RSD Associate

H (no hardship)

FamilyFamily

GS6

General Service

Reason

Regular > Regular Assignment

June 11 2025

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 claims. In 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 frameworks. In 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.

MCO Italy is looking for a solid candidate with proven expertise on the international EU and Italian refugee and human rights law and RSD procedure in Italy. The candidate must be proficient in Italian and English have excellent drafting skills in both languages combined with a pragmatic solution and result-oriented outlook to successfully manage the role. The candidate should have the ability to think and execute strategically and possess strong interpersonal and team building skills. Previous experience in RSD and specific expertise on trafficking of human beings would be an asset.

Additional Information:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Italy.

English is the official working language of UNHCR in Italy. Only applications fully completed in English will be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Assessment of short-listed candidates might comprise of both an interview and a written test.

UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability gender identity marital or civil partnership status race color or ethnic and national origins religion or belief or sexual orientation. UNHCR has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment. Successful candidates will be subject to mandatory UN Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment clearance check prior to receiving an offer.

UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application interview meeting processing training or any other fees).

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

In case of any queries please contact the Italy HR Team at

English

Italian

Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

To view occupational safety and health considerations for this duty station please visit this link:

of Position:

The UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Italy oversees operations in Italy San Marino the Vatican City Malta and Cypruscountries situated at the nexus of Europe North Africa and the Middle East and characterized by varied asylum landscapes distinct legal frameworks and differing capacities for refugee protection.

This sub-region plays a pivotal role in migration and refugee movements into Europe particularly through the Central and Eastern Mediterranean routes. Irregular arrivals by sea and land secondary movements and complex protection needs place continued pressure on national asylum and reception systems. While numbers fluctuate the centrality of these countries to European migration dynamics remains consistent.

Italy and Malta in particular remain among the primary entry points to the EU for persons seeking international protection. Their geographic proximity to North Africa renders Italy a key actor in search and rescue (SAR) efforts and for Italy in receiving persons rescued at sea. Cyprus facing a growing number of asylum claims relative to its population and capacity has become a significant point of concern due to overcrowded reception facilities and the need for strengthened asylum procedures.

San Marino and the Vatican City though not primary asylum destinations are engaged partners in refugee protection through political advocacy moral leadership and resettlement or complementary pathways especially under community sponsorship and humanitarian corridors supported by faith-based organizations.

In Italy the number of asylum applications lodged rose in 2024 to the record number of nearly 159.000. The RSD system from the access phase to second instance is facing historical challenges in ensuring fairness and efficiency of the procedure notably in view of the forthcoming application of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Trafficking in human beings is globally considered to be one of the most serious criminal offences: it constitutes a violation against human rights and it is a modern form of slavery. Based on Directive 2011/36/EU and Legislative decree n. 24/2014 which transposed it into the Italian legal system the National Commission and UNHCR developed in 2016 guidelines establishing referral mechanisms between the Territorial commissions and the Italian anti-trafficking protection system. The guidelines were through an extensive roll-out monitored reviewed and improved leading to the publication in 2020 of an updated edition. In line with its mandate UNHCRs support to identification and referral systems of persons with specific needs - and specifically (potential) victims of trafficking - and to the coordination between asylum authorities at all levels and the antitrafficking system remains crucial.

In this context the incumbent will support the Senior Protection Associate (RSD and Statelessness) in managing the teams activities aimed at enhancing State capacity in RSD and s/he will coordinate the establishment and functioning of a monitoring and alert system of the fairness of the asylum procedure from access to second instance. To this aim directly and through the supervision of two Senior Protection Assistants s/he will collect and elaborate inputs from RSD focal points other protection colleagues and relevant interlocutors - based on agreed indicators - in order to swiftly identify gaps and criticalities of the system alert the Office and agree on pertinent follow up actions. S/he will contribute to ensure UNHCRs support to the first instance RSD procedure by acting as focal point for selected Territorial Commissions and Sections and managing the selection training and coordination of a network of independent experts in constant dialogue and collaboration with the national asylum authorities.

S/he will also act as human trafficking focal point for the Office by contributing to the development and implementation of MCO Italys strategy on human trafficking and notably in view of the application of the EU Pact; staying abreast and disseminating information on legislative and policy developments as well as contributing to legal analysis and advocacy activities on human trafficking; taking part on behalf of UNHCR in initiatives and fora aimed at strengthening the national identification and referral system of (potential) victims of trafficking; planning and implementing in close coordination with the National Asylum Commission focused interventions involving Territorial Commissions and other relevant interlocutors at the local level. Consistently with UNHCR capacity development planning and priorities s/he will design and conduct training for decision makers at first and second instance anti-trafficking entities law enforcement officials and other relevant interlocutors on human trafficking as well as other RSD-related topics. In close coordination with CBP colleagues s/he will also support the roll out of the Handbook on vulnerabilities at the local level.

Living and Working Conditions:

Rome is a HQ Duty Station. Italy has a strong UN presence (more than 10 Agencies Programmes and Funds totaling more than 6000 staff) and is offering high standard of living conditions and relatively high cost of living.

There is no RC System hence no formal inter-agency coordination system other than the DO for Security related matters. FAO leads the UN team and collaborates closely with Rome based WFP and IFAD HQ.

The Italian authorities will issue a visa and residence permit to UNHCR international staff members. Before arriving at a new duty station finding an accommodation will be a priority. There are some limited facilities to access Duty Free privileges. Buying a new vehicle is a lengthy process while buying second hand is even more complex. The public transport system is relatively reliable and most colleagues have elected to reside in the office neighborhood.

A valid driving license issued by a European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) member state is automatically accepted in all other member states. People with EU/EEA-issued drivers license who take up residence in Italy are not required to exchange it for an Italian license.

Holders of a standard driving license issued from a non-EU/EEA country may drive in Italy using the foreign license for up to one year after obtaining residency.

Medical care is up to international standards.

UN International expatriates are covered by the medical insurance provided from their workplace. No additional medical coverage is required. A list of English-speaking doctors can be provided upon request by the FAO Medical Services.

There are several international schools in Rome. The academic year for schools in Italy is from September to June. Generally schools have long waiting lists and it is advisable to register your child at school as soon as possible. You should also find out about the specific admission requirements at the school. Transfer certificates from previous schools and academic records are usually required. Contracts are made between the school and private individuals regarding payments of school fees.

This means any deposits and commitments to pay fees are your responsibility and not the UNs.

Additional Qualifications

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

Work Experience

Competencies

Accountability Analytical thinking Client & results orientation Commitment to continuous learning Communication Judgement & decision making Organizational awareness Planning & organizing Stakeholder management Teamwork & collaboration

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Additional Information

This position doesnt require a functional clearance