Background
Duties and Responsibilities
- Carry out UNHCR’s standard reception functions for asylum-seekers and refugees.
- Provide protection counseling and advice at reception and identify with serious protection problems and/or other vulnerabilities in need of urgent intervention.
- Handle daily scheduling of interviews, protection queries by telephone and directly, professionally manage individual files, registration activities, prepare UNHCR documentation and follow up other correspondence as necessary.
- Maintain statistics relating to reception procedures and be familiar with relevant databases.
- Prepare regular data analysis and timely reports, including on trends and patterns.
- Alert supervisor to any protection issues or challenges arising.
- Assist in any other related protection activities as required by the Office.
- Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
- Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
- Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
- Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
- Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
- Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
- Asylum seekers and refugees are received in a positive, helpful and responsive manner in accordance with UNHCR’s standards and procedures at reception.
- Close monitoring of trends and patterns and protection concerns are reported each month in a timely and qualitative manner.
- Updated statistics are produced every month.
- A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development within your host community.
- A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.
Competencies
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
Required Skills and Experience
Education
- University degree (BA) in Political Science, Social Science, Business and Administration, International Relations, or a related field.
Experience and knowledge
- Good analytical skills, good communications and inter-personal skills and the ability to work under pressure, both independently and as part of a team.
- Good knowledge of refugee issues and Human Rights doctrine would be an asset.
- Knowledge of MS Word, Excel and Access
- Experience in social welfare work and/or legal counselling would be an asset.
- Previous experience with UNHCR would be an asset.
Languages
- Fluency in English and Hindi.
- Knowledge of other UN languages would be an asset
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community.