Associate Development Officer

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 supports States in providing protection and durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary return, local integration, or resettlement in a third country. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, with a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members, and is committed to the principles of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity. In Zambia, UNHCR has been active since 1967, working closely with the government to create an enabling environment for asylum-seekers and refugees, ensuring their protection and self-reliance, and facilitating durable solutions.

Job Overview:
The Associate Development Officer plays a critical role in supporting UNHCR's engagement with development partners to address the needs of forcibly displaced populations. This position focuses on leveraging development partnerships to influence policy dialogue and enact institutional reforms that improve protection environments and promote socio-economic inclusion for refugees and internally displaced persons. The incumbent will work on developing sustainable responses to forced displacement, emphasizing resilience and self-reliance. This includes creating conditions that allow refugees and host communities to rebuild their lives and contribute to local economies. The role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including government entities, development partners, NGOs, and the private sector, to ensure that the needs of refugees are integrated into national and local development planning and programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Development Officer will assist management in conducting research and analysis to interpret long-term political, economic, and social trends that enhance opportunities for solutions and inclusion for populations of concern. Responsibilities include supporting the development of multi-year protection and solutions strategies, facilitating relationships with development cooperation agencies, and contributing to the identification and capitalizing on development opportunities. The incumbent will also engage with stakeholders to support the implementation of sustainable responses to forced displacement, assist in developing project proposals and budgets, and contribute to advocacy and communication materials. Additionally, the role involves monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of development responses and ensuring that development actors have access to relevant data for planning and programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in a relevant field such as Development Economics, Development Studies, International Relations, Political Science, or Law. Essential qualifications include at least three years of direct work experience in a large international development institution, with a minimum of one year in field operations. Knowledge of local or area-based economic development and experience in technical sectors such as education, health, or social protection are preferred. Candidates should demonstrate strong project management skills, internal and external coordination abilities, and the capacity to engage with a wide range of stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in Development Economics, Development Studies, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees (master's or doctorate) may substitute for years of experience, with a minimum of one year of relevant experience for a doctorate holder. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in socio-economic development and governance issues relevant to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in international development, with a focus on sustainable development or related areas. Candidates should have practical experience working with economic growth, governance, and conflict issues, as well as familiarity with the operations of multilateral development banks or bilateral development actors. Experience with forced displacement and knowledge of Zambia's governance system and socio-economic policies will be advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with a strong command of the UN working language of the duty station if not English. Knowledge of local languages is also beneficial. Candidates should demonstrate overall language abilities at least at the B2 level, ensuring effective communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, and candidates must provide proof of residency and work permit for Zambia. The role is full-time and involves travel to remote areas as needed. The deadline for applications is July 31, 2025, and the target start date for the position is September 1, 202

• The position is open to all nationalities, but candidates must meet the residency requirements to be considered.