Associate 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, providing assistance and protection to millions of people worldwide. The organization is committed to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for those who are displaced. UNHCR's work is guided by law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law and humanitarian principles, and it collaborates with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to achieve its objectives.

Job Overview:
The Associate RSD Officer plays a crucial role in providing legal, operational, and strategic support for Refugee Status Determination (RSD) processes at various levels, including global, regional, and country operations. This position is vital for ensuring that the RSD procedures are conducted in compliance with UNHCR standards and policies. The incumbent will be responsible for advising on legal and procedural matters related to RSD, conducting interviews, and reviewing individual cases. The role also involves contributing to the development of RSD strategies and methodologies to enhance the effectiveness of RSD as a protection tool. The Associate RSD Officer will work closely with RSD staff and other relevant units, providing guidance and support to ensure consistency in RSD procedures and decision-making. Additionally, the incumbent will advocate for the development of national asylum systems in collaboration with government authorities and legal partners, particularly in light of Egypt's recent national asylum law.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate RSD Officer include providing legal and procedural advice on RSD adjudication issues, staying informed about relevant legal and political developments, supporting engagement with national authorities to strengthen asylum systems, conducting quality reviews of RSD assessments, and drafting RSD assessments for complex cases. The incumbent will also provide training on various aspects of RSD, assist in developing RSD strategies, monitor trends in RSD decision-making, and contribute to identifying and preventing fraud in RSD processes. If based in a country operation, the Associate RSD Officer will work with host authorities to develop national capacities for identifying international protection needs. The role may also involve conducting support missions and assessing training needs within UNHCR RSD operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, two years with a graduate degree, or one year with a doctorate degree. Essential qualifications include in-depth knowledge of International Refugee Law, International Human Rights Law, and International Humanitarian Law, as well as experience in adjudicating individual asylum claims and providing legal representation to asylum seekers. Candidates should also have experience in training and coaching, particularly in refugee law, and demonstrate skills in individual case management and political decision-making. Familiarity with UNHCR's RSD policies and guidelines is crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in International Refugee Law, International Human Rights Law, International Humanitarian Law, International Criminal Law, Social Sciences, or a related field. Candidates with a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, Law, or Political Science are also considered suitable. Additionally, completion of the RSD Learning Programme and Management Learning Programme from UNHCR is essential for this role.

Experience:
The Associate RSD Officer should have at least three years of experience working directly with RSD procedures and principles, particularly in adjudicating individual asylum claims. Experience in providing legal representation to asylum seekers and supervising a team is highly desirable. Candidates should also have demonstrated skills in refugee law training and experience in working with vulnerable populations.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, and proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station is required if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also necessary. Candidates with additional language skills are encouraged to apply, as they may enhance communication and effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Junior Professional Officer role and is a regular assignment with a target start date of August 10, 202

• The position is full-time and is based in Cairo, Egypt, which is categorized as a family duty station with a hardship level of A (least hardship). The role requires regular in-person presence in the office, and telecommuting is generally not accommodated due to the nature of the responsibilities. The incumbent will be expected to navigate the challenges of living in Cairo, including traffic, air pollution, and potential discrimination in certain contexts.