Durable Solutions Officer, P3, Erbil, for non-Iraqi nationals at UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Durable Solutions Officer is a focal point for solutions related issues in a country, and normally reports to the Senior Durable Solutions Officer, Senior Protection Officer or, where appropriate, to the Assistant or Deputy Representative. The incumbent may have supervisory responsibility for durable solutions staff, who may include staff within the functional groups of durable solutions, reintegration, repatriation, and resettlement. S/he works closely with protection and programme staff and ensures operational standards and practices in solutions delivery at the country level.

The Durable Solutions Officer is relied upon to assist in the development, implementation and adherence to protection, resilience and solutions strategies and to advise on all solutions topics. These include: voluntary repatriation (refugees) or return (IDPs) and sustainable reintegration; local integration and other local solutions; relocation, resettlement and complementary pathways for admission to third countries; Global Compact on Refugees commitments and opportunities; housing, land and property; statelessness (in line with the campaign to End Statelessness by 2024); age, gender, diversity (AGD) and accountability to affected populations (AAP) through community-based protection. The Durable Solutions Officer should provide planning and foresight to advance progress in Protracted Refugee situations, where applicable, and/or to prevent new situations from becoming protracted. Assisting the Country Office in 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. If in a regional office/ Bureau, s/he also coordinates durable solutions activities between and among country offices in the region ensuring consistency with relevant Global Strategic Priorities and Policies. If in a regional office/ Bureau, s/he works closely with protection, registration, information management, education, development, programme and technical staff including cash, livelihoods and shelter, and promotes operational standards, policy and practices in comprehensive solutions delivery. The incumbent may maintain close working relations with regionally based UN sister entities, other intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organisations on durable solutions matters.

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 UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties

– Support the development of multiyear comprehensive protection, resilience and solutions strategies as relevant.
– Monitor the implementation of, and implement interventions under, the protection and solutions strategy/ies; identify challenges and report on achievements.
– Serve as focal point for durable solutions, including chairing Durable Solutions Working Group(s) and achieving a schematic overview of country/regional Durable Solution Working Groups or other solutions coordination mechanisms.
– Participate in consultative processes within UNHCR and with a broad range of external partners to promote all durable solutions.
– Ensure close linkages with staff that oversee data and information production to deliver fact based advocacy and support for durable solutions.
– Support the internal UNHCR processes related to voluntary repatriation and returns, including data management, the preparation of Exchange of Letters, Tripartite Agreements, standard operating procedures and other agreements as required.
– Support country operations in the development and implementation of the local integration and other local solutions aspects of solutions strategies, ensuring inclusion of persons of concern in national systems and services, and in national and local development processes.
– In the absence of dedicated resettlement and complementary pathways staff, and in close collaboration with multi-functional teams: ensure UNHCR’s resettlement and complementary pathways for admission standards are correctly and coherently applied; efficient, fair and transparent procedures are in place across the AOR, targets are met and fraud prevention mechanisms are in place; operations are supported to develop advocacy strategies and operational responses to pursue the identification, development, promotion and facilitation of access to complementary pathways for admissions to third countries; ensure that country operations plans reflect the strategy on RST/CP and that the necessary resources are allocated to address gaps across the AOR.
– Represent UNHCR’s Resettlement and Complementary Pathways positions with Resettlement and other third countries, host government and at regional level.
– Building on the commitments made in the Global Compact on Refugees, support the development and maintenance of strategic partnerships with UN and other development agencies, civil society, peacebuilding actors, and the private sector, engaging on areas including resilience, rule of law and governance, and housing land and property.
– Ensure that UNHCR’s analysis of the risks and obstacles to solutions, including sustainable reintegration and integration, is instrumental in development actors’ priority areas of engagement.
– Provide planning and foresight to advance progress for protracted refugee situations, and/or to prevent new situations from becoming protracted.
– Liaise with colleagues for the purpose of identifying and prioritizing durable solutions needs and ensuring adequate and timely interventions.
– Support Communication staff in developing a communication plan to support the durable solutions strategy, including media.
– Serve as focal point on durable Solutions-related issues for communities to ensure good communication.
– Advise on populations of concern’ appropriate engagement for the identification of the most appropriate solutions, including through enhanced two-way communication, participatory assessments, intentions and perceptions surveys, and other forms of community based assessments.
– Promote the strengthened involvement of persons of concern in the design and implementation of solutions strategies, transition projects, peace-building and development initiatives.
– Analyse statistics, trends, and other documents, and draft reports.
– Participate in training activities aimed at the capacity building of UNHCR and partner staff on durable solutions, peace building/coexistence and partnership.
– Monitor the implementation of the programme through managing the human and financial resources and identify gaps to ensure optimum use of available funds.
– Represent UNHCR in meetings related to durable solutions.
– Clear documents and reports coming out of the Durable Solutions Unit.

In addition to the main duties listed above, for positions located in regional bureaux:
– Support the development of multiyear regional situational comprehensive protection, resilience and solutions strategies as relevant, together with UNHCR’s stakeholders in Bureau and country operations, governments and other partners.

– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
– Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P3/NOC – 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree

Field(s) of Education
Law
International Law,
Political Science,
Social Science,
Economics,
International Relations;
or other relevant field.

Certificates and/or Licenses
RSD- Resettlement Learning Programme;
Protection Learning Programme;
Management Learning Programme;

Relevant Job Experience

Essential
Previous experience in solutions contexts. Thorough knowledge of International refugee law and its application.

Desirable
Solid UNHCR experience from both the Field (including Hardship Duty stations) and Headquarters.

Functional Skills
PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators
PR-Durable Solutions/Comprehensive Solutions Strategies implementation
PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD)
IT-IT Refugee Systems & Applications
*PR-Developing Strategic Protection Framework
PR-Comprehensive Solutions Framework
(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

desirable for this position to possess certain strengths/experiences including:
• Data analysis skills: The DO should be proficient in analyzing various types of data, such as external financial flows (ODA, OO, FDI, etc.), social and economic data, and localized SDGs data.
• Coordination with UN agencies: Given the collaborative nature of the work involving multiple UN agencies, the DO should excel in coordinating efforts and fostering effective communication and collaboration among these agencies.

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

,

,

Desired languages

Arabic

,

,

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station, please visit this link:

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

Iraq is facing a complex political and security environment while transitioning from an emergency towards recovery and development. The country has an internally displaced population (IDPs) of some 1.2 million IDPs and 5 million returnees, with most having achieved the same level of realization of their rights as the rest of the Iraqi population. In addition, some 300,000 refugees (most of whom are Kurdish Syrian residing in KR-I) and an estimated 8,000 persons are stateless, including amongst the Syrian refugee population (estimate is currently under review through a more systematic survey

The international community is emphasizing the humanitarian-development nexus to address the needs of displaced populations through development approaches that are inclusive of vulnerable local community members. In 2021, the Ministry of Planning and the Ministry of Migration and Displacement released a Durable Solution Plan to address displacement, which focuses solely on solutions for IDPs and is reflected in the fifth pillar of the UNSDCF.

All IDP camps in Federal Iraq have been closed, while 25 IDP camps in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are currently hosting some 180,000 IDPs. The displaced population in these camps face insecurity, limited access to basic services and livelihood opportunities, destroyed properties and infrastructure, lack of financial resources, and missing civil documentation. Families with perceived affiliation to extremist groups face stigmatization, rejection by communities, and discrimination. UNHCR is working to find dignified solutions for the IDPs, including returns to areas of origin and sustainable integration in areas of displacement or in third locations.

The Syria crisis Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP) response in Iraq continues to be aligned with the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees. The 3RP partners aim to gradually integrate the refugee framework into existing development frameworks and coordination mechanisms including the UNSDCF. This response encourages national leadership, supports capacity building, and invests in public services to empower host communities and national authorities. It also works towards local integration, self-reliance, inclusion of refugees in national systems and public services including social protection schemes.

UNHCR engages with national and sub-national officials, humanitarian and development actors, and other stakeholders to provide integrated and inclusive services for refugees, IDPs, and local communities. In line with the Global Compact on Refugees, UNHCR also works to promote and support local solutions that benefit displaced population groups and host communities. This includes developing partnerships with government, humanitarian and development organizations and supporting the capacity-building of local authorities and institutions. By engaging with local actors, UNHCR aims to promote sustainable and durable solutions that are tailored to the specific needs and contexts of the affected populations.

The Development Officer (DO) reports directly to the Senior Development Officer and is responsible for coordinating solutions for refugees and IDPs with senior management. This includes implementing the Multi-Year Strategy, 3RPs, the Joint Work Plan of the UNSDCF as well as government strategies on durable solutions for IDPs.

Under the supervision of the Senior Development Officer (P4), the Durable Solutions Officer will progressively support UNHCR ‘s Multi-Year and Multi-Partner Protection and Solutions Strategy. In addition, he/she will engage with development actors (such as the World Bank, UNDP and ILO) and the government departments/ministries to increase awareness about strategic direction on durable solutions, all geared towards enhancing UNHCR ‘s work on responsible disengagement from humanitarian assistance. He/she will facilitate UNHCR field teams in KR-I to progressively implement local solutions initiatives, including among others, the camp transformation, the livelihood strategy and the area-based protection and solutions programming. The Durable Solutions Officer will directly supervise one Durable solutions associate and act as the overall back-up of the Senior Development Officer, while performing other duties as may be required.

Living and Working Conditions:

Erbil is category C duty station. Eight weeks R&R cycle applies for international staff assigned in Erbil. Staff members are residing in the individual residential apartments inside the security cleared complexes. For private movements, staff members can use only UNDSS cleared taxi companies.

Iraq does not have a Residential Location, therefore colleagues will only be able to be assigned under the POD approach. The position requires physical presence in Erbil.

UN Clinic is available within the UN compound in Erbil with physician and nurse. In addition, there are available hospital and health centers with English-speaking staff. Food and other commodities are widely available in the local shops and markets, including international products. Banking facilities and services are not easily accessible, therefore, cash is the main means of settlement of various bills. Both local currency (Iraqi Dinar referred to as IQD) and USD are equally accepted for any payments. Several international airlines operate daily flights from Erbil International Airport to a number of large international airports in Europe as well as Middle East.

For further details please consult Living Conditions in the Field at: https://intranet.unhcr.org/en/hr/personnel-admin/LC/living-conditions-in-the-field—publications.html

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CL-Inter-Agency Leadership/Coordination, CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community, ER-Inter-Agency Leadership/Coordination, LV-Livelihood Project Development and Implementation

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA): Economics, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): International Relations, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Law, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Political Science, Bachelor of Arts (BA): Social Science

Certifications

HCR Management Learning Program – UNHCR, HCR Protection Learning Program – UNHCR, HCR Resettlement Learning Program – UNHCR

Work Experience

Annual Budget OL in Operation/Office, Number of Persons of Concern Served, Number of Workforce in Operation/Work Setting, Workforce to Supervise, Working with Persons of Concern: Asylum Seekers, Working with Persons of Concern: Internally Displaced Persons, Working with Persons of Concern: Refugees, Working with Persons of Concern: Returned IDPs

Competencies

Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration

UNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Bi-annual Compendium 2023 Part B – October 2023

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance