Deadline for Applications
March 10, 2026
Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)
E (most hardship)
Family Type (not applicable for home-based)
Non Family with Residential Location
Staff Member / Affiliate Type
UNOPS LICA5
2026-04-01
1. General Background
(Brief description of the national, sector-specific or other relevant context in which the individual contractor will operate)
SO Kakuma covers two main areas of operation: Kakuma and Kalobeyei integrated settlement. Kakuma is located in the North-western region of Kenya, about 720.4 Km from Nairobi. The camp was established in 1992 following the arrival of the "Lost Boys of Sudan". During that year, large groups of Ethiopian refugees fled their country following the fall of the Ethiopian government. Somalia had also experienced high insecurity and civil strife causing people to flee. Total population of the camp is 312,539 registered refugees and asylum seekers at the end of December 2025 from 24 nationalities. UNHCR launched the Kalobeyei Integrated Social Development Plan (KISEDP) at the end of 2018, a multi-agency collaborative plan to develop the local economy and service delivery. KISEDP is a platform that facilitates collaboration and coordination between the government, UN agencies, development actors, NGOs, private sector, civil society and communities to build sustainable services and economic opportunities in Kalobeyei. The Government of Kenya in collaboration with UNHCR and other actors launched the Shirika Plan which aims to promote the socioeconomic inclusion of refugees in Kenya by transforming camps into integrated settlements for both refugees and asylum seekers. Aligned with SHARE, the Plan seeks to alleviate pressure on hosting communities and enhance self-reliance for both refugees and host communities. It encompasses various sectors such as education, health, livelihoods, social protection, and environmental management.
The operations focus is on protection, assistance, inclusion, and durable solutions, including voluntary repatriation, complementary pathways, and resettlement. The incumbent will directly report to the Resettlement Officer (Case Reviewer) and work under the overall supervision of the Senior Protection Officer.
S/he will be responsible for resettlement case processing, including conducting interviews, drafting Resettlement Registration Forms (RRFs), and following up on deferral cases. The incumbent will also provide administrative support for resettlement case processing and ensure that the Kakuma Office meets its allocated resettlement targets.
In addition, the incumbent will serve as the Best Interests Determination (BID) focal point, monitoring and reviewing resettlement-related BIDs and Best Interests Assessments (BIAs) prepared by the Child Protection (CP) partner. The role includes participating in BID panels in coordination with relevant partners, in collaboration with the community-based protection and child protection focal points.
2. Purpose and Scope of Assignment
(Concise and detailed description of activities, tasks and responsibilities to be undertaken, including expected travel, if applicable)
- The Senior Resettlement Assistant is a member of the Durable Solutions team within the Operation which forms an integral part of the Protection Unit. The incumbent reports directly to the Resettlement Officer (Case Reviewer).
- The Senior Resettlement Assistant is responsible for carrying out preliminary interviews and initial assessments to process refugees for resettlement following established procedures.
- Prepare written documentation for resettlement submission; ensure that records / files of individual cases are updated in a systematic and timely manner.
- Assess and review individual resettlement cases and prepare individual / group submission for scrutiny by the supervisor.
- Provide persons of concern (PoC) with up-to-date and accurate information on UNHCR’s resettlement policies and procedures.
- Comply with UNHCR’s standard operating procedures on resettlement, ensuring timely action on cases.
- Follow up on cases from time of submission to final decision and departure; ensure effective in-country communication on the status and follow-up on PoC being considered for resettlement.
- Assist in maintaining and updating proGres or Consolidated Online Resettlement Tracking System (CORTS) database and provide technical support.
- Coordinate travel and departure arrangements for refugees accepted for resettlement.
- Organize logistical support for governments undertaking resettlement missions.
- Provide administrative support for resettlement-related training activities, including organization of resettlement workshops and meetings as required.
- Maintain accurate resettlement statistics as well as up-to-date records on individual cases; assist in the preparation of reports.
- Draft / type routine correspondence to Field Offices / Multi-Country Offices / Headquarters.
- Systematically apply an Age, Gender and Diversity perspective in all aspects of the resettlement process; comply with UNHCR policy and guidelines on HIV/AIDS.
- Assist in mitigating resettlement fraud by reporting suspected fraud.
- Provide counselling to PoC.
- Perform other related duties as required.
3. Monitoring and Progress Controls
(Clear description of measurable outputs, milestones, key performance indicators and/or reporting requirements which will enable performance monitoring)
- Number of assessments conducted
- Number interview cases completed
- Number of RRF drafted and submitted
- Number of counselling sessions provided
- Number of reports drafted and submitted
- Number of movements pass issued
- Fraud awareness sessions conducted
- Weekly reports- statistical and narrative reports
- A Final Report (at the end of the assignment or end of the year)
- A Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) as per Annex N (UNOPS)
- The Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) must be signed by the direct UNHCR supervisor and by Senior Protection Officer.
4. Qualifications and Experience
(List the required education, work experience, expertise and competencies of the individual contractor. The listed education and experience should correspond with the level at which the contract is offered.)
a. Education (Level and area of required and/or preferred education)
- Completion of High Secondary School with post-secondary course works/certificates and/or bachelor’s degree in international law or international relation or Political science or a related field. Good knowledge of UNHCR’s protection mandate and durable solutions.
b. Work Experience
(List number of years and area of required work experience. Clearly distinguish between required experience and experience which could be an asset.)
- 2 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 1-year relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher
- Experience in resettlement case processing and other durable solutions activities
Desired Candidate Profile
- Excellent interviewing and counselling skills
- Excellent drafting and written skills in English, very strong attention to detail, very strong analytical skills
- Ability to assess and to identify protection risks of individuals and groups, and family reunification needs
- Ability to work effectively in stressful situations
c. Key Competencies
(Technical knowledge, skills, managerial competencies or other personal competencies relevant to the performance of the assignment. Clearly distinguish between required and desired competencies)
- Communication
- Client & Result Orientation
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Strategic planning and vision
- Analytical Thinking
- Innovation & Creativity
- Technological Awareness
- Planning & Organizing
- Political Awareness
- Stakeholder Management
Standard Job Description
Required Languages
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Desired Languages
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Additional Qualifications
Skills
Education
Certifications
Other information
This position doesn't require a functional clearance
Remote
No