Stageplaats bij de UNHCR in Equador

Refugee Protection Intern United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Closing date: 03 Sep 2010
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 Quito Unit and the Associate Protection Officer in Quito, the Refugee Protection Intern:

- Conducts basic interviews with asylum-seekers and refugees in order to provide legal counseling and/or determine and address their needs; takes further action where necessary;
- Identifies cases with Special Protection Needs for eventual resettlement;
- Participates in Durable Solutions Committees;
- Assists in assessing determination of refugee status under HCR´s mandate, interviews asylum-seekers: prepares all documentation (including legal analysis when appropriate) with regard to decisions on mandate cases; provides recommendations to supervisor;
- Assists Protection Unit staff in the preparation of asylum appeals;
- 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;
- 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 Refugee or Human Rights Law, or related.
- Relevant experience, particularly in legal analysis, desirable
- Sound knowledge of Human Rights, particularly Refugee Rights
- Fluent Spanish is essential for the post; fluent English is a requirement to perform duties.
- 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 September-October 2010 to beginning-end March 2011.

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.

How to apply
Please send cover letter and CV (drafted in Spanish) to Ms Leyre BENITO OTAZU: benito@unhcr.org

Documents drafted in other languages will not be considered.

Bron: relieefweb.com