Consultant for Voluntary Repatriation and Protection Monitoring

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. UNHCR works in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members. Its primary goal is to safeguard the rights of refugees and displaced persons, providing them with assistance and support to rebuild their lives. UNHCR also advocates for durable solutions to displacement, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Voluntary Repatriation and Protection Monitoring is crucial in supporting UNHCR's mission to facilitate the safe and dignified return of refugees to their home countries. The consultant will be responsible for identifying, analyzing, and documenting innovative field practices related to voluntary repatriation and protection monitoring. This role involves conducting a comprehensive review of existing practices, engaging with various stakeholders, and producing high-quality case studies that will contribute to the development of operational guidelines and knowledge platforms. The consultant will work closely with the Durable Solutions Officer and other team members to ensure that the documentation reflects the diverse experiences of returnees and addresses their specific needs. The consultant's work will also support cross-regional learning and enhance UNHCR's operational guidance on repatriation and protection monitoring.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Conducting a desk review of existing data, reports, and field examples related to voluntary repatriation and protection monitoring.
• Identifying and validating good practices in repatriation and protection monitoring through consultations with Regional Bureaux and other relevant divisions.
• Drafting high-quality case studies that detail the background, implementation process, results, challenges, and lessons learned from documented practices.
• Developing templates for capturing field practices and providing guidance to field colleagues on their completion.
• Preparing dissemination materials and strategies to share findings through webinars and knowledge platforms.
• Collaborating with team members to ensure that the documentation is comprehensive and visually engaging.
• Reporting progress regularly to the Durable Solutions Officer and participating in weekly meetings to discuss ongoing tasks and challenges.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in social sciences, anthropology, sociology, international/community development studies, law, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have strong analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to write clearly and concisely. Excellent presentation and organizational skills are essential, as is the capacity to work independently and adapt to changing circumstances. Candidates with previous experience working with UNHCR or in similar roles will be given preference. A flexible work attitude and the ability to meet tight deadlines are also important qualifications for this position.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as anthropology, sociology, social sciences, or international/community development studies. A strong academic foundation in these areas is essential for understanding the complexities of voluntary repatriation and protection monitoring.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 6 years of work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or 5 years with a postgraduate degree in a relevant field. Experience in similar tasks, particularly with UNHCR, is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of conducting research, analyzing data, and producing high-quality documentation in the context of humanitarian work.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French is desired, and proficiency in Spanish is also considered a plus. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages will enhance the consultant's capacity to engage with diverse stakeholders and disseminate findings.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is full-time and will be home-based. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver high-quality outputs within specified timelines. Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete a written test as part of the selection process. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all workforce members are expected to contribute to a safe and respectful working environment. The remuneration and benefits may vary based on the candidate's residence.