Durable Solutions Officer, P3, Pretoria 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. – 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

The desired candidate should have experience in all three durable solutions, namely voluntary repatriation, resettlement and complementary pathways, and local integration. Hands on experience in all three solutions and ability to strategically apply them based on country requirements is desirable. The candidate should have a good understanding of the basis and legal framework for the Global Refugee Forum, development nexus to UN SDGs, existing challenges of the various country specific frameworks and ability to strategize on solutions based on those challenges. The candidate should have experience in coordinating teams of staff, working groups as organizing delivery of services for refugees and asylum seekers and should have excellent writing skills including drafting of diverse documents and reports for the office.

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:

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

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Nature of Position:

The Candidate –

• Reports to the Senior Durable Solutions Officer (SDO) or the Deputy Representative (whichever may be applicable)
• Leads a fairly large team of staff including deployees and affiliate workforce to achieve all three durable solutions (voluntary repatriation, resettlement and complementary pathways, as well as local integration and naturalisation) for staff in nine countries in SMACO
• Works closely with protection and programme staff and ensures operational standards and practices in solutions delivery at the country level are adhered to.
• Attends various meetings including Senior Management and takes part in annual planning and reporting sessions.
• Organises and facilitates training sessions for partners, staff and refugees and asylum seekers.
• Supports the development of multiyear comprehensive protection, resilience and solutions strategies. – Monitors the implementation of, and implement interventions under, the protection and solutions strategies, identifies challenges and report to senior management on achievements.
• Maintains close working relations with UN sister agencies, other intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organisations on durable solutions matters.
• In liaison with the SDO, serves as focal point for durable solutions, which includes chairing the Durable Solutions Task Force/ Working Group as well as Social Protection Task Force and achieving a schematic overview of country other solutions coordination mechanisms.
• Assists in fostering an environment to enhance partnerships, and strengthen the involvement of refugee communities and their hosts in the designing and implementing solutions strategies.
• Liaises with embassies, the Bureau and other key interlocutors on strategic resettlement activities including planning figures, identification and processing of cases as well as quality control and fraud prevention.
• Coordinates identification, processing and logistics for the voluntary return of refugees and ensures that such return is in safety and dignity. In this case, DSO works with colleagues in countries of return and governments to ensure appropriate legal frameworks (including Tripartite Agreements and Letters of Exchange) are in place to facilitate efficient return processes.
• Acts as focal person for local integration and fosters inclusion of refugees in national systems. In this cases the DSO assesses existing legal frameworks and practices in all nine countries and makes recommendations on how to improve the plight of refugees within the sphere of social cohesion, harmonious co-existence between nationals and refugees and asylum seekers.

Living and Working Conditions:

Pretoria is a city located in the northern part of Gauteng Province in South Africa. It is one of the country’s two capital cities serving as the executive (administrative) and de facto national capital. The other is Cape Town, the legislative capital. The Central Business District (CBD) of Pretoria has been the traditional centre of government and commerce, although today many corporate offices, small businesses, shops, and government departments are situated in the sprawling suburbs of the city rather than the CBD or in Johannesburg. The city has a population of approximately 1,985,997 as well as large number of foreign nationals.

Pretoria has over the years had very diverse cultural influences and this is reflected in the architectural styles that can be found in the city. The main languages spoken in Pretoria are Pedi, Afrikaans, Tswana, Tsonga, Zulu and English. Ndebele and Sotho are also widely spoken. The living class in Pretoria can be classified as middle to high income earners. The living conditions in South Africa are generally very good. Housing and basic commodities are readily available. The country has an abundance of health providers of all sectors. The country’s infrastructure and communication facilities are of international standard and are amongst the best in the African continent. However, in the last couple of years, the electricity generation has been facing challenges and there are scheduled power cuts on a regular basis.

Depending on schooling needs some staff opt to live in Johannesburg (approx. 40 min one way from Pretoria). Crime continues to be of concern and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and power cuts. Burglaries (house break-ins) and carjacking are common and those involved are often armed. ATM fraud is also rampant as well as financial related cyber-crime.

Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

BA: Economics (Required), BA: International Law (Required), BA: International Relations (Required), BA: Law (Required), BA: Political Science (Required), BA: Social Science (Required)

Certifications

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

Work Experience

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

Add. 3 to Bi-annual Compendium 2022 – Part B

Additional Information

Functional clearance

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance