Assistant Field Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting is for a position within the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an organization established to protect and support refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR's 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. The organization operates in over 130 countries, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to humanitarian efforts. UNHCR was founded in 1950 and has since played a crucial role in responding to global refugee crises, providing assistance, protection, and durable solutions for those forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or violence.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Field Officer position is designed to support the UNHCR's operations in the Zahle Field Office, which is responsible for overseeing the needs of refugees and displaced persons in the Bekaa and Baalbek governorates of Lebanon. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior Field Coordinator or Field Officer and will be involved in assessing the needs of persons of concern, formulating project submissions, and promoting the implementation of assistance projects. This role requires regular interaction with local authorities, NGOs, and UN agencies to ensure effective coordination and response to the needs of refugees. The Assistant Field Officer will also be responsible for monitoring the flow of new arrivals, assisting with registration and provision of assistance, and preparing reports on project progress and challenges. The position is critical in maintaining UNHCR's emergency preparedness and response capacity, especially in a region that has been significantly impacted by the ongoing refugee crisis and economic challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Field Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: assessing the needs of persons of concern in the area of responsibility (AoR) and collaborating with district authorities and implementing partners to formulate project submissions; promoting and monitoring the implementation of assistance projects; reporting regularly on the rate of new arrivals and estimating expected influxes based on interviews; assisting with the reception, registration, and provision of assistance to persons of concern; tracking cases of detention and registering applicants for voluntary repatriation and family reunion; preparing monthly sectoral reports and contributing to periodic project monitoring reports; submitting recommendations for protection interventions; negotiating with local authorities and partners; managing risks and seeking opportunities impacting objectives; and performing other related duties as required. The role demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work effectively in a challenging environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of one year of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree, or no experience with a graduate degree, or no experience with a doctorate degree. The field of education should be in Law, Political Science, or another relevant field. Essential qualifications include knowledge of UNHCR's programs, stakeholder management, resource planning, and computer literacy. Familiarity with financial management systems such as SAP, Oracle, or PeopleSoft is also beneficial. The candidate should demonstrate strong functional skills in program management, results-based management, and coordination with implementing partners.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science, or a related field. Advanced degrees such as a Master's or Doctorate are preferred but not mandatory for candidates with relevant experience. Certifications in UNHCR Operations Management or Programme Management are considered advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience in a humanitarian or development context. Candidates with field experience, particularly in refugee law and UNHCR's programs, will be given preference. Experience working with forcibly displaced persons and knowledge of the local context in Lebanon will be beneficial. The role demands a strong understanding of protection principles and the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders, including local authorities and community leaders.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English is mandatory, along with knowledge of the UN working language of the duty station, which is Arabic in this case. Candidates who are fluent in both English and Arabic will have a distinct advantage. Knowledge of additional languages is considered a plus and may enhance communication with diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
This is a temporary assignment with a contract duration from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 202

• The position is classified as a National Professional Officer role at the NOA grade level. The Assistant Field Officer will be expected to work full-time and may be required to travel frequently within the region to conduct field visits and assessments. The role is family-friendly, and the organization emphasizes a supportive work environment that promotes safety and empowerment for all staff members. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with UNHCR's salary scales and policies.