Country: Thailand
Closing date: 07 Apr 2016
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Representation in Thailand
Vacancy Announcement No. 13/2016
Internal/External Circulation
Position Title: Eligibility Associate
Post Level: Equivalent to GS-6
Post No.: -
Report To: Associate RSD Officer (under supervision of RSD Officer)
Section: Protection Unit
Duty Station: Bangkok, Thailand
Contractual Status: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (UNOPS)
Date Issued of the Vacancy Announcement: 25 March 2016
Closing Date of the Vacancy Announcement: 07 April 2016
Availability of the Post 01 July 2016 – 31 December 2016 (6 months with possible extension)
The Eligibility Associate is a member of the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) team. S/he is responsible for conducting RSD interviews to determine eligibility for refugee status and drafting RSD assessments. The Eligibility Associate provides counseling to asylum seekers and refugees regarding UNHCR's RSD procedures, their rights and obligations, including towards the host authorities, and the status of the processing of their claims. In discharging these responsibilities, the Eligibility Associate liaises with the direct supervisor and possibly Registration, Community Services, Resettlement, and other Protection staff. The Eligibility Associate is responsible for conducting COI and other research related to RSD and maintaining the Operation's local repository of relevant information, guidelines and standards. The Eligibility Associate assists in compiling and analyzing information related to the RSD activities of the Operation, and in drafting related correspondence and reports. The Eligibility Associate may provide interpretation and/or translation services in cases for which s/he has the required language competencies. S/he is responsible for supporting activities related to the processing of refugee claims in the Operation.
Scope of Assignments
Undertake refugee status determination (RSD) according to UNHCR guidelines, procedural standards and other relevant materials (conduct interviews, draft individual case assessments, submit recommendations and undertake necessary follow-ups), taking into account a gender perspective and relevant standards;
Draft and prepare decision notification letters and other related documentation;
Provide legal information, advice, counseling and support to asylum-seekers and refugees, as well as relevant partners;
Identify priority cases for durable solutions in accordance with UNHCR guidelines, under the guidance of the Supervisor(s), as may be required;
Undertake any other duties and perform other functions as required.
Monitoring and Progress Controls
The Eligibility Associate processes four to five first instance RSD cases per week (RSD Interview and RSD Assessment completed).
UNHCR’s RSD procedures are implemented in accordance with relevant UNHCR standards and policies, including policies related to age, gender, and diversity mainstreaming (AGDM).
Persons of concern have fair and transparent access to the RSD procedures.
Persons of concern are treated with dignity, respect and professionalism.
Complex cases, including exclusion and cancellation cases are assessed in a timely manner, taking into consideration UNHCR guidelines, international law and customs, relevant jurisprudence and Country of Origin Information
Qualifications and Experiences Requirements
University Degree (Law, Political Science, International Human Rights Law and/or a related field)
Working experience with principles and procedures related to refugee status determination
Excellent Communication and English Drafting Skills
Good research and analytical skills
Computer Skills
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team
Fluency in spoken and written English.
Knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese) and/or Urdu would be an advantage.
How to apply:
Please submit your Motivation Letter, P.11 and Curriculum Vitae indicating the vacancy announcement number and position title to: THABAHR@unhcr.org
Applications will not be acknowledged. Only the successful candidate will be notified of the outcome of the selection process.
P.11 form can be down loaded from: http://unhcr.or.th/sites/default/files/p11.doc