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, to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to assist in their voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to helping those in need. The organization focuses on providing protection and assistance to refugees, internally displaced persons, and stateless individuals, working closely with governments and partners to find durable solutions to their plight.

Job Overview:
The RSD Associate position is integral to the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) team within the UNHCR Office in Kuala Lumpur. The role involves supporting all activities related to the processing of refugee claims, providing essential counselling to asylum seekers and refugees about UNHCR's RSD procedures, their rights and obligations, and the status of their claims. The RSD Associate will work closely with various units, including Registration, Community-Based Protection, and Resettlement, to ensure a comprehensive approach to refugee protection. This position requires the RSD Associate to conduct research on country of origin information (COI) and maintain a local repository of relevant information, guidelines, and standards. The role may also involve conducting RSD interviews and drafting assessments that recommend eligibility for international refugee protection. The RSD Associate will assist in compiling and analyzing information related to RSD activities and drafting correspondence and reports, thereby playing a crucial role in the overall protection strategy of the UNHCR.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The RSD Associate will be responsible for a variety of duties, including staying informed about legal, political, and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security developments that impact the protection environment. They will assist in developing the RSD strategy for the operation and participate in annual planning exercises. The RSD Associate will provide counselling to asylum seekers and refugees, respond to their queries, and maintain accurate records related to individual cases. They will also play a role in preventing and identifying fraud in RSD processes, applying an age, gender, and diversity perspective in their work. Conducting RSD interviews, drafting assessments, and maintaining a repository of COI and other relevant information are key responsibilities. Additionally, the RSD Associate will monitor RSD trends, compile statistics, and assist in advocating for fair and efficient RSD procedures with government authorities and legal partners. They will draft correspondence and reports related to RSD activities and refer cases to other functional units or external partners as necessary. The RSD Associate will also counsel individuals on negative RSD decisions and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the RSD Associate position 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 equivalent. Essential qualifications include knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law, as well as the ability to apply relevant legal principles. Experience working with vulnerable or traumatized individuals is also desirable. Functional skills required for this position include age, gender, and diversity awareness, counselling skills for asylum seekers or refugees, cross-cultural communication, and research capabilities. Familiarity with government RSD procedures and the treatment of vulnerable individuals is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma with three years of relevant experience or a Bachelor’s degree with two years of relevant work experience. Candidates should have certifications in social work or relevant UNHCR training programs, such as the HCR RSD Learning Programme and the HCR Country of Origin Information Learning Programme. These educational qualifications ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
The RSD Associate position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or two years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree. Desirable experience includes working with RSD procedures and principles, knowledge of International Refugee Law, and experience in dealing with vulnerable populations. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and research skills, particularly in the context of refugee protection and asylum processes.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Malay is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is proficiency in these two languages to effectively communicate with asylum seekers and refugees as well as with colleagues and partners in the operational context.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered under a UNOPS Local ICA contract until June 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension. The role is full-time and requires candidates to be Malaysian nationals or have confirmed status to secure a work visa. The recruitment process may include a written test and/or oral interview, and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and candidates should be aware that the organization does not sponsor work visas or permits.