National RSD consultant/consultant in domeniul determinarii statutului de refugiat

VACANCY NOTICE


The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Representation in Moldova seeks a candidate to work for its EU funded Quality Initiative in Eastern Europe Project as

NATIONAL RSD CONSULTANT

Contract period: up to 24 months (from 1 February 2013 – 31 December 2014; start date to be confirmed) on a standard UNOPS national consultancy contract (GS-7)

Remuneration Package: UNOPS national consultancy terms and conditions

Terms of reference: The full terms of reference for the consultancy will be provided to short listed candidates.

Tasks: The incumbent, working with the Head of Office in Moldova and the Project Coordinator, will perform the following duties:


1. Conduct an objective and thorough evaluation through close proximity monitoring of the current methods and procedures in the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) Procedures, inclusive of the quality of interview techniques and adequate interpretation services available for the asylum-seekers as well as through systematic audit of first and second instance decisions to determine the level of application of the 1951 Geneva Convention and other relevant instruments
2. Facilitate, guide and support the independent and objective evaluation of methods and procedures for refugee status determination in national asylum authorities.
3. Assess the training needs of national RSD officers. Provide intensive coaching and facilitate the exchange of experiences, using contacts established with other countries taking part in the project, on the best methods to determine the need for international protection in a single procedure;
4. Thematic training of RSD officers in batches on "good practice" RSD focusing on credibility assessment and the use of Country of Origin Information in RSD;
5. Elaboration of common approaches and internal guidelines to deal with specific themes such as nationality, internal relocation alternative, accelerated procedures etc;
6. Review of written decisions of second instance review bodies, in order to identify gaps and develop proposals to address them, potentially through training, exchange of information on good practices, development and provision of resource materials or otherwise; and
7. Support the establishment of quality assurance mechanisms through facilitating the sharing of good practice and experience with officials from other Member States;
8. Report regularly to the national Project Implementation Board and assist in developing good practice to support the national quality assurance mechanisms to become non-dependent on the presence of UNHCR deployed consultants;
9. Report to UNHCR and Project Coordinator on activities carried out and on recommended follow-up;
10. Liaise with other NPO Consultants in countries covered by the same project; and
11. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High proficiency of written and oral English, Russian and Romanian is essential;
• University level degree in law or social sciences, preferably with a working understanding of relevant EU and national asylum law;
• Previous refugee status determination work experience will be an asset;
• Ability to work in a team and in a multi-cultural environment;
• Previous relevant work experience, including at least one year in the field of refugee protection and/or related administrative procedures;
• IT skills: Microsoft Office, Power Point, Internet.

Learning Opportunities: UNHCR is a continuous learning organisation and all persons working with UNHCR undertake regular training.

Interested persons should submit their applications in English i.e. P11, Cover Letter, with the mark “Quality Initiative in Eastern Europe RSD Consultant” by COB 11th of January 2013 to the following address: UNHCR Moldova Office, 68, Mateevici str., Chisinau or by email at the following address mdach@unhcr.org or fax (373 22) 27 19 53.

ATTRACTIVE EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS INCLUDING PENSION FUND,
MEDICAL INSURANCE COVERAGE AND COMPETITIVE SALARY

Only shortlisted persons will be contacted. No information will be given over the telephone.

UNHCR is committed to workforce diversity. Well qualified candidates, particularly women, persons with disabilities, Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV are particularly encouraged to apply.