Background
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The Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to provide protection, assistance and seek durable solutions for refugees and stateless persons. UNHCR has also been involved under certain circumstances in enhancing protection and providing humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons.
Egypt is a signatory State to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, as well as the 1969 OAU Convention Governing Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa. In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding of 1954 concluded between UNHCR and the Government of Egypt, all activities pertaining to registration, documentation and refugee status determination are carried out by UNHCR. UNHCR in Egypt has Offices in Greater Cairo (6th October City and Zamalek district) as well as a Field Office in Alexandria.
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Duties and Responsibilities
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Under the direct supervision of the Protection Officer and the overall supervision of the Senior Protection Officer, the national UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
- Conduct interviews, prepare and issue documentation for unaccompanied and/or separated children (UASC) who are asylum seekers and refugees.
- Conduct Best Interest Assessments (BIA) for newly registered and for previously registered UASC and conduct follow-up.
- Follow up with relevant units within UNHCR and partner organizations to ensure that proper assistance is provided to UASC according to established criteria and standard operating procedures.
- Update and validate data in UNHCR’s data base ‘proGres’ on a daily basis and assist in compiling and analyzing statistics and profiles on a regular basis.
- Conduct country of origin (COI) research relevant to individual refugee claims as necessary with specific focus on situation of children in country of origin.
- Participate in community outreach visits on a regular basis;
- Perform other relevant duties or tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:
- 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.
Results/Expected Output:
- 5-6 registration interviews inclusive of BIA for UASC processed per week;
- Newly registered cases and newly recognized applicants issued with UNHCR cards.
- Relevant referrals to service providers and implementing partners conducted in a timely manner.
- 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.
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Competencies
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- Sound interpersonal and communication skills, especially with people from different cultural backgrounds.
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
- Initiative, sound judgment and dedication to the United Nationsprinciples.
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Required Skills and Experience
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- Completed secondary education required.
- A university degree, preferably in Law, Social Science or Political Science is an asset.
- At least one year of relevant professional experience.
- Fluency in Arabic and English (written, read, and spoken).
- Basic computer skills.
- Drafting skills in English are essential.
- Sound interpersonal and communication skills, especially with people from different cultural backgrounds.
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
- Initiative, sound judgment and dedication to the United Nationsprinciples.
- At least 22 years of age.
- Nationality: Egyptian.
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