Durable Solutions Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14, 1950, by the UN General Assembly. Its mission is to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. UNHCR's primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone forced to flee can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State. The organization operates in numerous countries, providing support to States and advocating for the rights of forcibly displaced individuals. UNHCR is committed to promoting sustainable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement in third countries. The agency works closely with governments, NGOs, and civil society to implement comprehensive refugee response strategies that align with international standards and commitments, such as the Global Compact on Refugees. In Zambia, UNHCR supports the government in creating an enabling protection environment for asylum-seekers, refugees, and former refugees, facilitating their self-reliance and access to durable solutions. The organization has a Representation Office in Lusaka and three field offices in Solwezi, Kawambwa, and Kaoma, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to address the needs of forcibly displaced populations and promote their integration into society.

Job Overview:
The Durable Solutions Associate (G6) plays a crucial role in the implementation of durable solutions strategies for refugees and former refugees in Zambia, particularly focusing on urban contexts. Reporting to a more senior Durable Solutions or Protection colleague, the incumbent is responsible for providing counseling to refugees and persons of concern (POC) to identify appropriate durable solutions. This includes interviewing candidates for voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement, as well as preparing necessary documentation in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The Durable Solutions Associate is expected to maintain accurate electronic databases, prepare statistical reports, and support the identification and management of risks related to durable solutions. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and refugee communities, to foster partnerships and enhance the involvement of refugees in the design and implementation of solutions strategies. The incumbent will also engage in community-based assessments and ensure effective communication with populations of concern, contributing to the overall mission of UNHCR in Zambia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Durable Solutions Associate is tasked with a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Providing counseling to refugees and POC to identify the most suitable durable solutions and enabling them to make informed decisions.
• Conducting interviews for voluntary repatriation and preparing documentation in line with SOPs.
• Interviewing candidates for local integration and preparing the necessary documentation for submission to local authorities or partners.
• Assisting in the maintenance and updating of electronic databases for resettlement, voluntary repatriation, and local integration.
• Processing documentation to ensure timely provision of required documents for durable solutions.
• Preparing statistical and ad-hoc reports to ensure accurate information is available for relevant offices and partners.
• Supporting the identification and management of risks and opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility.
• Engaging in community outreach and conducting assessments to identify durable solutions.
• Collaborating with partners to coordinate voluntary repatriation efforts and facilitate local integration initiatives. 1
• Organizing training sessions and workshops for stakeholders on durable solutions, including resettlement and voluntary repatriation. 1
• Performing other related duties as required to support the overall objectives of UNHCR in Zambia.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Durable Solutions Associate position must possess a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential functional skills include database management and proficiency in Microsoft Office productivity software. The position requires strong organizational and planning skills, as well as the ability to meet deadlines. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in advocacy, negotiation, and the development and implementation of comprehensive solutions and protection responses. Experience in community development and collaboration with government entities and NGOs is highly desirable. The incumbent is expected to uphold UNHCR’s integrity standards and commitment to fraud prevention, with a thorough understanding of the duty to report suspicions of fraud and proper documentation of incidents involving forcibly displaced populations.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Durable Solutions Associate position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum qualification. However, candidates with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field are preferred. While specific fields of education are not mandated, a background in social sciences, international relations, or a related discipline may be advantageous. Additionally, completion of the UNHCR Protection Induction Program is essential for this role, as it provides foundational knowledge and skills necessary for effective performance within the organization.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant work experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Relevant experience may include work in community development, refugee protection, or related fields. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in coordination and collaboration with a diverse range of partners, including government officials and NGOs. Experience in interviewing and working with forcibly displaced populations is also beneficial, as is familiarity with the challenges and obstacles faced by refugees and former refugees in achieving durable solutions.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, as it is the UN working language at the duty station. Candidates should also be familiar with the local language of the duty station if it is not English. Proficiency in additional UN languages is considered an asset, particularly for roles that involve international collaboration or communication with diverse stakeholders. The expected overall language ability is at least B2 level, ensuring effective communication in both oral and written forms.

Additional Notes:
The Durable Solutions Associate position is classified at the GS6 grade level within the UN system. The role is a regular assignment with a target start date of September 1, 202

• The position is full-time and based in Lusaka, Zambia. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that requires meeting deadlines and managing multiple responsibilities. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and they may be required to participate in written tests and/or oral interviews as part of the selection process. The UNHCR emphasizes a commitment to creating a safe and inclusive working environment, free from harassment and discrimination.