Community Liaison (UN Volunteer)

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the UNHCR, established on December 14, 1950, by the UN General Assembly, is dedicated to leading and coordinating international efforts to protect refugees and resolve refugee issues globally. The agency's primary mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. The UNHCR also facilitates voluntary return, local integration, or resettlement in a third country, striving to uphold the dignity and rights of refugees worldwide. The organization operates in numerous countries, engaging with various partners to implement its mission effectively.

Job Overview:
The Community Liaison position is a United Nations Volunteer (UNV) role that is integral to UNHCR’s community-based protection team. The incumbent will work closely with UNHCR programs across multiple locations in Morocco, including Oujda, Fès, Tanger, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Agadir. This role involves direct fieldwork, where the Community Liaison will be stationed at one of UNHCR's partner organizations, such as AMAPPE, AMPF, FOO, OMDH, or ProgettoMondo, on a part-time basis. The primary functions include informing and referring refugees and asylum-seekers to available services, facilitating awareness-raising activities within communities, conducting outreach visits, and participating in awareness campaigns organized by UNHCR and its partners. The Community Liaison is expected to submit regular activity reports and adapt responsibilities according to the approved Terms of Reference (TOR).

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UNV Community Liaison will have a range of responsibilities, including identifying vulnerable community members without support, referring them to appropriate services, and guiding them through the necessary processes. Specific duties include: identifying at-risk children and making urgent referrals to child protection services; referring survivors of gender-based violence and trafficking to relevant focal points; assisting refugees and asylum seekers in obtaining UNHCR documentation; ensuring that cases are handled appropriately by partners and state structures; and engaging with families and communities to provide necessary information. The Community Liaison will also be involved in promoting volunteerism and community engagement, contributing to UNV publications, and participating in local volunteer initiatives. The role requires a commitment to maintaining high standards of professionalism and respect for diversity in all interactions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Community Liaison position should possess strong interpersonal skills, a demonstrated understanding of UNHCR operations, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. The role requires discretion, political sensitivity, and the capacity to manage information confidentially. A commitment to the principles of volunteerism and the UN's ethical standards is essential. The ideal candidate should also exhibit resourcefulness, initiative, and the ability to work independently while adhering to established procedures.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, typically including a degree in social sciences, international relations, or a related field. Candidates should have a solid understanding of refugee issues and community engagement practices, which will be beneficial in fulfilling the responsibilities of the Community Liaison role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have prior experience in community work, social services, or humanitarian assistance. Experience working with refugees or in a related field is highly desirable. The ability to demonstrate effective communication and organizational skills, as well as experience in conducting outreach and awareness-raising activities, will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and French is mandatory for this position, as these are the primary languages spoken in Morocco. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a part-time national UN Volunteer assignment, with an expected commitment of approximately 20 hours per week. The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The compensation includes an entry lump sum equivalent to 50 USD in MAD, a volunteer leaving allowance of 2635.85 MAD, access to UNV learning and career development resources, and 2.5 days of annual leave per month. Comprehensive health, life, and malicious acts insurance coverage is provided for the UN Volunteer.