Mission and objectives

The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org). UNHCR has been assisting the Government of Bangladesh to respond to and find solutions for nearly one million Rohingya refugees who have found refuge in Bangladesh. In collaborating with national authorities, UN agencies, national and international NGO partners, development actors and donors, UNHCR supports vulnerable refugees with access to protection, solutions and basic services including shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, Education, primary healthcare, clean and efficient energy sources, as well as protection services including Child Protection, Gender-Based Violence, legal assistance, Community-Based Protection, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEA) among others in the refugee camps.Context

As of September 2024, Bangladesh hosts 1 million Rohingya refugees, 52% of whom are female, and 52% of whom are under the age of 18 in 33 extremely congested camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf sub-districts of Cox’s Bazar, and 35,510 reside on Bhasan Char, an island in the Bay of Bengal, 60 km from the Bangladesh mainland. The escalation of the conflict in Northern Rakhine State since November 2023, has brought new arrivals to the refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar and complex protection challenges, including security and impacts on the civilian character of the camps. The Interim Government of Bangladesh has made two important decisions at the end of 2024 which result in allowing biometric identification for assistance and safer shelters in the camps. It is also considering how its policy that voluntary repatriation is the only durable solution can be applied when the territory of Rakhine State is currently under the control of the Arakan Army.Task Description

In order to carry out this work, the UN Volunteer will be properly trained both formally, through available workshops, seminars, e-Learning platforms; and informally through on-the-job training, intensive coaching/mentoring, shadowing other colleagues to familiarize his/herself with the relevant global and local policy and procedures related to Protection activities. The UN Volunteer will be closely supervised by both senior and middle level management within the unit and it is expected that within a few months s/he will have the necessary skills to carry out many of the daily tasks with limited guidance. Under the direct supervision of Senior Protection Officer , the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: • Learn how to contribute to legal and policy analysis on refugee protection and durable solutions • Supporting engagement with government, United Nations, Humanitarian Partners, Refugee communities and civil society stakeholders • As part of a team support the further development of protection and durable solutions strategies, related advocacy and interventionsCompetencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Client Orientation • Ethics and Values • Integrity • Judgement and Decision-making • Professionalism • Self-Management • Working in TeamsLiving conditions and remarks

Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh, which is the centre of national government, trade and culture and home to over 18 million people, making it one of the most densely population city in the world. Bangladesh has a subtropical monsoon climate characterized by wide seasonal variations in rainfall, high temperatures and humidity. There are three distinct seasons: a hot humid summer from March to June; a cool, rainy monsoon season from June to October; and a cool dry winter from October to March. Air quality is poor, particularly during the dry season. Dhaka is a Category C duty season with a 3-year Standard Assignment Length. It is a family duty station, and educational facilities from primary to secondary school are available. There are some private hospitals in Dhaka that can provide basic care. Vaccination against the Japanese Encephalitis virus is strongly recommended. Leisure and recreational facilities are available. UNDSS-cleared hotels are available, with the rates differing depending upon availability and the season. Apartments are available for renting. UNDSS recommends that international staff members reside in the diplomatic area of Dhaka, where the UNHCR office is located. Dhaka has many restaurants, grocery stores. Home delivery services are available. Banks and ATMs are available, and major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops. Foreign currency can be exchanged easily. Within the UN security system, Dhaka is currently Level 3 Moderate. Although security is generally acceptable, no movement on highways at night is allowed. Walking and jogging on the street and using rickshaws are not recommended in late evening. Crowded local markets should also be avoided. The Rohingya refugee crisis had passed the most critical emergency phase by the end of 2018. The political and operational environment also remains highly dynamic and demanding. This is a stressful working environment, making a capacity for self-care important. The geographic location and topography of Bangladesh predisposes the country to many natural disasters including earthquakes. Floods and cyclones are the most frequent and recurring natural disasters in the country. Floods can potentially increase transmission of both water-borne diseases and vector borne diseases such as dengue haemorrhagic fever. In addition to these infections, injuries due to vehicle related accidents are common. Air pollution in Dhaka is a significant problem. The degree of exposure and concentration of outdoor air pollutants can be detrimental to health and can contribute to breathing problems, development of chronic diseases and deterioration of health status in individuals with pre-existing chronic diseases.