Closing date: 06 Dec 2009 -- (CLOSED)
Location: Ecuador - Quito
Brief project description:
UNHCR's operation in Ecuador started in 2000 as part of the organization's strategy to protect and assist the victims of the Colombian conflict. The operation aims to support the Ecuadorian government in strengthening protection mechanisms, developing asylum and identifying solutions. It also involves distribution of humanitarian aid and public information initiatives. The refugee caseload is mostly composed of Colombian nationals.
UNHCR has its main office in Quito, two field offices, in Ibarra and Lago Agrio, and antenna offices in Cuenca, Esmeraldas and Santo Domingo. We work with partner organizations in the provinces of Esmeraldas, Carchi, Imbabura, Sucumbíos, Orellana, Pichincha and Azuay.
This internship is based in Quito, capital of Ecuador.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Under direct supervision of the Head of Field Unit Quito and the Associate Protection Officer of Field Unit Quito, the Refugee Protection Intern:
- Coordinates attention to asylum-seekers and refugees;
- Conducts basic interviews with asylum-seekers and refugees in order to provide counseling on access to the asylum procedure and on humanitarian assistance to Persons in Need of International Protection; takes further action where necessary;
- Identifies cases with Special Protection Needs for eventual resettlement;
- Participates in Durable Solutions Committees;
- Supports compilation/research of developments in the field of legislation, regulations and relevant country of origin information;
- Contributes to the prevention of refoulement or expulsion;
- Assists in preparation of Eligibility Commissions, in which UNHCR participates with “voice not vote” status;
- Provides logistic support to the Protection Unit or other Units when and as necessary;
- Contributes to reporting activities to HQ when and as required;
- Performs other duties as required.
Requirements:
- University degree, preferably in Law or Social Sciences, with emphasis on Refugee or Human Rights Law
- Sound knowledge of Human Rights, particularly Refugee Rights
- Fluent Spanish is essential for the post; fluent English is a requirement to perform certain duties
- Relevant experience desirable
- Strong analytical writing skills
- Proficiency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Capable of working both on own initiative and as a part of a team
- Capable of working to deadlines
- Practical understanding of the region
Notes:
a) Proposed internship period: Minimum six months- expected from January to June 2010.
b) Subsequent Employment by UNHCR: There is no expectation of employment at the end of the Internship.
c) This is an unpaid internship. Per UNHCR policy, no compensation or expense reimbursement will be made available.
Reference Code: RW_7Y83ML-85
