Deadline for ApplicationsSeptember 19, 2025
Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)A (least hardship)
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Family
Staff Member / Affiliate TypeFellow
Target Start Date2025-11-01
Terms of ReferenceResettlement Fellow UNHCR, Kigali
Terms of Reference
Introduction
The purpose of this fellowship is to offer an opportunity to a recent law graduate to provide a UNHCR experience and to learn hands-on skills of interviewing refugees and preparing resettlement applications (RRFs) for submission to countries. This fellowship is unpaid and located in Kigali, Rwanda (no remote option available).
The fellow in Kigali will be directly supervised by the Senior Durable Solutions Officer in Kigali, Andrew Ginsberg. Guidance and reviews of work may also be accomplished by various resettlement officers as well as other protection staff.
The time frame and stipend for the fellowship will be set forth in the University of Michigan Law School Bates Fellowship Award Letter and in line with UNHCRโs Agreement with the University of Michigan Law School regarding the assignment of postgraduates/graduate students as fellows to UNHCR.
Candidates
Academic Background
The ideal candidate would be a recent law graduate with a demonstrated interest in Refugee Law. The candidate should have taken relevant law courses and/or participated in relevant clinics at the law school such as an asylum representation clinic and/or a clinic in international human rights.
Experience
The candidate should have some hands-on legal experience. In particular, interviewing clients, preparing statements/affidavits, legal research and/or representing clients before tribunals. This experience may have been acquired in a law school clinic or summer internship, etc.
Commitment
The ideal candidate will be willing to commit for one year. However shorter periods may be considered depending on the background of the candidate.
Interests
The ideal candidate would be interested in a career with UNHCR, UN, human rights or to work in immigration law including the representation of asylum-seekers.
Outcomes/Responsibilities
Enhance knowledge about International Refugee Law and practice;
Learn about the registration process for refugees;
Learn about Refugee Status Determination (RSD) processes;
Learn the UNHCR and various countriesโ resettlement criteria and the resettlement guidelines;
Enhance interviewing skills and refugee case management;
Enhance drafting and advocacy skills in the context of refugee resettlement;
Learn Country of Origin Information (โCOIโ) for various nationalities and refine researching COI skills and knowledge;
Understand resettlement countriesโ admissibility requirements;
Other responsibilities that may arise related to refugee protection and, in particular, durable solutions for refugees.
Methodology
The fellow will be provided with relevant reading materials on Refugee Law, RSD, resettlement and refugee protection. The fellow will receive training in RSD and resettlement procedures through presentations and meetings with RSD, resettlement and other UNHCR staff. The fellow will also be introduced to the various of protection activities that UNHCR engages in through meetings and interactions with UNHCR staff and the staff of partners.
Initially, the fellow will shadow Resettlement Assistants in interviews with refugees in order to learn the basics of protection and resettlement work. S/he will be exposed to various protection issues as well as processing issues and procedures for addressing them as well as the triaging of cases.
After some time, depending on acquisition of the relevant skills, the fellow will shadow resettlement caseworkers preparing the resettlement applications (โRRFsโ) and supporting evidence. The fellow will support the caseworkers with drafting parts of the RRF and providing relevant research to support the cases.
Eventually the fellow will conduct RRF interviews under supervision. The fellow will be closely monitored initially. Over time, the fellow will gain relatively more independence. However, all RRFs will be carefully reviewed and will have to be cleared before submission. The fellow will receive feedback in writing and through counselling.
It is anticipated that by the end of the fellowship the fellow will gain enough experience to be drafting cases of high complexity at a level similar to other UNHCR caseworkers.
Standard Job Description
Required Languages
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Desired Languages
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Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Certifications
Work Experience
Other informationThis position doesn't require a functional clearance
RemoteNo