Policy Officer (Global Compact on Refugees) (P3)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established in 1950 with the mission to safeguard the rights and well-being of forcibly displaced and stateless people. The organization operates globally, focusing on saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for those who have been forced to flee their homes. UNHCR engages with various stakeholders, including organizations led by displaced persons, to enhance humanitarian responses and ensure that the voices of affected individuals are heard in global policymaking. The organization is committed to empowering local humanitarian action and has made significant strides in community-based protection approaches, ensuring accountability to affected populations. UNHCR's efforts are guided by frameworks such as the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and the New York Declaration, which emphasize the importance of collaboration and responsibility-sharing among states and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The Policy Officer position is integral to UNHCR's mission of enhancing engagement with forcibly displaced and stateless persons. The role focuses on promoting meaningful refugee participation (MRP) in the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) policy process, particularly in the context of the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) and the High-Level Officials Meeting (HLOM). The officer will support the GCR Section in facilitating the involvement of organizations led by displaced persons in various events and processes, ensuring that their expertise and perspectives are incorporated into planning and decision-making. This position requires collaboration with internal divisions, regional bureaus, and external stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and advocate for the inclusion of refugee voices in multilateral discussions. The officer will also be responsible for managing stakeholder engagement and ensuring that MRP efforts are effectively integrated into relevant policy processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the GCR coordination-team" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Coordination Team Senior Policy Officer, the Policy Officer will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: supporting the meaningful participation of forcibly displaced and stateless persons in follow-up processes to the GRF and HLOM; facilitating engagement with organizations led by displaced persons; representing the GCR Section in relevant task teams; liaising with stakeholders on multi-stakeholder pledges; ensuring MRP efforts are mainstreamed in multilateral policy processes; updating mapping of refugee advisory mechanisms; preparing for the HLOM 2025; advocating for refugee participation in national delegations; coordinating and monitoring HLOM participants; engaging in MRP-related follow-up activities; and performing any additional tasks necessary to promote meaningful refugee participation leading up to the GRF 2027.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Political Science, Social Sciences, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, International Refugee Law, International Human Rights Law, or a related field. Additionally, applicants should have at least six years of relevant experience, particularly in external engagement with humanitarian actors, donors, and governments. Experience in participatory approaches to humanitarian action, organizing global events, and managing complex multi-stakeholder relationships is essential. Strong drafting skills in English, excellent interpersonal and negotiation abilities, and proficiency in strategic communication are also required.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Political Science, Social Sciences, International Law, or Refugee and Forced Migration studies is mandatory for this position. This educational background equips candidates with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to navigate the complexities of international humanitarian law and refugee rights.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of relevant work experience, particularly in roles that involve external engagement with humanitarian actors, donors, and governments. Candidates should have a proven track record of supporting participatory approaches to humanitarian action, managing complex relationships, and organizing large-scale events. Experience in drafting formal documents and reports is also crucial.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a working knowledge of another UN language, particularly French, Spanish, or Arabic, would be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to UNHCR's global mission.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as an international deployment and is expected to last for nine months, with the possibility of extension. The role is full-time and does not require a functional clearance. The position is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and is not remote. Candidates should be prepared to engage in a dynamic and collaborative work environment, contributing to UNHCR's mission of protecting the rights and well-being of forcibly displaced individuals.