Local Entry and Mid-Level Support

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the Multi-Country Office (MCO) which operates under the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The MCO prioritizes its protection and solutions work in Australia and New Zealand, focusing on law and policy, access to territory, and resettlement. The organization covers 16 countries and territories, indicating a significant operational footprint across a diverse range of development and protection contexts. The MCO's mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons, ensuring they find safety and solutions to their plight. Established to respond to the needs of those affected by conflict and persecution, the MCO plays a crucial role in advocating for the rights of individuals under its mandate, providing legal assistance, and facilitating resettlement processes. The organization employs a dedicated team of professionals committed to humanitarian principles and the protection of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The position of Local Entry and Mid-Level Support is designed to facilitate and enhance the protection and solutions work of the MCO in Australia and New Zealand. The successful candidate will be responsible for case management and individual protection, ensuring that inquiries are addressed appropriately and that follow-up actions are coordinated effectively. This role requires collaboration with the Protection and Solutions Unit, assisting with casework that includes conducting interviews, performing research and analysis, drafting documents, and providing counseling to individuals seeking assistance. The candidate will also engage in legal research and policy analysis, monitoring key legal developments that impact persons under UNHCR's mandate. This includes drafting memos and briefing materials, as well as preparing communications on legal issues. The role further involves designing and implementing protection strategies aimed at safeguarding individuals from harm and addressing issues related to detention policies. The candidate will support information management and communications efforts, ensuring that the UNHCR Australia website is accurate and accessible, and will assist in developing materials for individuals under UNHCR's mandate. Overall, this position is integral to the MCO's mission of providing protection and solutions to refugees and asylum seekers in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Local Entry and Mid-Level Support position include:

• Facilitating individual protection case management by responding to inquiries and coordinating necessary follow-up actions.
• Assisting the Protection and Solutions Unit with casework, including conducting interviews, performing research and analysis, drafting documents, and providing counseling.
• Responding to inquiries related to statelessness, family reunion, protection, and solutions through various communication channels.
• Conducting legal research and monitoring key legal developments, including judicial decisions and policy changes affecting persons under UNHCR's mandate.
• Analyzing legal developments and drafting memos and briefing materials.
• Preparing communications on legal issues, including submissions on legislation and human rights.
• Assisting in the design and implementation of protection strategies to strengthen safeguards against return to harm.
• Providing operational support for efforts to redesign detention policies and practices.
• Supporting the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date information on the UNHCR Australia website. 1
• Developing forward-facing materials for persons under UNHCR's mandate. 1
• Participating in relevant meetings, recording notes, and contributing to action and feedback tasks. 1
• Assisting with mission planning and preparation. 1
• Answering and triaging incoming calls and providing assistance as required. 1
• Carrying out other duties as required by the organization.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for this position include:

• Completed secondary education in law or an equivalent field.
• Familiarity with UNHCR’s protection policies and practices is mandatory.
• A law degree is desirable but not mandatory.
• Proven policy development and operational experience in the region is required, with prior experience in UN or UNHCR preferred.
• Familiarity with protection and solutions issues, particularly in the MCO’s region, is essential.
• Experience in counseling asylum seekers or refugees is highly desirable.
• An understanding of the context affecting persons of concern under Australia’s Offshore policy is beneficial.
• Advanced research and drafting skills are required.
• Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of a relevant second language is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes completed secondary education in law or a related field. A law degree is considered desirable, as it would provide a strong foundation for understanding legal issues and frameworks relevant to the role. Candidates should have a solid understanding of legal principles and practices, particularly those related to refugee protection and human rights.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have a minimum level of work experience that aligns with the responsibilities of the position. Specifically, candidates with prior experience in policy development and operational roles within the UN or UNHCR are preferred. Experience in counseling asylum seekers or refugees is also highly desirable, as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to engage effectively with vulnerable populations and understand their needs.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is fluency in English. Additionally, knowledge of a relevant second language is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication with individuals under UNHCR's mandate and improve service delivery.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a local entry and mid-level support role, which indicates that it is intended for candidates who are Australian citizens or permanent residents with full-time work rights at the time of the vacancy closing date. The position does not require a functional clearance and is not remote, meaning that the successful candidate will be expected to work on-site in Canberra. The target start date for this position is February 2, 2026, and the deadline for applications is January 27, 202

• The role is categorized under the family staff member/affiliate type, indicating that it may involve family considerations in terms of employment benefits and support.