Interpreter/Protection Clerk

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

B

Family

UNOPS LICA3

2024-10-01

September 28, 2024

1. General Background
The Thailand operation along the border with Myanmar has reached a critical juncture wherein the realization of durable solutions for some 90,000 refugees has shifted beyond resettlement towards voluntary repatriation and other possible options. UNHCR Offices are engaged in a range of activities that prepare refugees for repatriation including facilitating the movement of those that already decided to return (prior to UNHCR promoting voluntary repatriation). UNHCR efforts are being strengthened to ensure that durable solutions options resettlement, voluntary return and migrant status materialize and that refugees are able to freely avail themselves to solutions of their choice.

The Interpreter/Protection Clerk is part of the Durbable Solutions Team which is engaged in resettlement interview, resettlement counseling, follow-up on resettlement cases, support and advocacy for the basic rights, safety and protection of the refugee community.

2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
– Provide interpretation/translation for staff members as needed.
– Assist members of the Durable Solutions Team in resettlement processing and to interpret in Karen and/or Thai, Burmese, and English for individuals involved in resettlement cases.
– Assist in liaison with the refugee leaders on individual cases and resettlement issues.
– Assist in organizing and conducting awareness raising activities on core UNHCR issues, including SGBV, child protection and durable solutions, particularly resettlement.
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– Assist in preparing and dissemination information for refugees, particularly in relation to the situation in Myanmar and future durable solutions.
– Conduct simple follow up on resettlement cases, under the close guidance of the Durable Solutions Associate.
– Assist the resettlement/durable solutions unit in identifying and interviewing individuals interested in resettlement and in providing basic resettlement -related counselling.
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– Update proGres database with relevant case information and developments, including on resettlement status, birth registration, etc.
– Translate reports, letters, meeting minutes, outreach materials and other documents.
– Perform other related functions, as requested by the supervisor.

3. Monitoring and Progress Controls

– Quality of interpretation/translation will be regularly assessed by the direct supervisor and other staff members;
– Quality and types of assistance provided in resettlement work, and follow-up action on resettlement cases will be regularly assessed by the direct supervisor and other staff members;
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– Performance evaluation will be conducted by the direct supervisor at the end of the contract.

4. Qualifications and Experience

Education
– Completion of secondary school is required.
– Post-secondary training /certificate in Business Administration, Secretarial Work, Social Work, Translation or related field is an added value (preferred)
– Additional training courses in protection related issues is an added value (preferred)

Key Competencies

– Ability to effectively communicate from Karen S’gaw to English and vice versa required. This includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing/reporting in both languages in an accurate and efficient manner.
– Good communication skills, particularly for communicating with refugees in the camp setting required.
– Fluency in written and spoken Thai, Burmese, Karen , and/or other languages spoken in the refugee camps is an asset (desired).
– Familiarity with the refugee camps and the background and context of the Myanmar refugees in Thailand is an asset (desired).
– Demonstrated sensitivity in dealing with vulnerable refugees and knowledge of the basic principles of casework such as confidentiality and survivor choice is an asset (desired).

 

Standard Job Description

Clerk

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships
The Clerk provides clerical and administrative assistance to the immediate supervisor and/or the Office as a whole. The incumbent is normally supervised by an Officer or Associate. S/he receives regular guidance and instructions from the supervisor on procedural aspects of the work. As per specific instructions, the incumbent may require liaising with other internal or external entities, to ensure effective delivery of services and achievement of objectives.

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 UNHCR¿s core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties
– Provide general clerical support to the work unit and, if required, visiting staff members.
– Maintain the records in the work unit, create files for correspondence, reports, including confidential files.
– Manage conference room booking and ensure that the facilities are well arranged and prepared with adequate supply to cover number of intended guests.
– Maintain a proper record and inventory of stationary items in the work unit and ensure a well-stocked office.
– Sort and prioritize incoming correspondence, reports, etc. and direct to other responsible staff members where necessary.
– Arrange and forward records for archiving and maintain records of files sent for archiving.
– Maintain calendar of appointments and schedules of meetings and travel for the supervisor, perform such clerical tasks as the completion of travel authorization requests, stationery request forms, etc.
– May be required to prepare drivers¿ work schedule and maintain shift system.
– May be required to organize and maintain mail delivery (Pouch) and tracking system between offices.

– Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s).
– Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education & Professional Work Experience
Years of Experience / Degree Level
G3- 1 year relevant experience with High School Diploma; or Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education
Not applicable

Certificates and/or Licenses
Not specified

Relevant Job Experience
Essential
Not specified

Desirable
Not specified

Functional Skills
IT-Computer Literacy
(Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements
For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language.
For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Required Languages

,

,

Desired Languages

,

,

Additional Qualifications

Skills

IT-Computer Literacy

Education

Certifications

Other information

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance

Home-Based

No