Job Title: Associate Repatriation Officer
Organization: United Nations Volunteers (UNV)
Host entity: UNHCR
Assignment country: Mali
Expected start date: 01/01/2024
Sustainable Development Goal: 10. Reduced inequalities
Volunteer category: International UN Volunteer Specialist
Type: Onsite
Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Bamako
Details
Mission and objectives
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950
by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate
international action to pro-tect refugees and resolve refugee problems
worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safe-guard the rights and well-being of
refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exer-cise the right to seek
asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home
voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).
Context
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950
by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate
international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems
worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safe-guard the rights and well-being of
refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek
asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home
voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).
Beside its international protection of refugees in Mali, UNHCR main objective
for this particular program is to find durable solutions for returning Malian
former refugees as well as internally displaced persons. The volunteer will be
working in the Repatriation Unit based at the main office in Bamako with
missions in the entire Northern regions of Mali. In the implementation of the
programme, UNHCR works together with the government of Mali, specifically the
line ministry (Ministè;re de la Solidarité, de l’Action Humanitaire et de la
Reconstruction du Nord), also occasionally with officials from countries of
asylum in the context of tripartite agreements; with implementing partners, and
other UN agencies. UNHCR has field offices in Tombouctou, Gao, and Mopti and
plans to open new offices in Niafunke and Menaka as soon as feasible. During
the performance of his/her tasks under the assignment the UNV will be
interacting not only with all but also with beneficiaries, UNHCR staff and
partners in countries of asylum.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Protection
Officer the UN volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Monitor the
implementation of the voluntary return operation through consultations, regular
field visits and monitoring tools, suggesting amendments to the plan as
necessary. Ensure that activities are implemented in accordance with the
voluntary repatriation strategy, with a view to ensuring that the return is
voluntary and takes place in safety and dignity. Gather and analyze data
related to return movements and conditions in areas of return for planning,
evidence-based advocacy and protection interventions. Ensure that specific
needs of vulnerable categories of returnees are duly addressed during the
return movement. Monitor and advise implementing partners on activities related
to return. Actively participate in inter-agency coordination processes and
mobilize partners’ political and financial support, to ensure complementary
interventions to voluntary repatriation/return program Comply with UNHCR’s
policy priorities, such as those related to persons with particular
vulnerabilities Identify, monitor and advise implementing partners on on-going
activities related to return. Mainstream AGD in all areas of work and ensure
the full participation of returning refugees in matters relating to their own
protection Liaise with other UNHCR country offices and other key partners in
the region to ensure appropriate cross-border cooperation and a harmonized
voluntary repatriation process. When working with national staff or
(non-)governmental counterparts, the incumbent should set aside dedicated time
for training, coaching, mentoring and capacity development.
Eligibility criteria
Age
27 - 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the
country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in function of repatriation
activities; a good UNHCR work experience is an asset. Desirable Qualifications
and Skills: Knowledge of UN policies and procedures; Field experience;
Commitment to help refugees and willingness to cooperate with counterparts;
Good analytical skills; Strong interpersonal and communication skills in a
multi-cultural setting; Experience of working with refugees; Ability to live
and work in the difficult and harsh conditions of developing countries is
essential. Language: Fluent in French with good working knowledge of English,
since the candidate is expected to work mostly in French. Computer skills:
Microsoft Office Package (excellent knowledge of Word, good knowledge of Excel
and Power Point) and Internet browsing.
Area(s) of expertise
Crisis and emergency response
Driving license
-
Languages
French, Level: Fluent, Required English, Level: Working
knowledge, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in International Development,
Cultural Studies, Human Rights, International Social Work, Social Science,
Political Science, Anthropology, International Law or other clearly related
disciplines.
Competencies and values
, Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment
to Continuous Learning, Communication, Integrity, Planning and Organizing,
Professionalism, Working in Teams
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Mali is a country that is currently trying to recover from a
conflict in its northern part. The whole territory is a non-family duty
station. This position is based in Bamako, whose living and security conditions
are satisfactory however due to the recent events in Bamako the security phase
has been increased to SLS 4 (Substantial - as per UN security classification).
The candidate will be entitled to R&R after every 8 weeks. To enter Mali, a
valid passport is required. A visa is also compulsory, except for nationals of
ECOWAS member states (Economic Community of West African States), Morocco and
Tunisie. Nationals of other countries should contact the representation of Mali
in their country of residence for those who do not have a Malian representation
in their country of residence, the visa can be issued at Bamako airport. In all
cases, a Note Verbale will be issued with the aim of facilitating the visa
issuance for the selected UN Volunteer. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory
and a vaccination card should be brought with you for Malian health
authorities’ check at the airport. The selected UN Volunteer must attend, from
the beginning of the assignment, all security-related trainings, which are
compulsory for all UN personnel.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme
that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to
achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part
of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to
combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights
and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender
identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability,
pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination
against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service
approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds
