Arrangement with Specialist Agency ― Red R (Australia)
A Memorandum of Understanding has been concluded with Registered Engineers for Disaster Relief (Red R) Australia, through which Red R (Australia) will provide, on short notice, qualified and experienced engineers to join emergency response teams or be assigned separately to emergencies for periods up to three months. Red R maintains a roster of experts in physical planning, water, sanitation and road construction. The costs of maintaining the roster as well as for the deployment of 20 engineers for three months each year are provided through a grant from the Government of Australia. All engineers on the roster undertake training through distance learning and attend short group sessions to prepare them for UNHCR emergency deployments.
How to request
Once it has been agreed that engineering specialists are required in an emergency operation, a request should be submitted to the Head of Desk and EESS, with a copy to EPRS. EESS is the focal point for contacts between Red R (Australia) and UNHCR and will inform Red R of the Terms of Reference as well as all other details relating to the mission.
Arrangement with Specialist Agency ― Radda Barnen (Sweden)
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed with Radda Barnen Sweden which permits the deployment of trained social workers to refugee emergency situations with 72 hours notice in order to take part in UNHCR needs assessment missions and in the initial establishment of community-based social services. The terms of reference of the community services co-ordinators would have a three-phased approach:
1) assessment, action plan and guidelines;
2) foundation of community services structures;
3) building up of community services.
Radda Barnen will maintain a roster of 20 experienced and trained people, six of whom may be made available at any time. Radda Barnen staff will be seconded to UNHCR for a period that will not normally exceed three months.
Staff seconded by Radda Barnen are deployed as members of the UNHCR team and report to the UNHCR designated officer in charge of the operation. Radda Barnen staff are funded by Radda Barnen and compensated in accordance with its personnel regulations.
How to request
Once it has been agreed that the inclusion of community services should be considered as part of the emergency response, a request for Radda Barnen deployment should be completed by the Head of Desk, and addressed to the Chief of EESS, with a copy to EPRS, describing the emergency situation, details of staff requirements, proposed duration, date of deployment, language requirements, if briefing in Geneva is necessary, supervision arrangements in the field and information on living conditions at the duty station.
