Assistant Durable Solutions 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 operates in numerous countries, providing support to States to help refugees find durable solutions, whether through voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement in a third country. UNHCR is committed to promoting sustainable responses that meet immediate humanitarian needs while fostering long-term socio-economic development solutions for forcibly displaced and local host communities. The agency's work is guided by international refugee protection standards, including the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, and it actively engages with governments and partners to implement comprehensive refugee response approaches.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Durable Solutions Officer plays a crucial role in advancing durable solutions for refugees and former refugees in Zambia. Reporting to a Senior Protection Officer, the incumbent is responsible for implementing a durable solutions strategy and fostering partnerships with various stakeholders, including government agencies and development actors. The role involves working closely with protection and program staff to create an environment conducive to finding durable solutions for refugees. The Assistant Durable Solutions Officer will support the implementation of Zambia's National Refugee Policy and contribute to UNHCR's multi-year strategy for 2025-202

• This includes identifying sustainable solutions for refugees and former refugees, enhancing community engagement, and ensuring effective communication with populations of concern. The incumbent will also collaborate with colleagues facilitating voluntary repatriation for refugees opting to return to their countries of origin.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Assistant Durable Solutions Officer include providing counseling to refugees and persons of concern (POC) to identify appropriate durable solutions, interviewing candidates for voluntary repatriation, local integration, and preparing necessary documentation. The incumbent will assist in updating electronic databases for resettlement and local integration, process documentation to ensure timely receipt of required documents, and prepare statistical and ad-hoc reports. Additionally, the officer will support the identification and management of risks, perform other related duties as required, and engage in community-based assessments to identify suitable solutions. The role also involves building and maintaining partnerships with government counterparts and civil society, facilitating participatory processes with communities, and providing training and technical support to government counterparts and partners on durable solutions processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a good knowledge of refugee issues and human rights doctrine, along with strong reporting and writing abilities. Essential functional skills include drafting and documentation, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office productivity software. The position requires a demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities effectively and collaborate with national authorities and stakeholders. The incumbent should also have experience working with vulnerable and marginalized communities, particularly in the context of forced displacement and community development.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an undergraduate degree in fields such as Political Science, Social Science, Law, International Relations, or other relevant disciplines. Candidates with a graduate degree or doctorate may be considered with no prior experience. The educational qualifications should align with the responsibilities of the role, emphasizing the importance of understanding refugee issues and public policy implementation.

Experience:
The Assistant Durable Solutions Officer position requires at least one year of relevant experience for candidates with an undergraduate degree. For those with a graduate degree or doctorate, no prior experience is necessary. The role demands experience in community-based solutions, project management, and monitoring and evaluation skills. Candidates should have a proven track record of collaborating with national authorities and knowledge of public policy frameworks related to refugee management.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Candidates should demonstrate strong communication skills in English, both oral and written, to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and populations of concern.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as a National Professional Officer role, with a target start date of September 1, 202

• The deadline for applications is August 3, 202
• The role is full-time and open to all nationalities, although candidates must provide proof of residency and a work permit for Zambia. The Assistant Durable Solutions Officer will be expected to travel to remote field locations as required. UNHCR emphasizes a working environment that is safe and empowering for all staff members, with a commitment to preventing sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination.