HIAS is the global Jewish nonprofit organization that protects refugees—including women and children, and ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities—whose lives are in danger for being who they are

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS seeks to recruit a Resettlement Specialist who will be expected to contribute towards meeting the departmental goals, aimed at promoting resettlement as a durable solution for the most at-risk refugee populations. The Resettlement Specialist will be responsible for reviewing of Best Interest Determinations (BIDs), Best Interest Assessments (BIAs) and Resettlement Referral Forms (RRFs) for onward submissions as per the set targets by the Office. The incumbent will also provide expert advice and guidance on complex refugee and resettlement-related issues, including legal issues, to Resettlement officers and associates.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Review Resettlement Referral Forms (RRFs) for procedural compliance and quality.
• Submit Resettlement Referral Forms (RRFs) to the Resettlement Coordinator and the HIAS Technical Director.
• Review resettlement Best Interest Determinations (BIDs) & Best Interest Assessments (BIAs) to ensure they meet the required standards before submission to the BID panel.
• Submit resettlement BID cases with findings and make recommendations to the Child Protection Coordinator prior to submission to respective embassies and high commissions.
• Perform other duties as and when required.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• University degree in a relevant area (e.g. international law/refugee law, political science, social sciences – preferably in social work, etc.)
• Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in working in a refugee-related context or in an NGO-related context. Refugee Resettlement experience is preferred.
• Thorough understanding of the principles of refugee law and UNHCR’s mandate.
• Knowledge of international legal framework governing refugees, human rights/human rights law preferred.
• Knowledge of child protection and Best Interest Procedures.
• Professional experience writing detailed submissions on complex issues related to refugee law or refugee matters.
• Experience in refugee resettlement – conducting refugee resettlement assessments and submissions.
• Experience conducting refugee status determination and resettlement interviews.
• Experience drafting RRFs.
• Experience drafting BIAs.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interviewing and counselling skills including handling hostile clients.
• Ability to interact with refugee populations, strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
• Strong computer skills, in particular Microsoft Office and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in English and Swahili required.
• Knowledge of Accountability to Affected Populations.
• Knowledge of PSEA.