RSD Associate

July 22 2026

Grade

GS6

General Service

Reason

Temporary > Temporary Assignment/ Appointment

B

Family

Standard Job Description

RSD Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The RSD Associate is a member of the Refugee Status Determination (RSD) team. S/he is responsible for supporting all activities related to the processing of refugee claims in the Operation. The RSD Associate provides counselling to and responds to queries from asylum seekers and refugees regarding UNHCRs RSD procedures their rights and obligations including towards the host authorities and the status of the processing of their discharging these responsibilities the RSD Associate liaises closely with Registration Community Services Resettlement and other Protection staff. The RSD Associate is responsible for conducting COI and other research related to RSD and maintaining the Operations local repository of relevant information guidelines and standards. S/he may also assist in drafting RSD Assessments. The RSD Associate assists in compiling and analysing information related to the RSD activities of the Operation and in drafting related correspondence and reports. The RSD Associate may provide interpretation and/or translation services in cases for which s/he has the required language competencies.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter UN Staff Regulations and Rules UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability addition staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core functional cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCRs core values of professionalism integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
- Stay abreast of legal political security and other developments which impact on the protection environment and in particular on protection delivery through RSD.
- Assist in the development of the RSD strategy of the operation and in the annual planning exercise.
- Provide counselling to and respond to queries from asylum seekers and refugees including in the context of the notification of negative RSD decisions.
- Maintain accurate and up-to date records and data related to all work on individual cases.
- Assist in preventing and identifying fraud in RSD through oversight advice and guidance to UNHCR staff partners and persons of concern.
- Systematically apply an age gender and diversity (AGD) perspective in the performance of assigned functions.
- Conduct research on country of origin information (COI) and other issues related to RSD and maintain the Operations local repository of relevant information guidelines and standards accessible to RSD staff in the operation.
- Assist in monitoring RSD trends and in compiling and analysing RSD statistics related to RSD case processing.
- Assist in developing and maintaining processes to ensure that persons of concern Government authorities and partners have accurate information on the RSD procedures including UNHCR standards policies and practice.
- Assist in initiatives to advocate with and support Government authorities and legal partners to establish and strengthen fair and efficient RSD procedures and RSD decision-making.
- Draft correspondence and reports relating to the RSD activities of the Operation.
- Refer individual cases to other functional units in the Operation and/or external partners for appropriate follow-up in accordance with established criteria.
- Counsel individual asylum-seekers on the reasons for negative RSD decisions in accordance with the RSD SOPs.

Operational Context:

India currently hosts more than 261000 refugees and asylum seekers. These include some 91000 Sri Lankan refugees and 73400 Tibetans directly assisted by the Government of India. There are also around 48000 individuals registered under UNHCRs mandate primarily from Afghanistan Myanmar and other addition around 50000 Myanmar nationals have sought refuge in the Northeast of India and live in a refugee-like situation. UNHCR works with the Government of India on protection and solutions for refugees and asylum seekers in India.

In 2025 severe funding cuts have resulted in the scaling back of critical services for refugees in India. UNHCRs priorities currently include:

-strengthening registration documentation and legal aid to prevent or respond to arrest detention and risk of forced returnprioritizing high-risk cases for refugee status determination with positive decisions opening pathways to resettlement and other solutions.
-addressing the urgent needs of the most vulnerable individuals including with emergency life-saving assistance.
-deepening collaboration with local actors and investing in refugee- and community-led initiatives and livelihood programs that foster resilience inclusion and self-reliance.
-advancing durable solutions by expanding complementary pathwayssuch as labor mobility and education opportunities to third countries advocating for increased resettlement and facilitating safe voluntary repatriation

UNHCR works through local partners in areas with the largest refugee populations and the highest operational needs providing essential protection services across India. The Office undertakes advocacy on the development of a national policy framework to respond to refugees including through the inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers in public services and programs in line with the commitment of leaving no one behind under the UN- Government of India Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. UNHCRs office is in New Delhi and has a field presence in Chennai Tamil Nadu State.

Desired Candidate Profile

The RSD Associate is a part of the RSD team and is supervised by the Associate RSD Officer. A University degree in Law Human Rights International Relations or other clearly related disciplines is desirable. A minimum of two years work experience with UNHCR in RSD procedures at First instance and Appeal is desired. Knowledge of International Refugee Law and Human Rights Law and ability to apply the relevant legal principles is desired. Experience in working with vulnerable or traumatized individuals in the context of RSD procedures is desired. The position requires strong interview research drafting skills and cross-cultural communication skills.

Excellent English writing and editing skills attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines and strong organizational and time management skills are desired.

This position is a temporary appointment for 04 months and is open only to Indian nationals. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and they may be required to undergo a written test and an interview. The selected candidate will work either from the UNHCR Office or other UNHCR partner locations in New Delhi India.

This position doesnt require a functional clearance

Skills

CO-Cross-cultural communication PR-Age Gender and Diversity (AGD) PR-Counselling Asylum Seekers or Refugees PR-Government Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedures PR-RSD - Principles and Procedures operational arrangements/assistance SO-Research WB-Treatment of vulnerable/traumatized individuals

Education

Certifications

Community Development/Social Work - Other HCR Country of Origin Information Learning Program - UNHCR HCR RSD Learning Program - UNHCR

information