UN Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) 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. The agency's primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State. UNHCR also supports the Republic of Uganda in protecting individuals seeking asylum and those at risk of statelessness. The organization provides direct assistance through implementing partners to refugees and asylum seekers in Uganda, focusing on identifying durable solutions for all refugees and reducing the risk of statelessness.

Job Overview:
The UN Volunteer position is based in the UNHCR Field Office in Moyo, Uganda, which reports to the Sub Office in Adjumani. The role involves ensuring that UNHCR’s policies, standards, and procedures are applied consistently in the Area of Responsibility (AoR). The volunteer will assess and analyze the needs of persons of concern using an Age, Gender, and Diversity (AGD) perspective, ensuring that protection incidents and gaps in assistance are identified and addressed promptly. The position requires collaboration with local authorities and implementing partners to provide assistance to refugees and asylum seekers, as well as monitoring the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security situation in the area. The volunteer will also participate in needs assessments and contribute to project submissions and reports.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Volunteer will undertake various tasks, including ensuring the application of UNHCR policies in the AoR, assessing the needs of persons of concern, identifying vulnerable groups requiring special attention, and monitoring the implementation of refugee assistance programs. The volunteer will coordinate with implementing partners for the reception and registration of persons of concern, develop relations with local authorities, and monitor the security situation. Additional responsibilities include participating in needs assessments, providing feedback on project implementation, and undertaking other relevant duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, integrity, teamwork, and respect for diversity. They should possess effective organizational and problem-solving skills, strong communication abilities, and flexibility to adapt to challenging environments. A commitment to continuous learning and the principles of voluntary engagement is essential. The ability to manage information confidentially and respond to clients with sensitivity is also required.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is necessary for this position, ideally in fields related to international relations, social sciences, or humanitarian assistance. Candidates should have a solid understanding of UNHCR operations and the context of refugee protection.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have experience in humanitarian work, particularly in refugee protection or assistance programs. Familiarity with the local context and previous work with NGOs or UN agencies is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNHCR. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Uganda, such as Luganda or other regional dialects, would be an asset and beneficial for effective communication with local communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Moyo District, which is part of the West Nile Region of Uganda. Living conditions may be challenging, with limited infrastructure and amenities. The role is a family duty station with a 12-week Rest and Recuperation (R&R) cycle for international staff. Housing is available for rent, and there are two UNDSS-cleared hotels and several restaurants in the area. The security situation is generally calm, but petty crime is a concern. The UNHCR Field Office in Moyo is approximately 490 km from Kampala, and travel is primarily by road.