TITLE: RESETTLEMENT SPECIALIST

TYPE: JOB

DEPARTMENT: LEGAL PROTECTION

DIVISION: RESETTLEMENT

HIRING MANAGER: LEGAL PROTECTION

SUPERVISOR: RESETTLEMENT COORDINATOR

LOCATION: NAIROBI

START DATE: 21^st OCTOBER 2024

END DATE: 29^TH SEPTEMBER 2025 (Renewable contract subject to availability of funds and performance)

GRADE: 7

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.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

SAMPLE HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a Human Resources staff person.

Step 3: Interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Reference check.

Step 6: Offer and background check.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • ????? ?????? (Hachnasat Orchim)

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • ??? (Tzedek)

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • ??? (Chesed)

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • ?????? (Chevruta)

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • ???? (Ometz)

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • ??? (Ruach)

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.