Senior Durable Solutions Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR works to safeguard the rights of refugees and other displaced persons, providing them with assistance and protection, and advocating for durable solutions to their plight.

Job Overview:
The Senior Durable Solutions Assistant plays a crucial role in the implementation of durable solutions strategies for refugees and persons of concern (POC). This position requires a protection-oriented professional with a strong background in law, international law, international relations, social sciences, or a related discipline. The incumbent is expected to demonstrate a solid understanding of the Iranian protection and solutions context, as well as in-depth knowledge of international protection principles and legal frameworks, including refugee and human rights law, gender-based violence (GBV), and child protection standards. The role involves significant interaction with refugee communities and local authorities, fostering partnerships, and ensuring that the voices of refugees are included in the design and implementation of solutions strategies. The Senior Durable Solutions Assistant is also responsible for maintaining accurate records and databases related to durable solutions, ensuring timely processing of documentation, and preparing reports to share relevant information with stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Durable Solutions Assistant include providing counseling to refugees and other persons of concern about their durable solutions needs, interviewing candidates for voluntary repatriation and preparing documentation for their return in accordance with Voluntary Repatriation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The incumbent will also interview candidates for local integration and prepare the necessary documentation for submission to local authorities or partners, participate in identifying resettlement needs of refugees, and assist in updating the electronic database for resettlement, voluntary repatriation, and local integration. Additionally, the Senior Durable Solutions Assistant will process documentation to ensure that POC receive the required documents for their durable solutions in a timely manner, prepare statistical and ad-hoc reports, and advise on the appropriate durable solution to be provided to POC. The role also involves entering information into available databases, supporting the identification and management of risks, and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Senior Durable Solutions 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 or higher. Candidates should possess strong interviewing and drafting skills, analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, and the capacity to synthesize large volumes of information. Knowledge of UNHCR country guidelines and standards for conducting and using country of origin information (CoI) research is considered an asset, as is proven knowledge of proGres modules and internal guidance and SOPs. Strong time management skills and the ability to deliver high-quality work under pressure are also essential. Adherence to UNHCR’s core values of professionalism, integrity, and respect for diversity is a must.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Senior Durable Solutions Assistant position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher being preferred. While specific fields of education are not mandated, a background in law, international relations, social sciences, or related disciplines is highly advantageous. Candidates are also expected to have completed the UNHCR Protection Induction Program, which is essential for understanding the organization's policies and operational frameworks.

Experience:
Candidates for the Senior Durable Solutions Assistant position should have relevant experience in the field of refugee protection and durable solutions. This includes experience in interviewing and counseling refugees and persons of concern, as well as familiarity with resettlement, voluntary repatriation, and local integration processes. Diverse field experience is desirable, as it enhances the candidate's understanding of the complexities involved in refugee situations and the various solutions available to them.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station, which is Persian in this case. Familiarity with local languages is also beneficial, as it facilitates communication with refugees and local authorities. The ability to communicate effectively in both English and Persian is essential for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a UNOPS LICA5 role, which indicates a level of responsibility and seniority within the organization. The target start date for the position is January 1, 2026, and the deadline for applications is January 11, 202

• The position is not remote and is based in Tehran, Iran. Candidates should be aware that shortlisted applicants may be required to undergo a test and/or interview as part of the selection process. It is important to note that late applications will not be accepted, and all UNHCR workforce members are expected to contribute to a safe and respectful working environment.