Gertrude Njeri Nyutu
Nairobi
Summary
Dedicated Protection, Resettlement, and Refugee Status Determination Caseworker and Reviewer with extensive experience supporting asylum seekers and refugees. Proficient in conducting interviews and providing client counseling, complemented by strong analytical, legal research, and drafting abilities. Demonstrates exceptional administrative, supervisory, and leadership skills, ensuring effective case management and advocacy for vulnerable populations. Committed to fostering a compassionate environment while navigating complex legal frameworks to achieve positive outcomes for refugees and asylum seekers.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Resettlement Expert
RefugePoint International, UNHCR Collaboration Project, UNHCR-South Sudan (Juba)
Juba, South Sudan
10.2025 - 12.2025
- Streamlined and sustained RSD and Resettlement processing through in-camp and remote interviews, including preparation of Resettlement Registration Forms (RRFs) and drafting RSD Non-Findings of Fact (NFFs) for SOGIESC cases in line with UNHCR guidance.
- Conducted Mandate RSD interviews and assessed non-SOGIESC refugee claims, consistently meeting weekly resettlement interview targets.
- Coordinated with field units to identify cases for resettlement consideration and ensured timely case follow-up.
- Supported pre-screening and selection missions, including case preparation, deferral management, verification interviews, and desk reviews of legacy caseloads.
- Provided individual counselling and facilitated group information sessions on resettlement processes, managing expectations through targeted communication activities.
- Maintained accurate case management records in proGres, ensuring timely updates and effective case tracking across workflows.
- Liaised with resettlement country missions to clarify case compositions, respond to queries, and prepare case files ahead of mission arrival.
- Contributed to Complementary Pathways initiatives and participated in resettlement and protection panels.
- Supported anti-fraud measures through case review, verification, and integrity checks.
- Assisted in case identification and referrals in line with South Sudan Resettlement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Resettlement Expert
RefugePoint International, UNHCR Collaboration Project, UNHCR-Rwanda (Kabarore)
Kabarore, Rwanda
01.2023 - 06.2025
- Conducted individual resettlement interviews with refugees to assess eligibility and prepare detailed Resettlement Registration Forms (RRFs) for review and submission.
- Supported the Resettlement Unit with complex casework, including exclusion interviews and assessments involving family unity and potential inadmissibility considerations.
- Ensured accurate and timely data entry and case management in UNHCR’s refugee database, proGres v4, in line with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Reviewed and resolved complex resettlement cases, preparing high-quality case summaries and recommendations for durable solutions.
- Processed deferrals referred by resettlement countries and followed up on pending cases to ensure continuity and compliance with procedures.
- Participated in resettlement counselling sessions with refugees to provide clear information on processes, outcomes, and expectations.
- Identified and referred vulnerable individuals and families for specialized assistance to relevant protection, community services, or medical units.
- Contributed to the strengthening of anti-fraud mechanisms by maintaining vigilance adhering to integrity standards, and reporting potential risks or irregularities.
- Collaborated closely with UNHCR colleagues, partners, and stakeholders to enhance the efficiency, fairness, and transparency of the resettlement process.
Resettlement Expert
UNHCR Collaboration Project, UNHCR-Tehran, Iran (Remote)
Tehran, Iran
10.2022 - 12.2022
- Supported Tehran, Isfahan and Shiraz Field Units in RST upscaling for Afghan refugees in Iran by Conducting RSD and Resettlement interviews and preparing RSD assessment forms and Resettlement Registration Forms (RRFs) in accordance with UNHCR’s RSD and resettlement policy as stipulated in UNHCR’s Resettlement Handbook and following SOPs.
- Counsel persons of concern according to their needs and making appropriate referrals to the relevant units
- Ensure all data is accurately recorded on ProGres V4
- Resolve complex resettlement cases for resettlement consideration, which includes interviewing, assessing of cases, and drafting of case summaries for a variety of cases as well as complex family unity and potential inadmissibility issues
- Review ProGres data to produce statistical materials and data analysis
- Contribute to strengthening anti-fraud mechanisms
- Support the Head of Unit in a variety of reporting requirements and activities
- Liaise with the case identification officer focal on the quality of referrals.
- Perform any other resettlement/solutions related activity as required
Assistant Resettlement Officer
HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya, Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya
04.2022 - 09.2022
- Conducted resettlement interviews, analyzed refugee claims, and applied relevant international law in line with HIAS Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Drafted and reviewed Resettlement Referral Forms (RRFs), completed submissions to embassies, and maintained accurate case documentation in ProGres.
- Followed up on resettlement cases from submission to departure, ensuring consistent communication and timely updates to persons of concern.
- Provided individual counselling on HIAS resettlement procedures, anti-fraud policy, and case status to promote transparency and client understanding.
- Represented clients in court for child custody matters, safeguarding their rights and ensuring adherence to due process.
- Supported resettlement-related training activities, data management, and preparation of periodic reports and statistics.
- Collaborated with partners and stakeholders to enhance coordination, accountability, and efficiency in resettlement processing.
- Attended theme group meetings with various stakeholders and report back during weekly departmental meetings
- Assisted in assessing needs, preparing a strategy and budget for resettlement activities as well as monitoring expenditure and accounting for the same
Refugee Status Determination (RSD) - Case Reviewer
Department of Refugee Services, Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya
04.2019 - 03.2022
- Developed work plans for Refugee Status Determination (RSD) activities and provided oversight to ensure timely and quality delivery of outputs.
- Reviewed and endorsed RSD decisions made by officers, conducted complex and exclusion interviews, and ensured adherence to procedural fairness.
- Conducted research and maintained the central RSD legal repository to support consistent, evidence-based decision-making.
- Counseled clients on negative decisions, identified and mitigated fraudulent activities, and ensured integrity across RSD processes.
- Designed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for RSD and facilitated participatory assessments in line with the AGD approach.
- Identified and referred cases requiring urgent protection or resettlement interventions to appropriate units.
- Provided technical guidance and training to staff, partners, and government officials on RSD procedures, and supported the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) in case presentation and endorsement
Refugee Status Determination (RSD)- Caseworker
Department of Refugee Services, Nairobi
Nairobi, Kenya
11.2016 - 03.2019
- Conducted Refugee Status Determination (RSD) interviews, drafted assessments, and provided recommendations based on credible Country of Origin Information (COI).
- Researched and compiled COI and relevant reference materials to support fair and well-informed asylum decisions.
- Provided counselling and responded to queries from asylum seekers regarding RSD procedures and case progress.
- Monitored and analyzed legal, political, and security developments affecting asylum and protection delivery.
- Maintained accurate statistics and case records to ensure timely reporting and accountability in RSD activities.
- Systematically applied Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) principles in all activities and ensured compliance with Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) standards.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma -
Kenya School of Law
Nairobi, Kenya11.2020
Bachelors of Law - undefined
Mount Kenya University
Nairobi, Kenya12.2016
International Computer Driving License - undefined
Zetech University
Nairobi, Kenya03.2012
Skills
- Technical Skills
- Data Software:
- ProGres v4 Database
- MS Office (Excel, Word, Presentation, Spreadsheets, Teams, Outlook)
- Soft Skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Team player
- Communication skills
- Analytical thinking
- Creative and innovative
- Flexible and adaptable
- Diplomatic
- Great work ethic
- Leadership skills
Accomplishments
Demonstrated high-volume case processing, protection analysis, and operational leadership in complex emergency resettlement contexts.
- Cleared a backlog of complex resettlement cases in Kabarore, including exclusion-flagged and intricate family composition files, strengthening pipeline flow and enabling new case intake.
- Competencies: Case prioritization, protection analysis, exclusion review.
- Delivered 216 resettlement interviews (991 individuals) with a 98% submission rate, maintaining quality while meeting demanding operational targets.
- Competencies: Interviewing, RRF drafting, workflow management.
- Integrated child protection safeguards by completing informal BIAs for over 75% of cases and conducting formal BIAs in line with SOPs.
- Competencies: Child protection, BIA/BID application, best-interest analysis.
- Sustained resettlement delivery in South Sudan through coordination of remote field interviews in high-constraint environments.
- Competencies: Remote operations, field coordination, adaptive planning.
- Maximized resettlement pathways by utilizing an unallocated Canadian UPP quota and processing additional complex submissions (29 individuals).
- Competencies: Quota management, strategic case allocation.
- Strengthened program planning and integrity by preparing cases for the 2026 cycle and supporting Canada deferral reviews through interviews and desk analysis.
- Competencies: Programme planning, case review, decision support.
Certification
- Antifraud workshop training of trainers March 2025
- Regional Durable solutions -post resettlement and complementary pathways outcomes March 2025
- Complementary Pathways training with a focus on family reunification and employment and labor mobility June 2025
- Child Protection Training-BIA/BID interviewing and writing October 2024
- Interviewing Techniques in Resettlement June 2024
- HCR Global Learning and Development Center, E-Learning - Community-based Protection- Certification February 2022
- UNHCR’s Regional Bureau for the East, Horn Africa and the Great Lakes Region and the Regional Bureau for West and Central Africa Webinar -Characteristics of a quality asylum system (fairness, efficiency, adaptability and integrity) November 2021
- ICRC- Workshop- 24th Course on International Humanitarian Law for Humanitarian Professionals and Policy Makers- Participatory certification October 2021
- UNHCR Webinar - Engage and Explain interviewing model (PEACE Model) October 2021
- UNHCR Webinar- Victims of trafficking in need of international protection: how to assess their refugee claim September 2021
- HCR Global Learning and Development Center, E-Learning Sexual and Gender Based Violence levels I and II Certification July 2021
- ICRC Kaya E-Learning Introduction to international Humanitarian Law – Certification June 2021
- UNHCR Workshop- Diversity training for interviewing and assessing cases for LGBTQ persons July 2018
LANGUAGES
English
Swahili
Kikuyu
Timeline
Resettlement Expert
RefugePoint International, UNHCR Collaboration Project, UNHCR-South Sudan (Juba)
10.2025 - 12.2025
Resettlement Expert
RefugePoint International, UNHCR Collaboration Project, UNHCR-Rwanda (Kabarore)
01.2023 - 06.2025
Resettlement Expert
UNHCR Collaboration Project, UNHCR-Tehran, Iran (Remote)
10.2022 - 12.2022
Assistant Resettlement Officer
HIAS Refugee Trust of Kenya, Nairobi
04.2022 - 09.2022
Refugee Status Determination (RSD) - Case Reviewer
Department of Refugee Services, Nairobi
04.2019 - 03.2022
Refugee Status Determination (RSD)- Caseworker
Department of Refugee Services, Nairobi
11.2016 - 03.2019
Bachelors of Law - undefined
Mount Kenya University
International Computer Driving License - undefined
Zetech University
Postgraduate Diploma -
Kenya School of Law