Refugee Status Determination Team Leader (RSD-TL)

The RSD Team Leader should be a strong manager and team-builder with expertise in international refugee law and legal aid techniques. We are looking for an intelligent, hard-working person with a commitment to service to vulnerable people, and an interest in finding innovative ways to help refugees access their human rights

Position Description

Working under the supervision of the Deputy Country Director, the RSD Team Leader is responsible for the day-to-day management of the RSD team, including the supervision of all casework; communication with the UNHCR on RSD related matters; coordination of caseloads; and the review of legal submissions and testimonies. The Team Leader is also responsible for developing and maintaining detailed procedures and protocols for the work of the RSD Team, including procedures for receiving clients, assigning cases, and developing case plans. The RSD Team Leader is also responsible for initiating and coordinating COI research and advocacy projects when necessary. The Team Leader is in charge of tracking individual legal claims of clients and the UNHCR approach to these types of claims and of providing monthly reports on the RSD team’s work. The Team Leader is additionally responsible for the coordination and provision of training for new interns and other staff on RSD related matters.

Minimum Requirements

1. English being the official language of the UNHCR RO Cairo as well as of the Office, the RSD Team Leader must be fluent in both oral and written English. Arabic is an advantage.
2. LLB, LLM, JD or equivalent legal education; master’s/graduate level legal education and/or practical experience as a legal advocate.
3. Experience in human rights and/or with refugees and asylum-seekers.
4. A track record of team building or similar management experience preferred.
5. Knowledge of various models and methods of providing legal aid to marginalized and vulnerable populations.
6. Ability to closely supervise the work of team members and provide necessary follow-up.
7. Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

Staff and Interns:

1. To recruit, train, supervise and support paid staff and volunteers, ensuring that the team operates effectively and efficiently and provides accurate and accessible information in accordance with the requirements of AMERA.
2. Coordinate and manage caseloads, by assigning cases, and reviewing and editing legal submissions and testimonies, and coordinating reviewing amongst Team Leadership.
3. Provide feedback on case strategies and recommendations for further action, directing team members on COI research, and monitoring caseloads.
4. Provide casework supervision for legal advisors by reviewing and editing legal submissions and testimonies.
5. Meet regularly with the team to coordinate caseloads, assign cases, improve team protocols, and monitor progress on the strategic plan.
6. Supervise cases of Unaccompanied Minors regarding RSD related matters.
7. Carry out periodic performance evaluation and annual appraisals for the RSD team members, including interns.
8. Assist in coordination and provision of intensive two-week training for new volunteer lawyers and psychosocial workers twice per year.
9. Assist in training new staff members who are a part of the team.
10. Participate in external training opportunities.
11. Arrange on-going training for members of staff on RSD matters.
12. Attend continuing education provided for all staff.
13. Ensure that all members of the RSD Team carry out tasks in accordance with AMERA Egypt’s policies, procedures and standards, in particular ethics, health and safety, confidentiality, anti-discrimination, and sexual harassment.

Clients and caseload:

1. Screen clients as required in order to determine whether and how the RSD team can assist.
2. Conduct and supervise the provision of first-instance and reopening classes;
3. Track individual legal claims of clients and the UNHCR approach to these types of claims (in terms of results, reasons for rejection, and questions asked at UNHCR interviews).

Networking:

1. Communicate with the UNHCR on RSD and related matters, including fast-track requests, requests for reasons for rejection and individual inquiries.
2. Coordinate with the Community Team Leader re community assessment and information sessions.
3. Maintain communication and develop networks with other NGOs carrying out RSD, including through the SRLAN network.

Advocacy:

1. Initiate and coordinate COI and advocacy projects as and when necessary;
2. Coordinate COI research on specific issues as and when required.
3. Provide information regarding RSD reforms and taking part in advocacy efforts.
4. Identify broad issues of concern regarding RSD (in particular relevant to AMERA-Egypt’s work) and conduct local or international advocacy efforts, as appropriate.
5. Actively participate in the development, implementation and supervision of AMERA’s advocacy strategy.

Administration:

1. Develop and maintain detailed procedures and protocols for the work of the RSD Team, including procedures for assigning and screening clients, updating the Practice Manual, and regularly reviewing and updating appeals/reopening policy and advice sheets.
2. Ensure that comprehensive client records are maintained and that work is carried out promptly and efficiently.
3. Update weekly RSD results in RIPS and RIPS online.
4. Monitor and analyse information to determine the RSD team’s approach towards different types of claims and further research that needs to be carried out.
5. Revise the strategy of the RSD team in response to changing situations and participate in annual work planning.
6. Provide monthly reports to the Country Director including problems and solutions, supervision issues, case studies, statistics, and notes on progress towards implementation of strategic plan.
7. Attend weekly staff meetings and regular team leaders’ meetings.
8. Schedule and conduct regular RSD team meetings.
9. Conduct monthly individual supervision sessions with members of the team, to ensure that client information and records are reviewed regularly, monitor caseloads and provide advice.
10. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of developments and changes in practice, policy and law through participation in external training opportunities and individual study, ensuring that these changes are communicated to the team through team meetings and training, and incorporated into working practice.

To apply, email a cover letter (in English), a complete CV, an unedited writing sample, and names and contact details of two references to: vacancy@amera-uk.org