Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant

Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

January 20, 2026March 6, 2026Syria
Job Description
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 works in over 130 countries, providing assistance and protection to millions of people. The organization aims 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 is committed to promoting durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons, focusing on their economic inclusion and self-reliance, particularly in challenging contexts like Syria.

Job Overview:
The Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant will play a crucial role within the livelihoods unit of UNHCR's operations in Syria. This position is designed to support the operationalization of strategic visions that align with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). The incumbent will be responsible for enhancing economic inclusion efforts for refugees and host communities, working closely with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and financial service providers. The role requires a deep understanding of Syria's socio-economic context, particularly regarding the integration of returnees and forcibly displaced populations into national service systems. The assistant will also be tasked with documenting best practices and generating knowledge to improve the economic inclusion of persons of concern (PoC). This position demands a proactive approach to exploring collaboration opportunities across different UNHCR sectors, including protection, education, and cash assistance, ensuring that all stakeholders are aware of the potential for economic inclusion.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant include exploring partnerships with relevant stakeholders to enhance economic inclusion for UNHCR PoC. This involves collaborating with economic development agencies to adapt their programs for inclusivity, working with the private sector to integrate PoC into labor forces and supply chains, and engaging with financial service providers to improve financial inclusion. The assistant will support the implementation of socioeconomic surveys to inform targeting and monitoring of development programs. Additionally, the role includes preparing field reports, organizing workshops and training sessions, and drafting routine documents. The assistant will also be responsible for identifying and managing risks, ensuring that decision-making is informed by the functional area of work, and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least two years of relevant experience in livelihoods, economic inclusion, or financial facilitation, with a high school diploma, or one year of relevant experience with a bachelor's degree or higher. Essential qualifications include experience in facilitating economic inclusion for vulnerable groups, collaboration with various stakeholders, and knowledge of livelihood programming. Desirable qualifications include familiarity with refugee protection principles and completion of UNHCR learning programs relevant to the position's functions.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a high school diploma as a minimum, with a preference for candidates holding a bachelor's degree or higher in fields such as Business Management, Socio-Economic Development, Development Economics, Rural Development, or Financial Management. Relevant certifications in these areas are also beneficial and may be considered essential for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in the field of livelihoods and economic inclusion, particularly in contexts involving vulnerable and marginalized groups. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in partnership with private sector entities, NGOs, UN organizations, and government authorities in areas related to livelihood programming, such as financial inclusion, employment, and local economic development.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For national professional jobs, knowledge of the local language is also required. Additional language skills may be considered an asset, particularly in enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA5 category and is not home-based. The target start date for the role is December 2, 202
  • The position is full-time, and candidates should be aware that no late applications will be accepted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written test or oral interview as part of the selection process. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and strongly encourages qualified female applicants to apply. All UNHCR staff members are expected to contribute to a safe and respectful working environment, free from harassment and discrimination.
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