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 protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. 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 works to safeguard the rights of refugees and other displaced persons, providing them with assistance and protection, and advocating for their rights in various international forums.

Job Overview:
The RSD Associate position is integral to the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) team at UNHCR in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The role involves supporting all activities related to the processing of refugee claims, providing essential counselling to asylum seekers and refugees regarding UNHCR's RSD procedures, their rights, and obligations. The RSD Associate is expected to maintain close collaboration with various protection staff, including those involved in Registration, Community-Based Protection, and Resettlement. The position requires conducting research on country of origin information (COI) and maintaining a local repository of relevant information and guidelines. The RSD Associate may also conduct interviews and draft assessments recommending eligibility for international refugee protection. This role is crucial in ensuring that the asylum process is upheld with integrity and that individuals with urgent protection needs are prioritized. The RSD Associate will also contribute to capacity-building initiatives with government counterparts, supporting the establishment of a national asylum system that aligns with international protection standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The RSD Associate will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including staying updated on 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 role includes providing counselling to asylum seekers and refugees, maintaining accurate records related to individual cases, and preventing fraud in RSD processes. The RSD Associate will conduct interviews, draft legal analyses recommending eligibility for international refugee protection, and maintain a repository of relevant information for RSD staff. They will also monitor RSD trends, compile and analyze statistics, and assist in advocating for fair and efficient RSD procedures. The position requires drafting correspondence and reports related to RSD activities and referring cases to other functional units as necessary. The RSD Associate will also support the identification and management of risks and opportunities impacting the objectives of the operation.

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 equivalent. Essential qualifications include knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law, as well as experience working with vulnerable or traumatized individuals. Functional skills required for this position include age, gender, and diversity (AGD) 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 desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Additional certifications in social work or specific UNHCR training programs related to RSD and country of origin information are preferred. These certifications enhance the candidate's qualifications and demonstrate a commitment to the field of refugee protection and assistance.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of three years of relevant experience if they hold a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant experience with a Bachelor’s degree. Desirable experience includes working with RSD procedures and principles, as well as knowledge of international protection standards. Candidates should have experience in conducting RSD interviews and processing complex cases, as well as developing and delivering training or capacity-building activities for UNHCR staff and partners.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Malay is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset but is not required. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is crucial for providing counselling and support to asylum seekers and refugees, as well as for liaising with government authorities and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered under a UNOPS Local ICA contract until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension. The role is full-time and requires the candidate to be a Malaysian national or to have confirmed status to secure a work visa at the time of application. 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 emphasizes a commitment to creating a safe and respectful working environment.