the system.in collaboration and agreement with the Government of Aruba.
To this effect, itโs envisaged that the consultant will:
1. Undertake background research, including undertaking all necessary field consultations.
- with the relevant authorities, including DIMAS (Department of Integration and Management of Foreigners), Asylum Department Coordinator and staff, and members of the Objection Commission and Administrative Jurisprudence Commission (LAR Committee)
- With the forcibly displaced population
- With the relevant UN and civil society actors, including UNHCR partners, HIAS, IOM, PADF, VeneAruba, University, and others;
- Meet with the Reference Group (described below) regularly to update on progress, make adjustments, and consider any improved use of resources to support the system strengthening;
2. Implement the feedback from the research and consultations in the different deliverables.
- Provide at least three documents reviewing, mapping and analyzing the different stages of the RSD procedure. (in-depth information available under Monitoring and Progress Control) for the benefit of strengthening Arubaโs asylum systems.
- Provide one recommendation report and a prioritization overview to help inform the development of a strategy, policy and tools for a fair, efficient and sustainable RSD system.
The Reference Group will be comprised of both UNHCR and external experts with technical and/or region specific expertise and who will provide advice to the consultant on an as needed basis throughout the consultancy.
Requirements:
Minimum years of Experience / Degree Level
- 3 years relevant experience with Bachelor degree; 2 years relevant experience with Master degree or 1 year of relevant experience with a Doctorate degree.
Field(s) of Education
- University degree in Law, International Relations or related fields.
Language
- English (overall B2) and Dutch (B2) are required for this position.
- Spanish is desired.
Work Experience
- This corresponds to a function providing specialized services or expertise in asylum procedures and RSD with knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles.
- Relevant work experience including within governmental entities.
- Prior work within the QAI scheme or providing guidance or recommendations to government entities on RSD principles and implementation strongly preferred.
Key Competencies
- Excellent liaison and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work well under pressure on multiple tasks simultaneously, establish priorities and deliver quality output in a time-efficient manner.
- Excellent planning and organizing skills.
- Excellent computer skills, in particular Microsoft Office.
- Experience working on asylum issues with government entities, or legal clinics, or with UNHCR or any other humanitarian organization is an asset.
- Excellent drafting skills.
- Analytical Thinking skills.
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.
Standard Job Description
Required Languages English
,Dutch
,
Desired Languages Spanish
,
,
Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Certifications
Work Experience
Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance