D
Family
Family
Residential location (if applicable)
PR3
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
Professional
Reason
Regular > Regular Assignment
No
2022-12-21-08:00
December 29, 2022
Durable Solutions Officer
Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Durable Solutions Officer is a focal point for solutions related issues in a country, and normally reports to the Senior Durable Solutions Officer, Senior Protection Officer or, where appropriate, to the Assistant or Deputy Representative. The incumbent may have supervisory responsibility for durable solutions staff, who may include staff within the functional groups of durable solutions, reintegration, repatriation, and resettlement. S/he works closely with protection and programme staff and ensures operational standards and practices in solutions delivery at the country level.
The Durable Solutions Officer is relied upon to assist in the development, implementation and adherence to protection, resilience and solutions strategies and to advise on all solutions topics. These include: voluntary repatriation (refugees) or return (IDPs) and sustainable reintegration; local integration and other local solutions; relocation, resettlement and complementary pathways for admission to third countries; Global Compact on Refugees commitments and opportunities; housing, land and property; statelessness (in line with the campaign to End Statelessness by 2024); age, gender, diversity (AGD) and accountability to affected populations (AAP) through community-based protection. The Durable Solutions Officer should provide planning and foresight to advance progress in Protracted Refugee situations, where applicable, and/or to prevent new situations from becoming protracted. Assisting the Country Office in fostering an environment to enhance partnerships is a critical element of the work, as are activities designed to strength the involvement of refugee communities and their hosts in the design and implementation of solutions strategies. If in a regional office/ Bureau, s/he also coordinates durable solutions activities between and among country offices in the region ensuring consistency with relevant Global Strategic Priorities and Policies. If in a regional office/ Bureau, s/he works closely with protection, registration, information management, education, development, programme and technical staff including cash, livelihoods and shelter, and promotes operational standards, policy and practices in comprehensive solutions delivery. The incumbent may maintain close working relations with regionally based UN sister entities, other intergovernmental organizations, and non-governmental organisations on durable solutions matters.
All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.
Duties
- Support the development of multiyear comprehensive protection, resilience and solutions strategies as relevant.
- Monitor the implementation of, and implement interventions under, the protection and solutions strategy/ies; identify challenges and report on achievements.
- Serve as focal point for durable solutions, including chairing Durable Solutions Working Group(s) and achieving a schematic overview of country/regional Durable Solution Working Groups or other solutions coordination mechanisms.
- Participate in consultative processes within UNHCR and with a broad range of external partners to promote all durable solutions.
- Ensure close linkages with staff that oversee data and information production to deliver fact based advocacy and support for durable solutions.
- Support the internal UNHCR processes related to voluntary repatriation and returns, including data management, the preparation of Exchange of Letters, Tripartite Agreements, standard operating procedures and other agreements as required.
- Support country operations in the development and implementation of the local integration and other local solutions aspects of solutions strategies, ensuring inclusion of persons of concern in national systems and services, and in national and local development processes.
- In the absence of dedicated resettlement and complementary pathways staff, and in close collaboration with multi-functional teams: ensure UNHCR¿s resettlement and complementary pathways for admission standards are correctly and coherently applied; efficient, fair and transparent procedures are in place across the AOR, targets are met and fraud prevention mechanisms are in place; operations are supported to develop advocacy strategies and operational responses to pursue the identification, development, promotion and facilitation of access to complementary pathways for admissions to third countries; ensure that country operations plans reflect the strategy on RST/CP and that the necessary resources are allocated to address gaps across the AOR.
- Represent UNHCR¿s Resettlement and Complementary Pathways positions with Resettlement and other third countries, host government and at regional level.
- Building on the commitments made in the Global Compact on Refugees, support the development and maintenance of strategic partnerships with UN and other development agencies, civil society, peacebuilding actors, and the private sector, engaging on areas including resilience, rule of law and governance, and housing land and property.
- Ensure that UNHCR¿s analysis of the risks and obstacles to solutions, including sustainable reintegration and integration, is instrumental in development actors¿ priority areas of engagement.
- Provide planning and foresight to advance progress for protracted refugee situations, and/or to prevent new situations from becoming protracted.
- Liaise with colleagues for the purpose of identifying and prioritizing durable solutions needs and ensuring adequate and timely interventions.
- Support Communication staff in developing a communication plan to support the durable solutions strategy, including media.
- Serve as focal point on durable Solutions-related issues for communities to ensure good communication.
- Advise on populations of concern¿ appropriate engagement for the identification of the most appropriate solutions, including through enhanced two-way communication, participatory assessments, intentions and perceptions surveys, and other forms of community based assessments.
- Promote the strengthened involvement of persons of concern in the design and implementation of solutions strategies, transition projects, peace-building and development initiatives.
- Analyse statistics, trends, and other documents, and draft reports.
- Participate in training activities aimed at the capacity building of UNHCR and partner staff on durable solutions, peace building/coexistence and partnership.
- Monitor the implementation of the programme through managing the human and financial resources and identify gaps to ensure optimum use of available funds.
- Represent UNHCR in meetings related to durable solutions.
- Clear documents and reports coming out of the Durable Solutions Unit.
In addition to the main duties listed above, for positions located in regional bureaux:
- Support the development of multiyear regional situational comprehensive protection, resilience and solutions strategies as relevant, together with UNHCR¿s stakeholders in Bureau and country operations, governments and other partners.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
For P3/NOC - 6 years relevant experience with Undergraduate degree; or 5 years relevant experience with Graduate degree; or 4 years relevant experience with Doctorate degree
Field(s) of Education
Law
International Law,
Political Science,
Social Science,
Economics,
International Relations;
or other relevant field.
Certificates and/or Licenses
RSD- Resettlement Learning Programme;
Protection Learning Programme;
Management Learning Programme;
Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Previous experience in solutions contexts. Thorough knowledge of International refugee law and its application.
Desirable
Solid UNHCR experience from both the Field (including Hardship Duty stations) and Headquarters.
Functional Skills
PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators
PR-Durable Solutions/Comprehensive Solutions Strategies implementation
PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD)
IT-IT Refugee Systems & Applications
*PR-Developing Strategic Protection Framework
PR-Comprehensive Solutions Framework
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)
Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.
All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.
As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.
This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.
Desired Candidate Profile
.
Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):
,
,
Operational context
Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:
Nature of Position:
UNHCR Bangladesh is in transition phase of moving from an emergency to a more stable operation. As of 30 September 2022, approximately 945,953 Rohingya refugees reside in 33 camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf Upazilas of Cox’s Bazar District and Bhasan Char, an island in the Bay of Bengal. The population includes 36,843 Rohingya refugees who arrived in the early 1990s, and along with their children born in Bangladesh and are formally recognized as refugees by the host Government. The vast majority of the Rohingya who have been registered since 2017 are not recognized as refugees by the Government but are instead referred to as ‘Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals’.
Durable solutions for Rohingya refugees remain elusive. UNHCR is working closely with the governments to find solutions to the crisis that are necessary to meet the needs of Rohingya refugees and alleviate some pressure on the Government and host communities of Bangladesh. UNHCR is in discussion with the Government of Bangladesh to resume resettlement program. Resettlement countries have shown interest to resettle Rohingya refugees out of Bangladesh. As a priority, UNHCR plans to scale up resettlement processing in close coordination with the host Government and by putting in place a robust system for large scale resettlement processing including but not limited to standard operating procedures, fair and transparent identification mechanisms, anti-fraud measures, and communicating with the refugees.
The Durable Solutions Officer will report to the Senior Protection Officer (CBP) and is responsible for strengthening and coordinating identification for resettlement through the development of a comprehensive vulnerability assessment framework. The incumbent will work very closely with other relevant units such as Durable Solutions, Registration, Legal, Livelihoods, Education, Health, GBV and CP units, as well as other humanitarian agencies, to ensure that the most vulnerable refugees are prioritized for referral for resettlement, as well as other protection and assistance services. The incumbent will also work to strengthen identification and referral processes across the operation, and ensure that referrals are made based on clear criteria, and they are accurately assessed. The incumbent should have strong analytical and communication skills and ability to work as a team, as well as experience with data-driven approaches to vulnerability assessment of large populations. Previous experience in operations using vulnerability assessment frameworks and with relevant PRIMES tools is highly desirable. Strategic thinking and good drafting skills are an asset, as is previous experience in interagency coordination.
Living and Working Conditions:
Cox's Bazar is a category D family duty station with a 2-year Standard Assignment Length (SAL). Educational facilities are limited, and international schools from primary to secondary school are currently only available in Dhaka only. Health services are also limited but are somewhat acceptable in Dhaka. Excellent medical care is accessible in Bangkok. Malaria and dengue risks exist throughout the year. Vaccination against Japanese Encephalitis and diphtheria are required.
Cox's Bazar is a principle tourist destination for Bangladeshis, with a number of hotels and restaurants. Leisure and recreational facilities generally focus on beach activities and hotel-based activities (swimming pools, gyms, restaurants). Infrastructure and shopping options in Cox's Bazar - a small city of just 250,000 persons - are relatively limited, however. Cox's Bazar is a relatively comfortable duty station, but the workload in the emergency operation is still heavy.
The R&R cycle is 8 weeks. There are several domestic flights from/to Dhaka daily during daylight hours. B machines are available in Cox's Bazar and credit/debit cards are accepted. Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks and exchange houses. Staff with small children are advised to contact the office for more information, while Cox's Bazaar is a family duty station, educational and medical facilities are not adequate for small children and there are no international schooling facilities at all (only in Dhaka!).
The security level system in Bangladesh is level 3 moderate. Although security is generally acceptable, given the current situation in the area, no movement on highways at night is allowed. Walking and jogging in the streets as earmarked is permitted. Staff members may avail rickshaws and taxis within Cox's Bazar city only. Crowded local markets should be avoided.
Additional Qualifications
Skills
IT-IT Refugee Systems & Applications, PR-Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD), PR-Comprehensive Solutions Framework, PR-Developing Strategic Protection Framework, PR-Durable Solutions/Comprehensive Solutions Strategies implementation, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators
BA: Economics (Required), BA: International Law (Required), BA: International Relations (Required), BA: Law (Required), BA: Political Science (Required), BA: Social Science (Required)
Certifications
HCR Management Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Protection Learning Program - UNHCR, HCR Resettlement Learning Program - UNHCR
Competencies
Accountability, Analytical thinking, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Judgement & decision making, Managing performance, Managing resource, Organizational awareness, Planning & organizing, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaboration
https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales
Compendium
Resettlement Scale-Up Exercise 2 – November 2022
This position doesn't require a functional clearance
