Vacancy Notice – Refugee Status Officer – Belize

Vacancy notice

The Ministry of Refugees is affiliated with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) – Belize Office

We are seeking suitably qualified individuals to fill two positions.

He will hold the position of Refugee Eligibility Officer under a one-year contract with the Office of Refugees in the Office of the Prime Minister in Belmopan, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Immigration.

1. Purpose of responsibility:

Responsible for conducting interviews and other relevant investigations to assess asylum claims, and preparing written reports of assessments carried out to determine refugee status. Submit a report to the Refugee Eligibility Committee for review and consideration of your application for refugee status.

2. Nature and scope:

The Refugee Eligibility Officer is required to review all applications submitted to the Refugee Agency by persons seeking asylum in Belize. The incumbent will carry out relevant investigations and security checks of application forms and attachments received at the Refugee Office. The incumbent will research country of origin information, applicable laws and regulations, request background checks, and conduct thorough interviews with asylum seekers and associated family members to gather detailed and accurate information. , further analyzes the eligibility of applicants for refugee status under Belize’s Refugee Law. Belize Laws Chapter 165.

3. Analysis of position:

A. Mandatory Duties and Responsibilities

1. Prepare for interview sessions with individuals seeking asylum and families in need by reviewing each application file and examining relevant country of origin information and other additional documentation to adjudicate asylum claims.

2. Advise asylum seekers about the refugee determination process and the rights and responsibilities of asylum seekers/refugees.

3. Help identify vulnerable asylum seekers who require urgent intervention and notify the Director-General so that the problem can be resolved.

4. Evaluate new asylum seekers for refugee status in a thorough and considerate manner, using a variety of interview techniques to gather sufficiently accurate and detailed information to assess eligibility for refugee status. Eligibility interviews will be conducted for applicants and their families who are applying.

5. Implement a process to require safety/background checks of asylum seekers as part of the process of adjudicating claims. If necessary, conduct follow-up surveys to verify information gathered from interviews.

6. Analyze the information gathered during the interview and identify and use other relevant documents such as country of origin information and security checks. Interpret and apply appropriate policies, regulations, and statutes to determine eligibility.

7. Prepare and submit to the Refugee Eligibility Committee an objective, well-argued and reasoned assessment and recommendation with supporting evidence for granting refugee status to an asylum seeker in accordance with the Belize Refugee Law. request for deliberations on granting refugee status to asylum seekers. .

8. Support the work of the Department and the Refugee Eligibility Committee to develop well-documented assessments to guide and inform the decision-making process. Attend monthly meetings of the Refugee Eligibility Committee to be consulted and receive clarification on matters related to refugee determination reports submitted for consideration.

9. Submit monthly reports to the Director of Refugees providing information on the status of all claims, resolved discrepancies, country of origin, number of cases, trends noted, and other relevant data.

B. Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience:

Minimum associate’s degree in social work, law, international relations, political science, social science, or related field.

Must be fluent in written and spoken English and Spanish.

plus/assets

Practical experience in interviewing, counseling, conducting investigations, report writing skills, and applying related interview procedures and principles.

C. Abilities/Skills:

You must have strong analytical skills and demonstrate the communication skills necessary to interact productively with civil servants, agency personnel, other stakeholders, refugees/asylum seekers, and the general public. Specialized skills in the use of computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheet development, electronic form creation, and PowerPoint presentations.

4. Reporting Responsibility:

The Refugee Status Officer functions under the direct supervision of the Refugee Status Officer.

5. Salary:

The base salary for one year is $15,908 per year on a contract basis.

6. Application procedure:

The application package must include:

A cover letter that briefly describes your interests, experience, and abilities in this field. Comprehensive resume Copies of degrees/certificates List of at least two references Copy of valid social security card.