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Preamble: The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development, and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers. In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UNV volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities. In all assignments, UNV volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UNV volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

1. UNV Assignment Title: Associate Eligibility Officer

2. Type of assignment: International UNV volunteer

3. Project Title: Care and maintenance of asylum seekers and urban refugees in Algiers

4. Duration: ASAP until 31 December 2010 (with possibility of extension)

5. Location, Country: Algiers, Algeria

6. Expected starting date: ASAP

7. Brief Project Description
Algeria does not have an established national asylum law nor a functioning asylum system, although, it is signatory to the 1951 Convention and 1967 Protocol. As a result, refugee recognition is conducted under UNHCR’s mandate. To date about 300 asylum claims are pending. Every month, an average of 60 new claims is added to this backlog. The project aims at providing effective protection to refugees and asylum-seekers through fair and efficient treatment of their claims in accordance with material and procedural standards of international refugee law.

8. Host Agency/Host Institute: UNHCR

9. Organizational Context
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to provide protection (including assistance) and seek durable solutions for refugees and returnees. UNHCR Angola, from 2002-207 was involved in the repatriation operation of Angolan refugees from neighbouring countries, with 450,000 persons benefiting from assisted return. The recent expulsion of over 50,000 persons from DRC to Angola resulted in many people returning in an undignified manner, with many leaving behind spouses, children and personal properties. In the ensuring emergency-like situation, UNHCR is assuming the lead role for Protection within the UNCT perspective and also a leading member of the Social Services Cluster. UNHCR has a specific mandate to ensure that return of refugees is conducted in a dignified and safe manner.

10. Type of assignment place: Assignment without family

11. Description of Duties:
Under the overall supervision of the Representative and the direct supervision of the Senior Protection Officer (hereinafter the Supervisor), the UN volunteer will be responsible for the following tasks:
. Conduct eligibility interviews, assess the cases, draft RSD (Refugee Status Determination) Assessment Forms and timely formulate recommendations for decisions in accordance with UNHCR guidelines and procedural standards ensuring the quality of decisions in accordance with the relevant UNHCR policies;
. Provide legal and protection expertise in the framework of the RSD exercise, as necessary;
. Generate regular reports on the RSD activities carried out and submit them to the RSD Supervisor in the duty station;
. Undertake any other RSD related duties and responsibilities as requested by the Supervisor.
. When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, the incumbent is strongly encouraged to foster transfer of know-how by setting aside dedicated time for training, mentoring, coaching, sensitization and capacity-building activities.

Furthermore, UNV volunteers are encouraged to:
. Strengthening their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
. Getting acquainted with and building on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
. Reflecting on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
. Contributing articles/write-ups on field experiences and submitting them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
. Assisting with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UNV volunteers;
. Promoting or advising local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encouraging relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

12. Results/Expected Output:
. An average of eight (8) cases per week (i.e. RSD interview, drafting assessment and formulation of eligibility recommendation) processed per week ;
. An average of 10 files a week reviewed in light of closing procedures;
. A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during your assignment such as specific quantification of mobilized volunteers, activities, capacities.

13. Qualifications/Requirements:
. University degree in (International) Law, Political Science or a related Field.
. At least 6 months primary Refugee Status Determination (RSD) experience.
. At least 6 months secondary RSD experience desirable.
. Additional work experience in Int. Refugee Law or Human Rights Law desirable.
. Legal knowledge and the ability to apply legal principles.
. Good research and analytical skills.
. Good drafting skills.
. Good oral and written communication skills.
. Fluency in English, French is essential.
. Experience in case management desirable.
. Experience in COI (Country of Origin Information) research experience desirable.
. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.
. Cultural and gender awareness.
. Tolerance for diversity.
. The ability to work effectively under stress and in crisis situations.

14. Living Conditions:
The eligibility Officer will be based in Algiers. The capital, Algiers, is declared by the UN Department of Security and Safety (UNDSS) as Phase 3 while other areas of the country are phase one and two. Movements outside the capital require security clearance from both the UNDSS and the government. Accommodation is difficult to find and expensive in Algiers and in addition a clearance from UNDSS in accordance with MORSS is required. One bed room apartment located in one of the areas recommended by UNDSS can cost on average 1000 USD.

15. Conditions of Service
A 12-month contract; monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, equivalent to US$ 1,886 Single, US$2,136 with 1 Dep. US$ 2,336 with two or more Dep.; settling-in-grant (if applicable); life, health, and permanent disability insurance; assignment and return air tickets (if applicable); resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

18. Application
If you are not yet registered in the UNV database, please apply by completing the UNV web application at the following link: http://one.unv.org/main/?Lang=en . Important: Please select the following code from the drop down menu of the first page of the application: “10ALG_AELIG”
If you are registered in the UNV database, please send your UNV ID number by email, and with “10ALG_AELIG” in the subject field of your message, to: volvacancy@unvolunteers.org
The United Nations Volunteers programme is committed to ensuring gender equity among UNV volunteers and welcomes applications from women.

Closing Date: 17 March 2010