Senior Repatriation 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, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and protection to millions of people worldwide. The organization is committed to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it strives to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.

Job Overview:
The Senior Repatriation Assistant plays a crucial role in the voluntary repatriation program, reporting directly to the Assistant Protection Officer. This position serves as the focal point for the Derabon Return Counselling Centre, overseeing the daily return processing operations and ensuring smooth operational continuity. The incumbent is responsible for managing the team stationed at the centre and is expected to demonstrate strong team management abilities. A solid understanding of border operations and in-depth knowledge of return processing and UNHCR registration procedures is essential. The role requires effective coordination with authorities at Derabon and across PKBCP, as well as timely reporting and consistent support on cross-border and repatriation matters. The Senior Repatriation Assistant must also have a comprehensive understanding of the protection context in Iraq, as well as familiarity with UNHCR systems such as proGres v4 and Kobo, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Repatriation Assistant has a wide range of duties and responsibilities, including: conducting quality checks on return processing completed by the Derabon team and providing guidance as needed; interviewing candidates for voluntary repatriation to ensure informed decisions based on up-to-date information about their country of origin; assisting in the preparation of return documentation and ensuring refugees receive the correct paperwork; participating in mass information activities targeting refugee communities and stakeholders regarding voluntary repatriation; providing logistical and administrative support for border-crossing and return movements; overseeing the Derabon center's logistic and administrative needs; identifying and assessing vulnerabilities among returnees and advising on appropriate responses; entering return-related information into designated databases in accordance with SOPs; coordinating with border authorities on return activities and broader cross-border issues; advocating on behalf of individuals with border officials; preparing and submitting timely border-related reports; and performing any other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires 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 qualifications include a good knowledge of UNHCR's protection mandate and operations, as well as functional skills in IT and computer literacy. Familiarity with protection-related guidelines, standards, and indicators is also essential. The candidate must demonstrate strong team management abilities and a solid understanding of border operations and return processing procedures.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">International Law, International Relations, or Political Science. Certifications in these areas are considered advantageous. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of the role, particularly in understanding the legal and operational frameworks governing refugee protection and repatriation.

Experience:
The position requires relevant work experience in the field of refugee protection, repatriation, or related areas. Candidates should have experience in conducting interviews, managing return processes, and working with vulnerable populations. Experience with UNHCR systems and procedures is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the operational context in Iraq and the broader region.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, Kurdish, and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of additional languages is considered a plus, particularly if they are relevant to the local context. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is crucial for conducting interviews, providing information, and facilitating communication with refugees and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as UNOPS LICA5 and is not remote. The target start date for the position is January 1, 202

• The role is full-time and involves working directly with refugee communities and authorities in Iraq. The position does not require functional clearance and is not applicable for home-based work. The deadline for applications is December 16, 2025.