ThaiNGO

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Representation in Thailand

Vacancy Announcement No.  17/2020    

Internal/External Circulation

(Advertisement)

Availability of the Post     As soon as possible until 31 December 2020

General Background

The Thailand operation along the border with Myanmar has reached a critical juncture wherein the realization of durable solutions for some 90,000 refugees has shifted beyond resettlement towards voluntary repatriation and other possible options. UNHCR Offices are engaged in a range of activities that prepare refugees for repatriation including facilitating the movement of those that already decided to return (prior to UNHCR promoting voluntary repatriation). UNHCR efforts are being strengthened to ensure that durable solutions options resettlement, voluntary return and migrant status) materialize and that refugees are able to freely avail themselves to solutions of their choice.

The interpreter/Protection Clerk reports directly to and is under the general guidance of the Associate Protection Officer (P2). The Interpreter/Protection Clerk is part of the Protection Team which is engaged in outreach, support and advocacy for the basic rights, safety and protection of the refugee community. Protection also encompasses community-based outreach and information sharing on protection issues and durable solutions.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

- Provide interpretation/transition for staff members as needed.

- Assist members of the Protection Team in police and legal proceedings involving refugees and to interpret in Karen and/or Thai, Burmese, and English for individuals involved in protection cases.

- Assist in liaison with the refugee leaders on individual cases and protection issues.

- Assist in organizing and conducting awareness raising activities on core UNHCR issues, including SGBV, child protection and durable solutions, particularly voluntary repatriation.

- Support focus groups discussions in the camps

- Assist in preparing and dissemination information for refugees, particularly in relation to the situation in Myanmar and future durable solutions.

- Conduct simple follow up on protection cases, under the close guidance of the Senior Field Assistant (Protection) and the Associate Protection Officer.

- Assist the resettlement/durable solutions unit in identifying and interviewing individuals interested in resettlement and in providing basic resettlement -related counselling.

- Assist the district /provincial registration teams with monthly registration updates in camp.

- Update proGres database with relevant case information and developments, including on resettlement status, birth registration, etc.

- Translate reports, letters, meeting minutes, outreach materials and other documents.

- Perform other related functions, as requested by the supervisor.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

- Quality of interpretation/translation will be regularly assessed by the direct supervisor and other staff members;

- Quality and types of assistance provided in protection work, follow-up action on protection cases, and logistical arrangements undertaken will be regularly assessed by the direct supervisor and other staff members;

- Number of focus group discussions, household surveys, and other outreach activities organized will depend on the prevailing operating conditions, particularly considering COVID-19;

- Performance evaluation will be conducted by the direct supervisor at the end of the contract.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Completion of secondary school is required.
• Postsecondary training /certificate in Business Administration, Secretarial Work, Social Work, Translation or related field is an added value (preferred)
• Additional training courses in protection related issues is an added value (preferred)

Work Experience

• Previous relevant job experience: 3 years
• Job Experience relevant to the function: 3 years

Key Competencies

• Ability to effectively communicate from Karen S'gaw to English and vice versa required. This includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing/reporting in both languages in an accurate and efficient manner.
• Good communication skills, particularly for communicating with refugees in the camp setting required.
• Fluency in written and spoken Thai, Burmese, Karen Pwo, and/or other languages spoken in the refugee camps is an asset (desired).
• Familiarity with the refugee camps and the background and context of the Myanmar refugees in Thailand is an asset (desired).
• Demonstrated sensitivity in dealing with vulnerable refugees and knowledge of the basic principles of casework such as confidentiality and survivor choice is an asset (desired).

Please submit your Motivation Letter, duly signed P.11 form, Curriculum Vitae and a copy of official ID card/national passport clearly stating the position title, vacancy notice number and your Last Name in the subject line to: THABAHR@unhcr.org by the closing date.

Applications will not be acknowledged.  Only the successful candidate will be notified of the outcome of the selection process.

P.11 form can be downloaded from: https://www.unhcr.or.th/sites/default/files/u11/P11_UNHCR.docm and 

https://www.unhcr.or.th/sites/default/files/u11/P11SUP_UNHCR.docm

Distribution:

• All UNHCR staff members in Thailand
• UN organizations in Thailand
• Specialized Agencies
• Diplomatic Missions
• International NGOs
• Non-government Organizations
• Embassies