Responsible for the provision of leadership, strategic direction and oversight of the overall management and administrative functions of the Refugee Office; as well as for overseeing planning, directing and coordinating activities relating to work of the department in ensuring the well-being of asylum seekers and/or refugees. The Director, Refugees is required to ensure that the department effectively carries out its statutory functions under the Belize Refugees Act Chapter 165 of the Laws of Belize and respective regulations; as well as the UN Convention on Refugees which is also relevant to its work. The incumbent oversees the management and administration of the Refugee Office, which includes providing leadership and guidance in areas such as case management, local integration, voluntary return, resettlement, programme development and compilation and submission of all statistical information and activity reports for the department. The Director, Refugees is responsible to the Chief Executive Officer and provides advice on all Refugee matters, including strategic planning and policy formulation. The incumbent serves as the chairperson of the Refugee Eligibility Committee, the body responsible for considering applications for the granting of refugee status to asylums seekers and oversees the day-to-day operations of its Secretariat. The incumbent liaises and collaborates with other government ministries, departments, non-governmental agencies and international organizations (Department of Border Management and Immigration Services, Nationality and Passports Department, Attorney General’s Ministry, Department of Human Services, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) with regard to programmes and/or issues relating to asylum seekers and refugees in order to maximize resources for the resettlement and successful integration of such persons into the Belizean society. The incumbent supervises support staff within the Refugee Office and is expected to oversee their development in all the requisite areas. In addition, the incumbent must display the communication skills required to interact with senior and junior personnel within the Public Service as well as representatives of outside agencies and organizations.

The condition of service will be in accordance with the Belize Constitution (Public Service) Regulations, 2014, Financial and Stores Orders, Finance and Audit (Reform) Act and any other instructions issued from time to time.

Recognized master’s degree in Public Sector Management, Public Administration, Management Studies, Business Administration or such related disciplines.

Specialized Training in needs assessment or programme development. Specialized proficiency in the use of computer applications for word processing, spreadsheet development, electronic form creation and related. Knowledge of migration and refugee issues. Extensive knowledge of government and administrative procedures, rules and regulations with the ability to rapidly understand and implement the requirements of relevant legislation, with proper consideration of the implications and outcomes of such administration. Plus At least ten (10) years’ post degree experience with at least three (3) years serving in a position of responsible charge such as Assistant Director. Experience supervising and managing professional staff and being a trusted resource as a member of a senior level executive team.