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Durable Solutions (DS) Deputy Team Leader

Position Description
Working under the supervision and in coordination with the Durable Solution Team Leader, the Deputy is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Durable Solutions team. The responsibilities include the supervision of all casework; the processing, in coordination with the Team Leader, of cases internally referred to the Durable Solutions Team responsible for UNHCR referrals, coordination of caseloads; and the review of referral submissions as well as drafting US direct referrals. The Deputy Team Leader will work closely with all teams at AMERA as well as external partners to recognize refugees and asylum seekers in need of resettlement, to identify appropriate resettlement options and process cases for resettlement.

For this purpose, the Deputy Team Leader will reinforce resettlement criteria and identification among AMERA staff and interns, advise them on resettlement options for their clients, as well as develop and maintain external partnerships to increase resettlement opportunities and knowledge for AMERA clients. The Deputy DS Team Leader is also responsible of assisting in producing monthly reports on the Durable Solutions team’s work. The Deputy Team Leader is additionally responsible for the coordination and provision of training for new interns and other staff on DS related matters. The Deputy shall assume the responsibilities of the Team Leader in her/his absence, including staff supervision; communications with UNHCR; and decision-making for the team.

The Deputy also works with the Team Leader to develop and maintain detailed procedures and protocols for the work of the DS Team, including procedures for receiving clients, assigning cases, screening and referring cases.

Minimum Requirements

1. English being the official language of the UNHCR Cairo as well as AMERA’s office, the Deputy Team Leader must be fluent in both oral and written English. Arabic is an advantage.
2. Sound knowledge of international refugee law
3. LLB, LLM, JD or equivalent legal education; master’s/graduate level legal education and/or practical experience as a legal advocate preferred.
4. Experience in human rights and/or with refugees and asylum-seekers.
5. Ability to closely supervise the work of team members and provide necessary follow-up.
6. Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

Staff and Interns:
The Durable Solutions Deputy Team Leader shall:
1. Assist with the recruitment, supervision and support staff, to ensure that the team operates effectively and efficiently.
2. Provide training on durable solutions, identification tools and methodology as well as on writing internal referrals staff.
3. Provide feedback to staff and interns on the eligibility of certain cases for referral as well as general feedback about resettlement systems.
4. Process, in coordination with the Team Leader, cases internally referred to the Durable Solutions Team.
5. Provide staff and interns with feedback regarding the possibility of inquiry with the UNCHR regarding certain cases.
6. Inform staff and interns of the status of referrals and inquiries with regards to responses from the UNHCR
Coordinate with other teams at AMERA on resettlement related issues, especially for unaccompanied minors and SGVB cases.

Clients and caseload:
The Durable Solutions Deputy Team leader will:
1. Screen clients, when deemed beneficial or necessary, for resettlement
2. Advise clients, when deemed beneficial or necessary, on private sponsorship processes or other durable solutions available to them in particular.
3. Write resettlement referrals and inquiries to the UNCHR.
4. Write longer resettlement referrals when required by the UNHCR Resettlement Unit.
5. Update database with UNHCR responses to referrals and inquiries.
6. Follow up and keep track of all referrals, inquiries as well as all resettlement cases with the UNHCR
7. Prepare and attend, in coordination with the Team Leader and other teams, when necessary, Best Interest of the child Determination meetings at the UNCHR
8. Provide clients with information regarding their process, when deemed possible
9. Under the supervision of the Team Leader, write direct referrals for the US RAP.
10. Provide the Team Leader, when necessary, with feedback on the writing of direct referrals for the US RAP.
11. Assist with the maintenance of information sheets to ensure that the information provided to clients by team members, and staff is accurate, accessible and in accordance with the requirements of AMERA.

Advocacy:
The Durable Solutions Deputy Team Leader will assist the Team Leader as required with broader advocacy efforts which may include collecting case data, drafting position papers and reports, or preparing other necessary documents.

Administration:
1. Assist the Durable Solutions Team Leader with the updating and development of detailed procedures and protocols for the work of the Durable Solutions Team.
2. Keep record of all meetings with clients, decisions made with respect to clients and the progress of cases for tracking purposes.
3. Assist the Durable Solutions Team Leader with the production of monthly reports as well as other reports on the work and services of the Durable Solutions Team when necessary.
4. Attend weekly staff meetings and team leaders’ meetings.

E-mail a cover letter (in English), a complete CV, an unedited writing sample, and names and contact details of two references to: vacancy@amera-uk.org
Please put the job title of this announcement in the subject of your e-mail

Start Date: 1 May 2011
Probation period: 3 months
Hours/week: 40
Duration of Position: minimum one year, with possibility of extension.

Note:
1- Short – Listed only will be contacted
2-Short-listed candidates abroad can be interviewed via Skype.