Description Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.Desired Candidate Profile OPERATIONAL CONTEXTThe UNHCR Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Italy oversees operations in Italy, the Holy See, Malta, and San Marino—countries situated at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and characterized by diverse asylum systems, distinct legal frameworks, and varying capacities for refugee protection.This sub region plays a pivotal role in migration and refugee movements to Europe, particularly through the Central and Eastern Mediterranean routes. Irregular arrivals by sea and land, secondary movements, and complex protection needs place continued pressure on national asylum and reception systems. Although the number of arrivals fluctuates, the centrality of these countries in broader European migration dynamics remains constant.Italy and Malta, in particular, continue to serve as primary entry points to the EU for persons seeking international protection. Their geographic proximity to North Africa positions Italy as a key actor in search and rescue (SAR) activities and in receiving persons rescued at sea.San Marino and the Vatican City, though not primary asylum destinations, are engaged partners in refugee protection through political advocacy, moral leadership, and resettlement or complementary pathways, especially under community sponsorship and humanitarian corridors supported by faith-based organizations.UNHCR has been part of the Italian decentralized Refugee Status Determination (RSD) procedure between 2005 and 2018 as a fully-fledged member of the Territorial Commissions for the recognition of international protection. Since 2018, following UNHCR's gradual disengagement from direct decision making and the introduction of independent experts in lieu of UNHCR staff, the organization has maintained its strategic supervisory role, promoting its RSD guidance and strengthening State capacity through training, quality monitoring and judicial engagement.Italian legislation provides the possibility, in given circumstances, of assessing asylum applications through border procedures. The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, which is set to enter into application by mid-June 2026, will require Member States to implement mandatory accelerated border procedures under the circumstances defined by the Asylum Procedures Regulation (EU) 2024/1348.In this context, under the supervision of the RSD associate based in Rome, the incumbent will contribute to monitoring the implementation of border procedures, and to formulating targeted recommendations aimed at promoting fairness, consistency and full compliance with procedural safeguards. S/he will support competent authorities, with particular attention to the provision of information and the correct application of procedural guarantees, while ensuring that applicants are appropriately triaged and channeled into the proper asylum procedures.S/he will contribute to ensuring that applicants who do not fall within the scope of the accelerated border procedure (whether due to personal circumstances, specific needs or the complexity of their claim) are duly exempted and referred to the ordinary procedure. In close coordination with UNHCR RSD focal points and Quality experts, the incumbent will support eligibility staff of competent Territorial Commissions in the RSD phase, providing advice on complex substantive and procedural issues, including issues specific to RSD conducted in detention and/or by remote.To perform his/her duties, the incumbent is expected to remain abreast of relevant legislation, case law and policy developments related to border and asylum procedures, and to ensure regular, timely and accurate reporting to the UNHCR Rome Office, contributing to UNHCR's broader monitoring, protection and advocacy efforts. The incumbent is also expected to regularly engage in missions to locations where border procedures are implemented throughout the national territory.Desired Candidate Profile MCO Italy is looking for a solid candidate with proven expertise on the international, EU and Italian refugee and human rights law and the RSD procedure in Italy. The candidate must be proficient in Italian and English and have excellent drafting skills in both languages. The candidate should possess strong interpersonal and team-building skills, s/he should have a valid driving license (type B) and be available to drive for service. Thorough knowledge of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, as well as previous experience in RSD or in other protection fields in Italy would be an asset.The incumbent will be initially assigned to Catania, Italy, with a three months contract. After that, the duty station may be moved to another location across Italy, depending on operational needs.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Italy.English is the official working language of UNHCR in Italy. Only applications fully completed in English will be considered.Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.Assessment of short-listed candidates might comprise of both an interview and a written test.UNHCR is committed to diversity and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. UNHCR has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and sexual harassment. Successful candidates will be subject to mandatory UN Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and Sexual Harassment clearance check prior to receiving an offer.UNHCR does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training or any other fees).All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.In case of any queries, please contact the Italy HR Team atFunctional Clearance This position doesn't require a functional clearanceRequired languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level)Italian, EnglishDesired languagesAdditional QualificationsIT-Computer Literacy, PR-Protection-related guidelines, standards and indicators, PR-Refugee Protection Principles and Framework International Law - Other, Political Science - OtherUNHCR Salary CalculatorOther information
#J-18808-Ljbffr