Associate Statelessness Officer

Apply locations: Geneva, Switzerland

Time type: Full time

Posted on: Posted 7 Days Ago

Time left to apply: End Date: January 15, 2025

Job requisition id: JR2451803

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based): H (no hardship)

Family Type (not applicable for home-based): Family

Staff Member / Affiliate Type: UNOPS IICA1

Target Start Date: 2025-03-01

Deadline for Applications: January 14, 2025

Terms of Reference

Title: Associate Statelessness Officer
Duty Station: Home-Based
Duration: 6 months with extension possible (subject to expected budget approval)
Section/Unit: Statelessness Section, Policy and Law Service, Division of International Protection (DIP)

1. General Background

To implement UNHCR's global mandate on statelessness, the Statelessness Section of the Division of International Protection (DIP) supports the development of doctrine, policy, publications, and other resources on statelessness. It provides guidance and field support on statelessness and nationality-law issues to UNHCR’s country operations around the world.

UNHCR’s work to prevent and reduce statelessness is at an important juncture with the conclusion of the 10-year I Belong Campaign (2014-2024) and the launch of the new Global Alliance to End Statelessness in October 2024. The Global Alliance focuses on multi-stakeholder engagement and broadening partnerships to secure permanent solutions against statelessness. Moreover, UNHCR’s global strategic plan on redoubling efforts on ending statelessness (2023-2026) reaches its midpoint in 2025 and a strategic moment of reflection will be organized in that regard.

In this context, the UNHCR is seeking a dedicated professional to work for our Headquarters team in Geneva, Switzerland, to contribute to this important work as an Associate Statelessness Officer (UNOPS) in Division of International Protection (DIP). The role is critical in supporting the operationalization of the Global Alliance to End Statelessness and the implementation of the global strategic plan. The ideal candidate will play a key role in coordinating efforts, engaging stakeholders, and driving initiatives forward, making a tangible impact in the lives of millions of stateless individuals around the world.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The Associate Statelessness Officer, under the direct supervision of the Senior Statelessness Officer and in close collaboration with colleagues in the Statelessness Section of the Division of International Protection (DIP), and Regional Bureaux, will play a pivotal role in advancing UNHCR’s efforts to address statelessness, including through the new multistakeholder Global Alliance to End Statelessness.

The incumbent supports the operationalization and expansion of the Global Alliance and its workstreams, and contributes to key initiatives such as the Solutions Seekers Programme, Thematic Working Groups, and Regional Network Labs. Additionally, the role involves engaging in donor relations, managing the Global Alliance’s online repository of collaborative project proposals (Online Marketplace) to support pledge implementation and solutions, and ensuring the active participation and engagement of affected individuals and stateless-led organizations. Contributes to the development of legal, policy, and operational guidance for effectively addressing statelessness and supporting the implementation of the global strategic plan on statelessness and mainstreaming statelessness into relevant plans, initiatives, and strategies.

Working closely with focal points in UNHCR Bureaux and operations, members of the Global Alliance to End Statelessness, UN agencies, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, permanent missions and embassies, faith-based organizations and academic institutions, the Associate Statelessness Officer ensures alignment and coordination among diverse stakeholders. In this capacity, the incumbent will support the Secretariat of the Global Alliance and UNHCR in statelessness-related work, driving collaboration and innovative solutions to statelessness globally.

This is an initial 6-month assignment, renewable subject to the availability of resources.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide technical expertise and contribute to the operationalization of the Global Alliance to End Statelessness, including through the development and implementation of initiatives and strategies to convene and capacitate Global Alliance members, catalyze change, and strengthen external engagement.
2. Support the Global Alliance workstreams, including the Solutions Seekers Programme, Thematic Working Groups, and Regional Network Labs. Contribute to the membership drive and outreach, coordination and the work of the Global Alliance Secretariat and Advisory Committee.
3. Facilitate the functioning and operation of the Online Marketplace, a repository of collaborative project proposals, and strengthen collaboration and donor engagement to support pledge implementation and solutions.
4. Contribute to stakeholder engagement and foster collaboration among members of the Global Alliance and other key stakeholders to support innovative solutions and advocacy efforts. Maintain close working relations with UNHCR Bureaux and operations, UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, embassies, and academic institutions to promote coordinated action on statelessness.
5. Support communication efforts, enhance visibility and engagement through ensuring effective use of the Global Alliance website, digital platforms and other communication means. Develop and disseminate communication materials, including updates, thematic or issue briefs, website articles, and reports related to the Global Alliance and its members.
6. Contribute to the organization of high-level advocacy events and outreach initiatives to advance the work on statelessness and the mission of the Global Alliance.
7. Contribute to capacity-building initiatives for Global Alliance members and other stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and regional organizations.
8. Monitor legal and policy developments relevant to statelessness, conduct research and contribute to the development of briefing notes, reports, legal and policy papers.
9. Ensure the meaningful inclusion and engagement of stateless individuals and stateless-led organizations as key actors and drivers of change.
10. Perform other related duties as required.

3. Qualifications and Experience

(List the required education, work experience, expertise and competencies of the individual contractor. The listed education and experience should correspond with the level at which the contract is offered.)

a. Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) preferably in Political Sciences, International Relations, Law, or a related field with two (2) years of relevant experience is required; OR First level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) preferably in Political Sciences, International Relations, Law, or a related field with four (4) years of relevant experience.

b. Work Experience

4 years of relevant work experience with Undergraduate degree, 2 years with Graduate degree, 1 year Post-graduate degree or Doctorate degree.

c. Key Competencies

Professionalism: Strong knowledge of UNHCR’s policies related to statelessness and international human rights standards, in particular related to nationality and statelessness. Ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

Excellent analytical skills: including the capacity to develop analytical frameworks, collect and analyse data from multiple sources to produce meaningful analysis for external reporting; Experience in presenting analysis of results through visualizations;

Communication and drafting skills: Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies; Excellent drafting skills, with ability to write with clarity, high level of analysis, and conciseness;

Demonstrated organizational skills: the ability to work independently and productively in a fast-paced environment.

Flexible work attitude: the ability to work productively, independently, and to handle requests or issues as they arise;

Language requirements: Excellent knowledge of English. French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN language is considered an advantage.

Desired Qualifications and competencies: Inter-agency coordination and stakeholder management. Donor engagement and project management. Ability to develop and implement communications plans and initiatives; draft updates and information briefs for external audience. Good IT and website management skills.

None specified

None specified

Skills

Education

Certifications

Work Experience

Other information

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

Home-Based

Yes