Consultancy to support the Slovenian Government Office for the Support and Integration of Migrants (GOSIM)

Hardship Level (not applicable for home-based)

H (no hardship)

Family

CONS International

2024-09-01

August 23, 2024

1. Project details:

Support to the Slovenian Government Office for the Support and Integration of Migrants (GOSIM), responsible for the reception of asylum-seekers and refugees in Slovenia.

2. Purpose of project:

The main objective of the consultancy is to support GOSIM in developing its contribution to the National Plan for the Implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum (NIP). The consultancy will focus on the components of the Pact related to the reception system (including pre-integration measures and detention/alternatives to detention) and to safeguards for vulnerable persons, or persons with specific reception needs. The consultant will a) develop a recommendation paper for review and endorsement by GOSIM. The recommendations will be formulated following a comprehensive assessment of current reception arrangements and processes, projected needs and trends, and relevant legislative frameworks. Additionally, the consultant will prepare a draft input for the National Implementation Plan, specifically for Building Blocks N. 3 and N. 9, based on in-depth consultations with key stakeholders.

3. Duration and dates of the assignment:

From: 1 September 2024
To: 31 October 2024
Category: Full-time, total amount of days/weeks/months to be worked within the duration of assignment: 40 working days.

4. Location:

Ljubljana, Slovenia.

The Consultant will be mainly based at the central office of GOSIM premises. The Consultancy will require travel throughout the country, to visit existing reception and detention facilities, as well as possible areas for new reception centers.

5. Assignment and/or Mission travel

Mission travel is required to visit reception facilities and discuss recommendations with key stakeholders, at central and local level.

6. Payment and Schedule of Payments

Payment per deliverable in USD.

Total fee for the consultancy is 18’000 USD. This lump sum is inclusive of all travel costs and living costs incurred by the consultant while in country. Within country travel arrangements are the responsibility of the consultant.

Travel to and from Ljubljana at the beginning and end of the assignment will be organized and paid for by UNHCR.

7. General Background of Project or Assignment:

Following the adoption of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum in May 2024, EU Member States have begun to translate the relative legislative acts into an operational measure, to be completed by mid-2026. The Common Implementation Plan for the Pact on Migration and Asylum, adopted by the EU Commission in June, sets out the key milestones for all Member States to put in place the legal and operational capabilities required. The Common Implementation Plan provides a template for the National Implementation Plans to be adopted by Member States by the end of 2024. It organizes the legal, technical and operational tasks into 10 building blocks, to streamline and support practical implementation efforts.

While the building blocks are strongly inter-related, this consultancy will focus on ensuring adequate reception standards of living for asylum applicants in Slovenia (building block N. 3), including pr-integration measures, as well as detention conditions/alternatives to detention. Moreover, the consultancy will contribute to develop input on the identification and follow-up on specific reception needs, with a particular emphasis on children (building block N. 9). The consultant’s work shall therefore contribute to the preparation of the implementation of the EU Pact on Asylum and Migration, in its parts related to reception conditions, and in order to ensure an appropriate transposition and application of the Reception Conditions Directive (RCD), as well as with a view to ensure enhanced safeguards for asylum applicants and vulnerable persons.

The Consultant will draft a report containing a review of the current system and needs, an analysis of the required reforms related to the implementation of the Pact, and detailed recommendations for implementation, based on the Common Implementation Plan for the Pact, published on 12 June 2024, and its operational checklist and list of Commission Implementing and Delegated Acts. The analysis will consider the specific characteristics of Slovenia’s asylum context, particularly trends in mixed and onward movements, and will be aligned with broader national discussions on the implementation plan.

8. Occupational Safety and Health Considerations

To view occupational safety and health considerations for specific duty stations, please visit this link: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

9. Overall Purpose and Scope of Assignment:

The overall purpose of the Assignment is to prepare an analytical document on the current reception system in Slovenia and existing safeguards for persons with specific needs, as well as detailed recommendations for an appropriate application of the RCD, in the context of the EU Pact on Asylum and Migration and in view of its full application in 2026.

Under the direct leadership of the Head of GOSIM, and with the overall supervision of UNHCR MCO for Central Europe, the Consultant will undertake the following activities:

– Review selected EU Pact relevant texts and background materials, as well as applicable guidance documents.
– Identify functioning models and good practices, at national, EU and international level.
– Engage in proactive consultations with all actors involved, in order to discuss areas for improvement, ongoing efforts, new ideas, as well as challenges and opportunities as they relate to reception facilities and conditions (including in the context of detention), and related safeguards.
– Develop a set of concrete recommendations that can inform and support the preparation of the NIP, with a focus on the building blocks related to ensuring adequate reception conditions for asylum-seekers from arrival to solutions in Slovenia, with a particular emphasis on persons with vulnerabilities and/or specific needs.

The recommendation paper should contain at a minimum the following sections :

– Overview of the current reception system, including baseline capacities and key administrative actors
– Summary of existing processes and SOPs related to the identification, assessment and follow-up on specific reception needs
– Summary of existing shortcomings and challenges
– Analysis of the required legislative arrangements to the reception system necessary to align with the requirements outlined in the EU Pact and initial tenants of the draft national implementation strategy
– Summary of Best Practices in reception systems and identification of specific needs in the EU context
– Options for revised reception system in Slovenia, including administrative processes, personnel (staffing and training), and infrastructure
– Summary of stakeholder feedback on the options and opportunities for further strengthening of existing practices.
– Recommendation on way forward and next steps

– Annex I : Draft input into Building Blocks N. 3 and N.9 of the National Implementation Plan

10. Required level, qualifications and work experience:

Educational background and working experience:

– Advanced University degree relevant for the scope of the consultancy
– Minimum 6 years of working experience in the context of asylum systems, with
– Sound knowledge of the EU legislative and operational framework on asylum, particularly in relation to reception management and vulnerability identification
– Working experience in the EU context
– Experience building consensus around norms and standards development
– Prior experience with UNHCR, EUAA or national asylum authorities a value add

Skills and other competences:

– Strong knowledge of the EU Pact on Asylum and Migration, particularly in relation to the reception element of the Pact
– Technical knowledge and skills in norms and standards development methodologies
– Ability to integrate, synthetize, and communicate ideas from various stakeholders’ perspective
– Self-starter willingness and ability to set up necessary meetings
– Strong organizational and planning skills
– Excellent writing skills in English
– Ability to work with people of different nationalities, religions, and cultural backgrounds
– Familiarity with relevant stakeholders will be considered an asset

Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least C2 level):

– English
– Slovenian is an asset

Shortlisted candidates may be required to sit for a test or provide a brief methodological overview. No late applications will be accepted. 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 does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).

Standard Job Description

Required Languages

English

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Desired Languages

Slovene

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Additional Qualifications

Skills

Education

Certifications

Other information

This position doesn’t require a functional clearance

Home-Based

No