UN Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 with the mission to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge. The organization provides vital assistance to refugees, asylum-seekers, internally displaced, and stateless people globally. UNHCR operates in numerous countries, providing support in the face of multiple crises and helping save lives while building better futures for millions forced from their homes. In Brazil, UNHCR has maintained an office in Belém since 2019 to assist refugees and those in need of international protection, particularly in the states of Pará and Amapá. The organization collaborates with local protection networks to develop regulatory frameworks and inclusive governance structures, focusing on an intercultural approach to support the diverse needs of the refugee population.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer position is designed to support the UNHCR's mission in Belém, Brazil, where the volunteer will work under the supervision of the Head of Office Field Office. The role involves monitoring the situation of refugees and other persons in need of international protection, collecting relevant data, and reporting findings to the supervisor. The volunteer will also be responsible for assessing the needs of vulnerable groups, maintaining regular contact with local authorities and implementing partners, and assisting in the reception and registration of persons of concern. This position requires a proactive approach to engage with the community and contribute to the preparation of reports and administrative tasks. The volunteer will play a crucial role in ensuring that the UNHCR's programs are effectively implemented and that the needs of the refugee community are met.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will carry out a variety of tasks, including monitoring the situation in the area of responsibility (AoR), collecting data and information relevant to UNHCR, and reporting to the supervisor. The volunteer will monitor the implementation of UNHCR programs, including the delivery of assistance items and infrastructure monitoring. Regular site visits will be conducted to assess the needs of refugees and other persons in need of international protection, with a focus on vulnerable groups. The volunteer will maintain regular contacts with local authorities and implementing partners, act as an interpreter when required, and contribute to the preparation of status and progress reports. Administrative tasks will include preparing reports and assisting authorized personnel during field missions. The volunteer will also inform and act on reports received regarding persons of concern within the refugee community and assist in negotiations with local authority counterparts and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in fields such as Law, Social Sciences, International Relations, Anthropology, or other related areas. Mandatory qualifications include experience working with the protection of refugees, migrants, or other at-risk groups, as well as experience in collaborating with local governments and networks. Candidates should have experience managing social impact projects, designing and implementing training programs for external audiences, and drafting reports for both internal and external audiences. Desirable qualifications include knowledge of international refugee law and/or human rights law, familiarity with the Brazilian public governance framework, and experience working with indigenous populations.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Law, Social Sciences, International Relations, Anthropology, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of refugee protection and the socio-political dynamics in Brazil.

Experience:
A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required for this position. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with vulnerable populations, particularly refugees and migrants, and should demonstrate experience in providing technical assistance to local governments and managing social impact projects.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in Brazil. Additionally, a working knowledge of English and/or Spanish is desirable, as it may facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment based in Belém, which is classified as a family duty station with a hardship level of A. The volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The position is full-time, and the UN Volunteer will be part of the malicious insurance plan. Brazil is classified as security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security level 3 (moderate), and candidates are advised to exercise a high degree of caution due to high levels of serious and violent crime. The assignment will require compliance with United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) procedures and recommendations. Additional information regarding the selection process and working conditions will be provided to pre-selected candidates.