Durable Solutions 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, ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to providing protection and assistance to refugees and displaced persons, working closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to find durable solutions for those affected by conflict and persecution.

Job Overview:
The Durable Solutions Assistant position is crucial in supporting the implementation of the Inter-Agency Voluntary Return Action Plan, which aims to facilitate the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of up to 400,000 Syrian refugees in 2025 and an additional 200,000 in 202

• The incumbent will conduct individual counseling sessions with Syrian refugees, providing them with information about conditions in Syria and the various voluntary return programs available. This role requires a deep understanding of protection principles and the ability to assess the voluntariness of refugees' decisions to return. The Durable Solutions Assistant will also be responsible for conducting pre-assessments for refugees interested in returning, ensuring they receive necessary legal assistance and support for civil documentation. The position demands regular field presence, particularly at designated Return Centers, and involves collaboration with various teams within UNHCR to ensure timely and effective support for refugees.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Durable Solutions Assistant will assist in identifying and registering candidates for voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement. Responsibilities include preparing documentation for return, updating electronic databases, and ensuring that persons of concern receive necessary documents for their durable solutions. The incumbent will prepare statistical reports, enter information into databases, and support the identification and management of risks related to durable solutions. Additionally, the Durable Solutions Assistant may participate in community-based activities and support initiatives related to durable solutions and return, including conducting surveys and focus group discussions. The role requires maintaining effective communication with implementing partners and ensuring compliance with UNHCR's policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess knowledge of UNHCR's protection principles and policies, technical skills in protection case management, and strong interpersonal skills for working with forcibly displaced populations. Previous experience in protection case management, including counseling and conducting assessments, is highly desirable. Familiarity with UNHCR's corporate systems such as proGres, BIMS, RAIS, and Kobo is also preferred. The candidate should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning and client orientation.

Educational Background:
The position requires a minimum of a High School Diploma, with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent being advantageous. Relevant certifications, such as the HCR Protection Induction Program, are essential for candidates. The educational background should ideally include training in social sciences, humanitarian studies, or a related field, which would provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of refugee protection and durable solutions.

Experience:
The Durable Solutions Assistant position requires at least one year of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma. For those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher, relevant experience may not be strictly required but is still highly beneficial. Experience in interviewing and diverse field experience in humanitarian settings is considered desirable, as it equips candidates with the necessary skills to engage effectively with refugees and understand their needs.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station, which is Arabic in Lebanon. Familiarity with local dialects or languages spoken by the refugee population may be advantageous, enhancing communication and rapport with the communities served.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA4 category and is not remote. The target start date for the position is September 1, 202

• The role is full-time and involves significant fieldwork, requiring the incumbent to be present in various locations within the North Governorate and Akkar. The position is part of a broader effort to address the humanitarian needs of refugees in Lebanon, particularly in light of the ongoing challenges posed by the Syrian conflict and the high number of displaced persons in the region.