Senior Field Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to promote lasting solutions for those who have been forcibly displaced. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members worldwide. The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights of refugees and displaced persons, providing them with assistance and support, and advocating for their needs and rights at the national and international levels.

Job Overview:
The Senior Field Assistant position is crucial for the implementation of UNHCR's protection and community-based protection activities in Dajabón, a border town in the Dominican Republic. The incumbent will be supervised by the (Senior) Field Officer/Associate and will perform a variety of functions related to field activities. This role involves maintaining frequent internal contacts with staff members and external contacts with officials of national and international institutions, local populations, and implementing partners. The Senior Field Assistant will assist in monitoring the implementation of UNHCR programs, including the delivery of assistance items and monitoring of infrastructure. The position requires the ability to act as an interpreter, collect relevant data, and report findings to the supervisor. The incumbent will also be responsible for liaising with local authorities and implementing partners, assisting in the reception and registration of persons of concern, and following up on their overall situation. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying and managing risks while ensuring effective decision-making in the functional area of work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Field Assistant include: assisting in monitoring the implementation of UNHCR programs; preparing reports and assisting authorized personnel during field missions; acting as an interpreter and contributing to liaison activities; collecting data and information relevant to UNHCR; maintaining regular contacts with local authorities and implementing partners; assisting in the reception, registration, and provision of assistance to persons of concern; following up on the situation of persons of concern in camps and other areas; liaising with local authority counterparts and populations of concern; directing unresolved incidents to the supervisor; supporting risk management and decision-making; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Senior Field Assistant position include a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Essential functional skills include IT-computer literacy, drafting and documentation, and multi-stakeholder communications with partners, government, and community. Completion of UNHCR learning programs or specific training relevant to the functions of the position is desirable. The candidate must demonstrate integrity, adaptability, and a results-oriented mindset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher being advantageous. Relevant fields of education include Business Administration, Law, and Political Science. Certificates and licenses in these areas are essential for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2 years of relevant experience for G5 level positions, with a focus on field-based protection activities, particularly in high-risk contexts. Experience in implementing international protection frameworks, including refugee and human rights law, is crucial. The ideal candidate should also have experience in community-based protection and participatory approaches, as well as in inter-agency coordination and capacity-building initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is required for this position, with Haitian Creole and English being highly desirable. Knowledge of the UN working language of the duty station is also necessary. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is required.

Additional Notes:
This is a locally recruited position, and all applicants must be nationals of the Dominican Republic or have legal residence with a valid work permit at the time of application. The position is classified under hardship level U (unclassified) and is a full-time role. The target start date for the position is September 1, 2025, and the deadline for applications is August 6, 202

• Candidates should be aware that a written test and/or interview may be part of the selection process. The living and working conditions in Dajabón include basic amenities, but infrastructure is limited compared to larger urban centers. The security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security level is classified as Level 2 – Low, and staff should exercise caution due to the dynamic nature of border areas.