Reception Coordinator (RSD)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, which is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Established in 1950, UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. The organization operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. UNHCR is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. In Egypt, UNHCR plays a crucial role in refugee status determination and protection, working closely with the Egyptian government to enhance the asylum framework.

Job Overview:
The Reception Coordinator (RSD) is a vital member of the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) unit's coordination-team" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">coordination team within UNHCR. This position is responsible for managing the reception and processing of asylum seekers and refugees, ensuring that all necessary files and documentation are prepared and maintained accurately. The Reception Coordinator will work under the supervision of the RSD Associate and the overall guidance of the RSD Officer. The role involves scheduling RSD interviews, managing physical and electronic files, and providing essential support to asylum seekers regarding their rights and the RSD process. The incumbent will also be involved in the ongoing dialogue with the Egyptian government regarding the development of a national asylum system, which is crucial for the future of refugee protection in Egypt. The position requires a high level of flexibility and adaptability, especially in response to the ongoing Sudan situation, which has led to a Level 3 emergency declaration by UNHCR.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Reception Coordinator (RSD) will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: scheduling and rescheduling RSD interviews based on management parameters; conducting daily scheduling phone calls with persons of concern; ensuring fair and transparent case assignments among RSD caseworkers; checking internal referrals received by the RSD Unit; organizing filing activities by ensuring timely access to physical files for upcoming interviews; tracing missing files; updating databases with accurate information; managing the admission of persons of concern to the RSD premises; attending to inquiries from asylum seekers; providing counseling on negative decision letters; and performing any other duties as required by the supervisor. The incumbent will also be responsible for submitting regular reports on various activities to ensure operational efficiency and accuracy.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a High School Diploma or a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent higher education. Candidates must have at least one year of relevant work experience, particularly in roles related to refugee assistance, administrative support, or similar fields. Key competencies include accountability, communication, organizational awareness, teamwork, commitment to continuous learning, and client and result orientation. The role does not require managerial competencies but emphasizes cross-functional competencies such as analytical thinking, political awareness, and stakeholder management.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a High School Diploma. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent higher education is preferred. The educational background should ideally be complemented by training or coursework related to international relations, human rights, or social work, which would enhance the candidate's understanding of refugee issues and the legal frameworks surrounding asylum.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of one year of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma. For those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher, the experience requirement remains the same. Relevant experience may include work in humanitarian organizations, government agencies, or NGOs focused on refugee assistance, legal aid, or social services. Experience in administrative roles that involve client interaction and case management is highly desirable.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is Arabic, as it is essential for communication with asylum seekers and refugees in Egypt. Proficiency in English is also required, as it is the working language of UNHCR. Additional languages, particularly those spoken by the refugee populations in Egypt, such as Sudanese Arabic, Tigrinya, or Amharic, would be considered an asset and beneficial for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA4 category and is not remote. The target start date for the position is January 15, 2025, and the deadline for applications is May 23, 202

• The role is full-time and involves working in a challenging environment that requires a commitment to the principles of humanitarian assistance and a strong dedication to the protection of refugees and asylum seekers.