RSD Associate

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

• The organization is dedicated to saving lives and protecting the rights of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR advocates for the protection of refugees and displaced persons and works to find durable solutions to their plight.

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 their inquiries regarding UNHCR's RSD procedures, their rights, obligations, and the status of their claims. The RSD Associate is expected to maintain close collaboration with various departments, including Registration, Community Services, Resettlement, and Protection staff, to ensure a comprehensive approach to refugee support. Additionally, the RSD Associate is responsible for conducting research on country of origin information (COI) and maintaining a local repository of relevant guidelines and standards. The role also includes drafting RSD assessments and compiling and analyzing information related to RSD activities, which are vital for effective reporting and decision-making. The RSD Associate must demonstrate a commitment to UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity while performing their duties.

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 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 in RSD processes by providing oversight and guidance. The RSD Associate systematically applies an age, gender, and diversity perspective in their work and conducts research on COI and other RSD-related issues. They monitor RSD trends, compile statistics, and ensure that stakeholders have accurate information about RSD procedures. Additionally, the RSD Associate advocates for fair and efficient RSD procedures with government authorities and legal partners, drafts correspondence and reports, and refers cases to other functional units as necessary. They also counsel individuals on negative RSD decisions and manage risks associated with their responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential qualifications include knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law, as well as the ability to apply relevant legal principles. Desirable qualifications include experience working with vulnerable or traumatized individuals and familiarity with RSD procedures and principles. The RSD Associate should also have strong cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to counsel asylum seekers or refugees effectively.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent being preferred. Relevant certifications in social work or related fields, such as the UNHCR RSD Learning Program and the UNHCR Country of Origin Information Learning Program, are also essential for candidates.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have a minimum of three years of relevant experience for those with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in working with procedures related to RSD and knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law are highly desirable. Additionally, experience in dealing with vulnerable populations is beneficial.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA6 category and is not remote. The target start date for the position is March 1, 2026, and candidates may be required to undergo a written test as part of the selection process. The role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders to ensure effective refugee status determination.