Field Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950, primarily to assist millions of Europeans who were displaced during the aftermath of World War II. Over the decades, the organization has evolved to address the needs of refugees, returnees, stateless individuals, and asylum seekers globally. UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of people who have been forced to flee their homes, ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge. The organization operates in numerous countries, providing essential services such as protection, shelter, health care, and education to millions of displaced individuals. UNHCR has been instrumental in helping people rebuild their lives and secure lasting solutions to their displacement. As of February 2022, Romania has seen a significant influx of refugees from Ukraine, with over 7 million individuals seeking safety, highlighting the ongoing relevance and urgency of UNHCR's mission in the region.

Job Overview:
The Field Assistant position is a critical role within the UNHCR's Bucharest field team, aimed at enhancing the organization's engagement with national and local authorities, civil society, and refugee communities. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Field Officer and will be responsible for supporting the planning and monitoring of field activities, ensuring compliance with established policies and guidelines. The role involves direct engagement with refugee communities to facilitate two-way communication, allowing for feedback on their needs and assistance. The Field Assistant will also contribute to advocacy efforts, particularly in areas related to access to basic needs and integration. This position requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for collaboration with various stakeholders and ensuring effective coordination of activities at UNHCR's Community Centre at Romexpo. The Field Assistant will conduct needs assessments, support data collection, and assist with monitoring operations to ensure timely resolution of issues. Regular field visits and protection monitoring missions will be part of the responsibilities, along with administrative tasks such as report preparation and meeting documentation. The role demands a commitment to age, gender, and diversity mainstreaming in all activities, ensuring that the needs of all community members are addressed.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Field Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Strengthening engagement with national and local authorities, organizations, civil society, and refugee communities to identify collaboration opportunities.
• Supporting the planning and monitoring of field team activities, ensuring adherence to established policies and guidelines.
• Engaging refugee communities through effective two-way communication to gather feedback on their needs and assistance.
• Contributing to advocacy efforts focused on access to basic needs, inclusion, and integration of refugees.
• Coordinating activities at UNHCR’s Community Centre at Romexpo and ensuring smooth operations.
• Conducting needs assessments and supporting data collection related to basic needs.
• Assisting with post-distribution monitoring of non-food items in collaboration with relevant actors.
• Facilitating communication and coordination among UNHCR units for joint activities.
• Planning and participating in meetings, events, and field missions as required. 1
• Conducting regular field visits and protection monitoring missions to assess needs and identify protection concerns. 1
• Supporting interpretation during information exchanges and contributing to liaison activities. 1
• Engaging in capacity-building initiatives for authorities and partners. 1
• Performing administrative tasks such as report writing and meeting minutes. 1
• Ensuring age, gender, and diversity considerations are integrated into all field activities. 1
• Completing any other related tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Field Assistant position should possess a strong understanding of operations relevant to UNHCR, including technical capabilities and knowledge of UNHCR procedures and rules. They should demonstrate discretion, political sensitivity, and the ability to liaise with various actors, particularly in senior positions. A high degree of autonomy, personal initiative, and resourcefulness are essential, along with the ability to manage information confidentially and accurately. The candidate must be responsive and client-oriented, embodying the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNHCR in their daily activities. They should also have excellent interpersonal skills, enabling them to work effectively across organizational boundaries and establish partnerships in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for the Field Assistant role. Candidates should ideally hold a degree in social sciences, international relations, humanitarian studies, or a related field. This educational foundation will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of refugee assistance and protection effectively.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience in humanitarian work, community engagement, or a related field. Experience working with refugees or in a multicultural environment is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a proven ability to manage multiple tasks and work under pressure, as well as experience in conducting needs assessments and monitoring activities.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNHCR. Proficiency in Romanian is also required, given the local context. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those spoken by refugee populations in Romania, would be considered an asset and beneficial for effective communication with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a National UN Volunteer assignment, which means that the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The role is full-time, and the volunteer will receive a monthly living allowance, which is approximately RON 8161.41, subject to fluctuations due to local exchange rates. Additional benefits include a one-time entry lump sum payment, travel ticket when moving to the duty station, and an exit allowance for each month served. Medical and life insurance coverage is provided through Cigna Private Insurance. Leave entitlements include annual leave, sick leave, learning leave, and maternity/paternity leave. The living conditions in Romania are generally safe, with a temperate climate and various accommodation options available.