ThaiNGO

NOTE: DEADLINE HAS PASSED AND APPLICATIONS SENT AFTER 12 OCTOBER 2021 ARE NO LONGER BEING CONSIDERED.

The Center for Asylum Protection (CAP), part of the Thai foundation People Serving People Foundation (PSPF), is a legal aid provider for urban refugees and asylum seekers in Thailand. CAP’s mission is to support and advocate for the rights of asylum seekers and refugees by providing legal representation and protection-related services for people making asylum applications to UNHCR Thailand. PSPF and CAP are looking for a Project Officer to oversee activities related to increasing awareness and understanding of the National Screening Mechanism (NSM), including the development and implementation of an online knowledge portal.

The NSM refers to the Regulation of the Office of the Prime Minister On the Screening of Aliens who Enter into the Kingdom and are Unable to Return to the Country of Origin B.E. 2562 (https://www.refworld.org/docid/5e675a774.html), an act passed by the Thai cabinet on 24 December 2019. The NSM represents a commitment by the Thai government to offer international protection to people who have fled their country due to persecution. There are still many pressing questions surrounding the details of the implementation, particularly from people affected by the regulation (refugees and asylum seekers). If the NSM functions well, it could greatly improve the lives of people recognised as being in need of protection. If it functions poorly or if it is distrusted, it could further shrink the protection space for asylum seekers in Thailand. Collecting and sharing  accurate and timely information about the NSM with and from stakeholders is essential to ensuring effective implementation. The selected candidate therefore has the opportunity to play a key role in determining the effectiveness of the NSM.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Using project funds effectively and efficiently, translate the NSM into the main languages spoken by refugees in Thailand
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge about the NSM, including through discussions with relevant stakeholders and attending relevant meetings.
• Create an “NSM Frequently Asked Questions” information sheet, using publicly available information and information that CAP has received from refugees as a guide for what to include.
• Lead in the creation of a video and/or audio series on the NSM.
• Develop a website (online knowledge portal) that contains information on the NSM and use social media platforms to alert people of new information and when it is posted.
• Conduct information sessions with refugee communities to raise awareness about the NSM and the online portal.
• Periodically review and update the FAQ and other resources to ensure they contain up-to-date information and are addressing the issues of greatest concern to refugees.
• Periodically brief refugee advocates, the Thai government, and donor and refugee resettlement countries on the feedback expressed by refugees toward the NSM, culminating in organizing an NSM multi-stakeholder roundtable.
• Maintain accurate records of spending.
• Contribute to narrative reporting and financial reporting.

Education

• University degree, preferably in refugee studies, international relations, human rights, law, politics, or other relevant social science field.

Experience
Required

• Experience in organizing workshops, consultations, and related meetings between diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in working with refugees, particularly in Thailand.

Desired

• Experience working as project officer/manager, especially in refugee rights, human rights, or a related field.
• Experience working with an interpreter.

Skills
Required

• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Ability to explain complex information in an easy-to-understand manner to a range of audiences.
• Ability to manage social media networks and website content.
• Ability to work independently and to meet agreed-upon deadlines.

Desired

• Fluency in Thai.

• Fluency in a language commonly spoken by refugees in Thailand.
• Familiarity with the National Screening Mechanism.
• Prior understanding of the urban refugee situation in Thailand, including refugee status determination under UNHCR.

Duration: The position is expected to begin on 15 October 2021 and to run until 31 August 2022.

Location: As our office continues to work remotely during the pandemic, the work under this position will be done remotely as well, but working in our office will be expected when it reopens. If applying from outside Thailand, please note that you will be expected to work and be available during Thai hours (9 AM to 5 PM Thailand time), though some flexibility may be possible. Relocation to Thailand will be expected once it is possible to do so, and PSPF/CAP expects to be able to provide a non-immigrant volunteer visa. However, the cost of travel and relocation will not be provided.

Compensation: 1,200 Euro (approximately 47,000 baht) per month.