Voluntary Repatriation Monitoring Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), which was established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees. UNHCR is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. The organization operates in over 130 countries and employs more than 18,000 staff members worldwide. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and humanitarian assistance, focusing on providing protection, assistance, and solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The position of Voluntary Repatriation Monitoring Officer is crucial for supporting the VolRep (Voluntary Repatriation) activities in Turkey, specifically in the Istanbul Field Office. The incumbent will be responsible for conducting monitoring activities related to voluntary return procedures, particularly at airports and other designated centers. This role requires the officer to engage with various stakeholders, including local governments, NGOs, and refugee populations, to enhance community-based protection activities. The officer will conduct interviews with refugees, complete necessary documentation, and report on the outcomes of these interviews. The position demands flexibility, as the officer will be required to work on weekends and during night shifts, ensuring that monitoring activities are conducted in accordance with UNHCR's guidelines and standard operating procedures. The incumbent will also be expected to maintain communication with relevant officials and report any unexpected developments to their supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Voluntary Repatriation Monitoring Officer will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: conducting VolRep interviews at designated locations, particularly airports, ensuring that these interviews are carried out no fewer than five days per week; completing relevant forms and signing documents on behalf of UNHCR; reporting daily interview statistics and summaries using tools such as KOBO toolbox; maintaining communication with PDMM (Provincial Directorate of Migration Management) officials regarding operational matters; and actively participating in outreach activities to enhance the protection space for refugees. The officer will also be responsible for preparing timesheets for any night shifts or overtime hours, attending periodic meetings, and staying updated with relevant documents and training as approved by the office.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a High School Diploma with at least 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with at least 1 year of relevant work experience. The position requires core competencies such as accountability, communication, organizational awareness, teamwork and collaboration, commitment to continuous learning, and client and result orientation. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate analytical thinking, political awareness, and stakeholder management skills. The ability to work effectively in a complex environment and engage with diverse actors is essential.

Educational Background:
The preferred educational background for this position includes a degree in International Law, Political Science, or a related field. This educational foundation is important for understanding the legal and political contexts in which UNHCR operates, particularly concerning refugee rights and voluntary repatriation processes.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant work experience, with a minimum of 2 years for those holding a High School Diploma, or 1 year for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in humanitarian work, refugee protection, or related fields is highly desirable, as it equips candidates with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of working with refugee populations and local authorities.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as these languages are essential for communication with refugees and stakeholders. Knowledge of Turkish is considered a desirable asset, as it would facilitate better interaction with local authorities and communities.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is subject to operational needs and satisfactory performance, with no expectation of renewal beyond the initial contract period. The working hours are set at 40 hours per week, which may include mandatory night shifts and work on weekends and official holidays. The position offers annual leave at the rate of two and a half working days per month, as well as sick leave at the rate of two working days for each month of service. Medical coverage is provided through Cigna Health Insurance, with options available for eligible dependents. The remuneration for this position is based on the International Civil Services Commission (ICSC) salary scale, specifically at the G4 or G5 level, depending on qualifications and experience. Candidates must comply with local legislation regarding taxation and social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and non-Turkish candidates will require clearance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before an offer can be made.