Senior Field 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 and employs more than 18,000 staff members globally. The organization is dedicated 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 and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Senior Field Assistant position is a critical role within UNHCR, primarily focused on supporting field activities related to the organization's programs. The incumbent will work under the supervision of a (Senior) Field Officer or Associate, performing a variety of functions that include monitoring the implementation of UNHCR programs, assisting in administrative tasks, acting as an interpreter, and maintaining regular contact with local authorities and implementing partners. This role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including refugees and local communities. The Senior Field Assistant will also be responsible for collecting and reporting data relevant to UNHCR's operations, ensuring that the needs of persons of concern are met effectively and efficiently. The position is temporary, with a target start date of January 1, 2026, and an end date of June 30, 2026, and it is essential for the candidate to be adaptable and responsive to the dynamic environment in which UNHCR operates.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Field Assistant include:

• Assisting in monitoring the implementation of UNHCR programs, including the delivery of assistance items and monitoring of infrastructure.
• Performing administrative tasks such as preparing reports and assisting authorized personnel during field missions.
• Acting as an interpreter for routine information exchanges and contributing to liaison activities.
• Collecting data and information relevant to UNHCR's operations and reporting findings to the supervisor.
• Maintaining regular contact with local authorities and implementing partners as directed.
• Assisting in the reception, registration, and provision of assistance to persons of concern to UNHCR in coordination with implementing partners.
• Following up on the overall situation of persons of concern in camps and other areas, reporting any significant developments.
• Liaising with local authority counterparts, partners, and populations of concern to ensure effective communication and support.
• Directing unresolved incidents and problems to the supervisor for further action. 1
• Supporting the identification and management of risks, ensuring that decision-making is informed by risk assessments. 1
• Performing other related duties as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Senior Field Assistant position include:

• 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 functional skills include IT-Computer Literacy, CO-Drafting and Documentation, and CL-Multi-stakeholder Communications with Partners, Government & Community.
• Candidates should demonstrate strong communication and facilitation skills, as well as the ability to work in dynamic environments and respond to emerging demands.
• Experience in working directly with refugees and forcibly displaced persons is highly desirable, particularly in registration, protection response, and case management.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Field Assistant position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum requirement. A Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Law, or Political Science is preferred. Completion of UNHCR learning programs or specific training relevant to the functions of the position is also desirable.

Experience:
Candidates for the Senior Field Assistant position should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience if they hold a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant experience if they possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Experience in working with refugees and forcibly displaced persons, particularly in protection response and case management, is essential. Familiarity with UNHCR corporate tools and experience in data collection and analysis are considered assets.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language of the duty station is required. Knowledge of Spanish is considered an asset for this position, enhancing communication capabilities with diverse populations.

Additional Notes:
The position is temporary, with a duration of 6 months, from January 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026, without expectations of renewal. Candidates must be legally present in Brazil at the time of application, recruitment, and hire. Only Brazilian citizens or candidates legally present in Brazil will be considered eligible. The position offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, and UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. All applications must be submitted online in Workday, and incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. UNHCR is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages all candidates to apply.