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

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members worldwide. The organization is dedicated to ensuring 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's work is guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and it strives to provide protection and assistance to those in need, while also advocating for durable solutions to displacement.

Job Overview:
The Senior Durable Solutions Assistant plays a crucial role in the implementation of UNHCR's durable solutions strategy, which aims to provide refugees and other persons of concern with viable options for their future. This position involves direct interaction with refugees, providing them with counseling regarding their durable solutions needs, and conducting interviews to assess their eligibility for voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement. The incumbent is expected to manage expectations and deliver empathetic counseling, ensuring that refugees are informed about the processes and timelines involved. The role also requires maintaining accurate documentation and data management, as well as collaborating with various stakeholders to facilitate safe and orderly departures for refugees and asylum seekers. The Senior Durable Solutions Assistant is expected to contribute to fostering partnerships and enhancing the involvement of refugee communities in the design and implementation of solutions strategies, thereby promoting a participatory approach to durable solutions.

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 established SOPs. The incumbent will also interview candidates for local integration and prepare the necessary documentation for submission to local authorities or partners. Participation in identifying resettlement needs of refugees is essential, as is assisting in updating the electronic database for resettlement, voluntary repatriation, and local integration. The role involves processing documentation to ensure timely receipt of necessary documents for durable solutions, preparing statistical and ad-hoc reports, and advising on appropriate durable solutions for persons of concern. Additionally, the Senior Durable Solutions Assistant will enter information into databases, support risk management, and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires 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 qualifications include demonstrated experience in providing durable solutions counseling, conducting interviews, and managing expectations of refugees and asylum seekers. Familiarity with UNHCR SOPs, AGD principles, and data protection standards is crucial. The candidate should possess strong database management skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office productivity software. Diverse field experience and experience in interviewing are desirable qualifications.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher being advantageous. While specific fields of education are not mandated, relevant training or certifications in protection, social work, or related fields would be beneficial. The candidate must also have completed the HCR Protection Induction Program, which is essential for understanding UNHCR's operational framework and policies.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 2 years of relevant experience in a similar role, particularly in providing counseling and conducting interviews for refugees and asylum seekers. Experience in departure and movement coordination, as well as managing documentation and liaising with authorities, is highly valued. The role may also benefit from candidates who have diverse field experience, particularly in challenging environments or with vulnerable populations.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with proficiency in the UN working language of the duty station, which in this case is Arabic. Familiarity with local languages is also advantageous, as it can enhance communication with refugees and local stakeholders. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language is required, while for National Professional jobs, proficiency in both is essential.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA5 category and is not home-based. The target start date for the role is April 1, 202

• The position is full-time and does not require functional clearance. It is important to note that no late applications will be accepted, and shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written test and/or oral interview. UNHCR does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and strongly encourages qualified female applicants to apply. The position is based in a location classified as having a hardship level of E, indicating significant challenges in the working environment.