Country: Thailand
Closing date: 02 Jan 2018
Opening: Refugee Case Officer (RSD Team Leader)
Asylum Access is an innovative non-profit founded to make human rights a reality for refugees in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We help refugees assert their fundamental rights using four integrated tools; individualized legal counsel and/or representation, community legal empowerment, policy advocacy and strategic litigation. With offices in Ecuador, Mexico, Thailand, Tanzania and Malaysia, we provide direct legal assistance reaching over 10,000 refugees per year.
Asylum Access Thailand is looking for Refugee Case Officer to assist the Legal Team at Asylum Access in providing RSD/RST training and legal services to asylum seekers and refugees seeking international protection under UNHCR’s mandate.
Duration: 2 year contract
Key responsibilities
o Screen and prioritize clients for refugee status claims;
o Provide legal advice to clients on UNHCR Procedure and RSD (Group/ Individual);
o Provide full legal representation where appropriate at first instance, appeal, and on closed files, cancellation and cessation stages. Functions related to representation of RSD cases include (but are not limited to) the following:
Preparation of written statements
Assisting in drafting of legal arguments/submissions
Obtaining documents to support client cases such as witness statement, medical reports, etc.
Preparation of clients for RSD interviews at UNHCR
Attending RSD interviews with clients at UNHCR
Follow-up on the status of client cases with the UNHCR
o Undertake country of origin research to support individual claims as well as for general organizational research purposes; maintain knowledge of current political and social situations in the countries of origin of AAT’s clients;
o Assist with training and supervising volunteer lawyers in the RSD Team;
o Supervise the Interpreter Coordinator and be responsible for managing AAT’s interpreter team;
o Identify cases appropriate for expedited consideration by UNHCR and draft such requests to be submitted by weekly correspondence to UNHCR;
o To assess extra-legal client needs and refer them to the Community Outreach Team or other external organizations as appropriate;
o Undertake comprehensive case management practices, including maintaining database records and keeping detailed notes of all case work activities;
o Maintain good working knowledge of UNHCR guidelines, processes and procedures;
o Adhere to the Nairobi Code of Ethics, AAT Code of Conduct, policies, and manuals;
o Assist other members of the Legal Team regarding issues related to the urban refugee population;
o Provide case reporting data to the Refugee Case Manager as requested in order to accurately report work to AAHQ, funders and others;
o Support the Refugee Case Manager in advocacy with UNHCR regarding the RSD/RST process;
o Build and maintain relationships with staff and operational partners to ensure the smooth running of the project;
o Build and maintain strong relationships with asylum seeker and refugee communities in Bangkok;
o Attend and contribute to weekly Team meetings and other staff meetings;
o Maintain strong financial records and procedures as per the AAT Finance policy, and ensure proper financial documentation of all activities;
o Submit Quarterly work report to Refugee Case Manager;
o Work as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications:
o University degree in law.
o Extensive experience in development fields, especially in human rights. Refugee rights is an advantage.
o Demonstrated ability to work with people in vulnerable situations, such as trauma survivors.
o Fluent English with a high level of writing and drafting legal documents;
o A positive and out-going attitude with the ability to work well in a diverse and multi- cultural office.
Other information:
o The position is based in Bangkok.
o A visa and work permit will be provided, as well as health insurance.
o Applicants are expected to make their own arrangements for travel to Bangkok if they currently reside outside.
o Salary is local and will be negotiable depending on experience.
o Both Thai and foreign lawyers are welcome to apply.
How to apply:
To apply:
Candidates interested in the Refugee Case Officer position should submit a CV and cover letter by 2 January 2018.
Please send all materials to Dulypon Somsri, Operations Coordinator, at apply.aat@asylumaccess.org with “Application for Refugee Case Officer” in the subject line.