Field Associate

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, to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to providing assistance and protection to millions of displaced individuals worldwide. The organization focuses on providing life-saving assistance, advocating for the rights of refugees, and finding durable solutions to their plight. In Lebanon, UNHCR has been active in addressing the needs of refugees and vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of the ongoing Syrian crisis, which has significantly impacted the local communities and infrastructure.

Job Overview:
The Field Associate position at UNHCR is a critical role that requires a candidate with a diverse skill set encompassing communication, teamwork, project management, emergency response, cash programming, and shelter project management. The incumbent will be responsible for data and information management, conducting assessments, monitoring, and reporting on key UNHCR programs in the field. The Field Associate must possess a strong understanding of protection principles and apply a community and rights-based approach in all activities. This role also involves establishing and maintaining institutional relations with various stakeholders, including local authorities and partners, while demonstrating a high level of political awareness regarding developments that may affect the protection environment and UNHCR's operations. The Field Associate will be expected to tailor field visits to meet the needs of different stakeholders, produce succinct agendas and briefing documents, and assist in content gathering for social media. Additionally, the position requires the ability to quickly assess information from multiple sources, conduct field visits, and analyze situational updates. The Field Associate will oversee the delivery of assistance, ensuring that persons of concern (PoCs) and vulnerable groups are integrated into response mechanisms, and will collect community feedback to inform design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design. This role is vital for ensuring transparency and accountability in program implementation and requires a proactive approach to monitoring and reporting on progress.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Field Associate include monitoring the situation in the area of responsibility (AoR), collecting relevant data and information for UNHCR, and reporting findings to the supervisor. The incumbent will monitor the implementation of UNHCR programs, including the delivery of assistance items and infrastructure monitoring. Regular site visits will be conducted to assess the needs of persons of concern, with a focus on vulnerable groups. The Field Associate will maintain regular contact with local authorities and implementing partners, act as an interpreter when necessary, and assist in preparing status and progress reports. Administrative tasks such as report preparation and assisting authorized personnel during field missions will also be part of the role. The Field Associate will inform and act on reports concerning persons of concern within the refugee community and coordinate with implementing partners to assist in the reception, registration, and provision of assistance to PoCs. Negotiating with local authorities, representing UNHCR in project monitoring, and supporting the Head of Field Office in establishing contacts with local governments and institutions are also key responsibilities. The Field Associate will stay informed about developments that may impact UNHCR operations and support donor field missions by formulating agendas and providing background documents. Additionally, the role involves supporting public information and communications content gathering missions to source compelling stories and assist with logistical needs.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Field Associate position include a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor's degree or higher in fields such as Business Administration, Law, Political Science, International Relations, Communication and Media, Public Administration, or Management. Candidates must have at least three years of working experience in humanitarian settings related to the protection and assistance of refugees and displaced persons. Previous exposure to external relations and government liaison functions is required, while experience with UN agencies or NGOs is desirable. A deep understanding of the North and Akkar governorates in terms of institutional and civil society stakeholders is also beneficial, along with previous work experience in similar positions in Lebanon and exposure to international donors operating in the country.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Field Associate position should possess a High School Diploma with three years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field with two years of relevant work experience. The educational background should ideally be in areas such as Business Administration, Law, Political Science, International Relations, Communication and Media, Public Administration, or Management, which will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to perform effectively in this role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of working experience in humanitarian settings, specifically related to the protection and assistance of refugees and other displaced persons. Candidates should have previous exposure to tasks and responsibilities related to external relations and government liaison functions. Desirable experience includes previous work with UN agencies or NGOs, as well as familiarity with the North and Akkar governorates in Lebanon, including knowledge of institutional and civil society stakeholders. Experience in similar positions and direct exposure to international donors operating in Lebanon will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as strong drafting skills are essential for producing documents for different audiences. A high level of computer literacy is also required. While fluency in English and Arabic is necessary, additional languages may be considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a UNOPS LICA6 role and is not remote. The target start date for the position is February 2, 202

• The role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including local authorities and humanitarian actors. The Field Associate will be expected to engage in a range of activities that support the UNHCR's mission in Lebanon, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges faced by refugees and vulnerable populations in the region. The position may involve travel within the region to conduct assessments and monitor programs, and the incumbent will be expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and cultural sensitivity in all interactions.