UNDP Jobs - 48650- Short-Term Expert on Asylum Reception Capacity

Short-Term Expert on Asylum Reception Capacity

Location :

Yerevan, ARMENIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Sep-2014

Application Deadline :

14-Aug-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

15 days within 01-20 Sep 2014 period

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

15 days within 01-20 Sep 2014 period

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The overall objective of the EU Advisory Group (EUAG) is to support the Government of the Republic of Armenia in the implementation of its reform agenda and relevant international commitments assumed, including through the implementation of the ENP Action Plan (ENP-AP). The EUAG will achieve these objectives through the continued delivery of an optimal mix of policy, legal and institutional advisory services.

The EUAG is funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Armenia. An Advisory Board jointly chaired by the EU Delegation, the Presidential Administration and the National Security Council staff acts as the supervisory body for the programme.

In continuation of the results achieved over the past three years in the area of migration, the EUAG has focused its activities on key issues such as advice on managing legal migration, visa facilitation and readmission, mobility, combating illegal migration, document security and border management.

To help align Armenian migration and asylum policies with European standards, the EU Advisory Group has conducted research on the international experience in defining indicators for analysis and evaluation of the migration situation. In addition, a comparative analysis between Armenia’s migration and asylum data and databases following EU standards was conducted and gaps identified. To support the strengthening of migration policy and the implementation of the National Migration Action Plan, the EU Advisory Group presented initial best practices in the reception of asylum seekers and recommendations for improving conditions in the Reception Centre in Yerevan.

In follow-up to the latter research, policy advice for improving the overall asylum reception capacity is necessary, both in terms of provision of services and necessary capacity building of asylum staff, as well as asylum facilities. The advice should include best practices in EU Member States, an updated assessment of the asylum situation in Armenia, and recommendations for future enhancement.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the EUAG management and in close coordination with the State Migration Service, the incumbent will assume the responsibility for providing policy analysis and advice on enhancing asylum reception capacity. To that end, the incumbent will:

Prepare a desk review of EU and international best practices on asylum reception capacity in terms of services and facilities, as well as recommended staff approach, skills and training;
Assess the situation in Armenia in consultation with government and international stakeholders;
Develop recommendations for improvement of the capacity of asylum reception staff, as well as asylum facilities.

The items above should be presented under the format of a policy paper during a workshop.

Expected deliverables

Policy paper on enhancing asylum reception capacity including:

desk review of EU and international best practices on asylum reception capacity in terms of provision of services and facilities, as well as recommended staff skills and training;
assessment of the situation in Armenia and recommendations for future areas of improvement.
Workshop presenting the policy paper and its main findings will be another deliverable of the assignment.

Competencies

Knowledge of international/EU standards and legal norms related to asylum reception systems;
Excellent writing, editing and communication skills in English;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Proficiency in corporate software and IT skills;

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree in social sciences, preferably with a focus on migration and mobility.

Experience:

Minimum 6 years of relevant work experience in the field of migration and asylum.

Languages:

Fluency in written and spoken English.