Summary
Date Posted: Thursday, July 29, 2021 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Job title: Best Interest Determination Specialist
Organization: CWS
Closing date: 10 Aug 2021
Grade: 6 (I)
Level: Specialist
Division: Programs
Section: Africa Regional Deployment Unit (ARDU)

CWS RSC Africa
The Resettlement Support Center (CWS RSC Africa) operates a US refugee resettlement program in sub-Saharan Africa through a Cooperative Agreement with the Department of State/ Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. CWS RSC Africa is responsible for the preparation of refugee case files for adjudication by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers, as well as the out-processing and cultural orientation of all approved cases. CWS RSC Africa is administered by the Church World Service Immigration Refugee Program (CWS/IRP) and is based in Nairobi, Kenya.**

Primary Purpose
This is a full time position within ARDU which strategically utilizes CWS RSC deployments to UNHCR with the goal of increasing referrals to the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) in Africa. UNHCR requires that a Best Interest Determination (BID) be conducted for all unaccompanied and separated refugee children being considered for resettlement. CWS RSC Africa works with UNHCR to assist in identifying and preparing BID and Best Interest Assessment (BIA) reports for these children, with the goal of identifying durable solutions for them, including resettlement to a third country, through the USRAP. The primary function of the BID Specialist is to support the goals of ARDU through temporary deployments to UNHCR offices throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Tasks to be completed while on deployment will be determined in the Terms of Reference (TOR) for each deployment and will include activities that support refugee resettlement, including completing of BIDs and BIAs.
Supervision
This position reports primarily to the ARDU Supervisor.

Essential Duties
1. Travels on deployments to UNHCR offices on short notice, including to refugee camps.
2. In conjunction with UNHCR and Child Protection partners, consults and analyzes all information, conducts home visits, and interviews unaccompanied and separated refugee children for the purpose of preparing BID reports and presenting them to a BID panel.
3. Under guidance of the UNHCR Child Protection Supervisor, works within confidential case management protocols and established UNHCR Standard Operating Procedures.
4. Completes and updates all case files and database records per UNHCR guidelines.
5. Monitors outstanding cases and follows-up with relevant UNHCR Resettlement units as available.
6. Makes assessments and reports, and liaises with UNHCR Protection and Resettlement Units to ensure the smooth processing of referral submissions.
7. Conducts resettlement interviews with identified cases in line with UNHCR Resettlement Guidelines and country-specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Makes assessments and contributes towards identifying resettlement cases, including case verification, and completing the UNHCR Resettlement Registration Form (RRFs) for the identified cases in accordance with the relevant standards and requirements.
8. Submits regular reports to ARDU management in line with deployment goals and objectives.
9. Maintains current knowledge of refugee situations, with an emphasis on child refugee populations served in sub-Saharan Africa.
10. Actively participates as a member of the UNHCR team and complies with UNHCR’s security requirements.
11. In field, undertakes additional related duties as agreed upon by ARDU management, UNHCR Supervisor and the ARDU deployee.
12. Contributes to the development of deployment training topics, procedures and implementation.
13. Undertakes additional assigned duties while in the field or at the CWS RSC Africa office to support ARDU and CWS RSC Africa, including administrative tasks.
14. Any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, social sciences, law (or a related field of study), or four (4) years of related work experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree is required.
• Master’s degree in a related field of study is preferred.
Experience:
• Four (4) years relevant work experience is preferred.
• Eighteen months of related experience in child protection or child welfare is required. Supervisory experience is preferred.
• Previous confidential case management experience, including use of age-appropriate and gender-sensitive interview techniques is required.
• Experience working in a child protection framework required. USRAP casework experience desirable.

Knowledge/Skills:
• Thorough and demonstrated knowledge of international child protection frameworks and UNHCR Best Interests Procedure Guidelines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of UNHCR/ USRAP resettlement processes.
• Excellent interviewing and counseling skills.**
• Excellent drafting, writing and analytical skills.
• Excellent spoken and written English; secondary language skills in Kiswahili, French or any other African regional language preferred.
• Previous assessment/ monitoring and evaluation skills preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills.
• Strong computer skills, in particular with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Abilities:
The BID Specialist must have the ability to:
• Conduct BID/ BIA assessments and identify protection needs of refugee children
• Work effectively with partners and in team settings
• Remain collegial and flexible, including managing heavy workload under pressure
• Travel within sub-Saharan Africa on short notice and sometimes under difficult conditions, including to refugee camps
• Work and deliver results under deadline
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;
• Receive feedback and guidance with a positive and receptive attitude
• Deal effectively and courteously with a large number of associates, external agencies, refugees and members of the general public
• Conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of CWS RSC Africa.
• Maintain a high performance standard with meticulous attention to detail
• Carry out all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision
• Work independently and contribute to overall operations of CWS RSC Africa
• Maintain strict confidentiality with CWS RSC Africa administrative and operational information
• Manage a large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities
• Work well as a team in a multi-cultural environment while maintaining a high level of motivation
• Demonstrate leadership, take initiative in the development and completion of projects
• Analyse and solve complex problems and make sound decisions
• Take initiative in the development and completion of projects.
• Actively participate in the implementation of the U.S. government’s Refugee Admissions Program
Working Conditions
Physical: This position requires bending, squatting, crawling, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/ pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and carrying/ lifting loads of about 20 kg.
Environmental: Incumbents in this position will be exposed to marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, harsh weather climates, dust and infectious diseases, working in confined quarters and dangerous insects, animals, reptiles, spiders, etc.
Special Requirements: A background check, which includes references and an educational and criminal check, is required before the start of employment. A valid passport and the ability to maintain a valid passport throughout the entire appointment is required, which includes having enough passport pages for travel. Must be legally eligible to work and obtain a work permit in Kenya and in deployment locations in sub-Saharan Africa.
The candidate should be of good health, willing and able to travel extensively in often difficult conditions, and have a high degree of flexibility. A certificate of good health is required before the start of deployment. The employee must have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination and all required inoculations before traveling for CWS RSC Africa.
Employee will be entrusted with the receipt, custody and payment of money.
Licensing/Certification:
Competencies
Communication
Ensure effective exchanges of information with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include speaking to others respectfully; expressing ideas in a logical, organized way; sharing information appropriately; and clarity and conciseness in written communication.
Relationships
Ensure constructive and supportive interactions with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include being positive and supportive when working with others; sharing information and resources freely; resolving conflict constructively; and proactively working to remove obstacles to success for others.
Job Knowledge
Utilize and apply job related knowledge to complete job tasks at a level that meets or exceeds expectations. Examples of skills and behaviors include utilizing job knowledge to solve problems or develop new approaches; maintaining or enhancing skills through continuing education; and taking on projects that will develop or enhance skills.
Teamwork
Work effectively and contribute as a member of a team. Examples of skills and behaviors include supporting other team members by sharing information; covering the work of others during absences, vacations etc.; and actively participating in developing ideas for ways to increase team effectiveness.
Problem Solving
Analyze information and develop solutions to challenges that arise during the course of performing a job. Examples of skills and behaviors include researching and collecting facts; defining the issues and the parties affected; formulating options/solutions for addressing the problem; and engendering support for and implementing the solution.
Program Planning and Management
Organize work and/or plan projects and ensure timely completion and/or successful implementation. Examples of skills and behaviors include identifying and analyzing program options; identifying the tasks and deliverables required for successful completion; managing one’s time; monitoring the resources involved and ensuring that they are directed most effectively; and working with all involved to ensure successful completion.
Leadership
Guide and direct oneself or other individuals and groups toward a desired outcome. Examples of skills and behaviors include taking the appropriate level of initiative to resolve problems or remove obstacles, bringing individuals together around a common goal; evaluating information and making decisions; navigating conflict and obstacles; and ensuring that communication takes place between all parties involved.
Resource Building and Stewardship
Balance the acquisition or investment of organization resources with responsible use of those resources in line with the organization’s mission. Examples of skills and behaviors include taking advantage of all opportunities to cultivate potential donors; evaluating situations to identify the best use of resources; and making responsible investments of resources that increase organization effectiveness

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 60

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

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