RSD Specialist, IICA-2 (UNOPS contract), (Home Based) – MENA Regional Bureau in Amman At UN High Commissioner for Refugees

Title: RSD Specialist
Project: Lessons Learned on RSD Remote Processing
Duty station: Amman, Jordan (Home-based)
Section/Unit: MENA Protection Service/ RSD
ICA Level: IICA-2
Corresponding level: P3
Duration: from 01/06/2021 to 31/10/2021 (5 months)
Supervisor: Senior RSD Officer

As in other parts of the world, the COVID-19 outbreak had a direct and dramatic impact on refugee status determination processing in the MENA region. For several months, UNHCR offices were closed and face to face interviews had to be discontinued. In accordance with UNHCR global messaging, the MENA Protection Service advised operations to consider the adoption and implementation of remote case processing modalities. This was deemed crucial to emulate states in developing similar methodologies, but also to manage expectations and offer tangible support to populations of concern.

In order to guide our operations in the implementation of these new methodologies, MENA PS issued guidance on remote interviewing for both RSD and RST in April 2020. The guidance was reviewed in September 2020 and is undergoing further review. Other regional offices have developed guidance to states and/or operations, while DIP’s RSD section has also shared specific FAQs to provide generic advice on remote interviewing.

Several RSD mandate operations, including Kuwait, UAE, Israel, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Morocco have implemented remote interviewing methodologies under different scenarios and modalities and with mixed results. There is little doubt that many of these new approaches will become mainstreamed and remain in place even after the end of the pandemic.

As the region with the largest number of RSD mandate operations, the MENA region has critical clout in the development of relevant norms and practice on refugee status determination, including with regard to remote interviewing and processing.

It is therefore critical to promote knowledge-sharing on this issue both within the region and beyond.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The purpose of this lessons learned study is to analyze relevant guidance and practice on remote interviewing in all of the RSD operations currently relying on these methodologies, to identify key lessons learned and put forward recommendations on the use of remote interviewing and processing in refugee status determination. The objective is not only to help guide MENA RSD operations in the implementation of these new modalities but also to share these experiences beyond the region, with a view to contribute to the consolidation and development of institutional knowledge on these pioneering approaches.

The study will consist of:

· A presentation of the key features of the MENA RSD operations that have implemented remote methodologies and the specificities of their respective operational contexts.

· An analysis of the guidance provided at global and regional levels on remote methodologies and of the SOPs developed at operational level to conduct remote interviewing and processing.

· A comparison with remote methodologies implemented in other regions and operations.

· The identification of lessons learned, including good practices and ongoing challenges in the implementation of remote methodologies.

· The provision of follow up recommendations for operations, the MENA Bureau, and headquarters.

· Perform other related duties as required.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls

The RSD Specialist will be required to prepare:

· An inception report consisting of a synopsis and outline of the study;

· A mid-term report on progress achieved in the research; and

· A final draft of the study for review and clearance.

4. Qualifications and Experience

a. Education

· Bachelor’s degree in relevant area (e.g. law, political science, social sciences, or related areas of study) (required)

· Master’s degree (strongly desirable)

· PhD (desirable)

b. Work Experience

· 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree in international refugee law and/or policy and related fields (required), including experience at the international level.

· Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of UNHCR RSD policies and procedures (required)

· Prior experience working with UNHCR on RSD (required)

· Prior experience in applied research and report drafting (required)

c. Key Competencies

Accountability

Assumes responsibility for the delivery of high-quality outcomes, upholding the values and principles of UNHCR; demonstrates the ability and drive to maintain focus on positive outcomes for persons of concern despite difficulties this may pose for self and team. Demonstrates security awareness. Works to support directly reporting staff in the fulfilment of their responsibilities; monitors delegated tasks; client focus (clients at this level are both internal and external)

Teamwork & Collaboration

Demonstrates the ability to work effectively with colleagues and partners from different backgrounds, cultures and functions, to achieve shared goals and optimize results. Actively promotes a sense of team by ones own actions; ensures staff contributions are recognized.

Communication

Is sensitive, compelling and clear in formal and informal communication, which encourage engagement and contribution to improved outcomes for all the involved stakeholders. Demonstrates behavioral flexibility in engaging colleagues, partners and persons of concern of different cultural backgrounds, gender, or with different objectives; has well developed listening skills; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way. Pursues open channels of communication with other units and relevant partners, and actively promotes ideas and manages information flow.

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Recognizes the importance of continuous learning and sharing as key components for organizational flexibility and responsiveness to a constantly evolving environment.

Analytical Thinking

Displays analytical thinking by identifying, defining and analyzing information, situations and problems. Arrives at viable solutions through a variety of approaches: critical thought, methodical review of implications, intuition and rational conclusions. Takes data and information analysis to the next level; taking recommendations with options, reviewing implications for the future: forms decisions.