RSD Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to providing protection and assistance to those in need. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it works to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR is committed to upholding international refugee law and human rights standards, and it collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The RSD Associate plays a crucial role within the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) team, focusing on the processing of refugee claims. This position involves providing essential support to asylum seekers and refugees by offering counseling and responding to inquiries regarding UNHCR's RSD procedures, their rights, and obligations, as well as the status of their claims. The RSD Associate is expected to maintain close collaboration with various departments, including Registration, Community Services, Resettlement, and other Protection staff, to ensure a comprehensive approach to refugee protection. The role also includes conducting research on country of origin information (COI) and maintaining a local repository of relevant guidelines and standards to assist RSD staff. The RSD Associate is responsible for drafting assessments and reports related to RSD activities, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and up-to-date. This position requires a strong understanding of legal frameworks and the ability to navigate complex situations involving vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The RSD Associate's duties include staying informed about legal, political, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security developments that affect the protection environment and RSD delivery. They assist in developing the RSD strategy for the operation and participate in annual planning exercises. The RSD Associate provides counseling to asylum seekers and refugees, particularly in cases of negative RSD decisions, and maintains accurate records of individual cases. They play a key role in preventing and identifying fraud within RSD processes by providing oversight and guidance to UNHCR staff and partners. The RSD Associate systematically applies an age, gender, and diversity (AGD) perspective in their work and conducts research on COI and other relevant issues. They assist in monitoring RSD trends and compiling statistics related to case processing. Additionally, the RSD Associate helps ensure that stakeholders have accurate information on RSD procedures and advocates for the establishment of fair and efficient RSD processes. They draft correspondence and reports, refer cases to other units or partners as needed, and counsel individuals on the reasons for negative decisions. The RSD Associate also identifies and manages risks while seeking opportunities to enhance objectives in their area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong academic background in law, sociology, political science, international relations, human rights, or a related field, with a minimum of a bachelor's degree. A master's degree is highly desirable. The position requires at least four years of relevant professional experience in international protection, refugee law, asylum, or human rights. Candidates should have experience in legal analysis, decision writing, and conducting sensitive individual interviews. Familiarity with international organizations or NGOs working on refugee protection is strongly valued. Technical skills in international refugee law, humanitarian law, and human rights law are essential, along with the ability to conduct sensitive interviews and assess the credibility of testimonies. Strong writing skills for legal documentation and case management are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree, at least at the bachelor's level, in law, sociology, political science, international relations, human rights, or a related field. A master's degree in one of these areas is considered a significant advantage and enhances a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The RSD Associate position requires a minimum of four years of professional experience in international protection, refugee law, asylum, or human rights. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with vulnerable populations, conducting legal analyses, and drafting decisions or reports. Experience with international organizations or NGOs focused on refugee protection is highly regarded, as is familiarity with the dynamics of forced displacement and refugee management.

Languages:
Fluency in French, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. A good command of English is also required, as it is essential for communication and documentation purposes. Knowledge of local languages in Niger, such as Hausa, Zarma, Peulh, Tamasheq, and Kanuri, is considered an asset and can enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a UNOPS LICA6 role, indicating a level of seniority and responsibility. The target start date for the position is October 1, 2025, and the application deadline is September 22, 202

• The role is based in Niamey, Niger, and is not remote. The position is categorized under a non-family residential location, which means that staff members will not be accompanied by family members. The hardship level for this position is classified as E, indicating a challenging working environment. Candidates should be prepared for the complexities of working in a context with significant humanitarian needs and potential security risks.