Assistant RSD Officer

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, employing more than 18,000 staff members worldwide. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to provide protection and assistance to those in need.

Job Overview:
The Assistant RSD Officer position is critical in supporting the South African Government's efforts to manage refugee status determination (RSD) processes, particularly in addressing the backlog of appeals. The incumbent will conduct interviews and draft RSD assessments for cases at the appeal stage, implementing strategies to enhance the efficiency and fairness of the asylum system. This role involves engaging with national authorities, providing legal and procedural advice, and contributing to the development of RSD policies and practices. The Assistant RSD Officer will also be responsible for monitoring trends in RSD processing and ensuring that the asylum system operates effectively and equitably, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Assistant RSD Officer include providing legal and procedural advice on RSD adjudication issues, staying informed about relevant legal and political developments, engaging with national authorities to strengthen asylum systems, conducting quality reviews of RSD assessments, and drafting assessments for complex cases. The role also involves coaching and training UNHCR staff and government counterparts on RSD policies, developing operational SOPs, monitoring RSD trends, and contributing to the evaluation of staffing and resource needs. Additionally, the Assistant RSD Officer will work to prevent fraud in RSD processes and support the identification of international protection needs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess extensive experience in refugee status determination, particularly in managing UNHCR mandate RSD processes. They should have demonstrated experience in processing and reviewing complex cases, conducting RSD interviews, and drafting assessments. Knowledge of international refugee law and human rights law is essential, along with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Experience in capacity development for UNHCR staff and government counterparts is also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a minimum of a relevant undergraduate degree, with no experience required for graduate degree holders or doctorate degree holders. Relevant fields of education include Law, Political Science, International Relations, or other related disciplines.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least one year of relevant professional experience, preferably in refugee protection, human rights, or international humanitarian law. Desirable experience includes working with RSD procedures, counseling asylum seekers, and working with vulnerable populations.

Languages:
Professional proficiency in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of French and/or Arabic is desirable and would be considered an asset for the position.

Additional Notes:
This position is not remote and is based in Pretoria, South Africa. The role is classified under the UNOPS IICA1 staff member type, with a target start date of February 1, 202

• Applications must be submitted through the online portal, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selection process will be competency-based, and candidates may be required to undergo a written test and/or interviews. UNHCR emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its recruitment processes and does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.