Associate Liaison Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The European Border and Coast Guard Agency, commonly known as Frontex, is an independent agency of the European Union established to enhance the management of the EU's external borders. Founded in 2004, Frontex operates with a legal personality and has both operational and budgetary autonomy. The agency's mission is to support EU Member States in promoting, coordinating, and implementing effective border management in accordance with EU laws, including the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU. Frontex is headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to ensuring the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and integrity of the EU's borders. The agency collaborates with various stakeholders, including national border authorities, international organizations, and NGOs, to address challenges related to border security, migration, and human rights. Frontex is also involved in training border guards and developing common standards across the EU.

Job Overview:
The Associate Liaison Officer position is a critical role within the UNHCR Liaison Office in Warsaw, focusing on enhancing cooperation between UNHCR and Frontex. The officer will work under the direct supervision of the Senior Policy Officer at MCO Belgium, providing essential support in information management, policy analysis, and legal advice. The role requires the officer to stay updated on relevant policies and developments that impact both UNHCR and Frontex operations. The officer will assist in building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including Frontex officials, the European Commission, and various NGOs. The position also involves contributing to the development of tools and strategies that promote UNHCR's protection priorities, particularly in the context of border management and mixed-migration issues. The officer will play a vital role in ensuring that fundamental rights are respected and promoted in all Frontex activities, thereby contributing to the overall mission of protecting vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Liaison Officer will have a range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Keeping abreast of and providing regular updates on relevant policies, research, and developments that may impact UNHCR and Frontex operations.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with Frontex officials, including the Fundamental Rights Officer and Fundamental Rights Monitors, as well as with the European Commission, European Parliament, NGOs, and academic institutions.
• Supporting the development of tools and strategies to enhance bilateral cooperation and promote UNHCR's protection priorities in border and mixed-movement management.
• Facilitating the timely exchange of knowledge and information between UNHCR and Frontex, focusing on risk analysis, fundamental rights at borders, and information management.
• Contributing to the creation and implementation of training tools and methodologies relevant to UNHCR's mandate, including international protection and non-refoulement principles.
• Acting as an alternate member of the Consultative Forum on Fundamental Rights, assisting in organizing meetings and drafting necessary documentation.
• Providing additional support to advance UNHCR's priorities and goals as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a solid academic background in international relations, EU law, or international law. A thorough understanding of EU legislation, particularly concerning asylum and migration, is essential. The position requires excellent analytical and drafting skills, as well as a strong command of the English language. Proficiency in another EU or UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant field such as international relations, law, political science, or a related discipline. A graduate degree may be preferred, particularly for candidates with less work experience. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding complex legal and policy issues related to refugee protection and border management.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in refugee protection or related fields. This experience should ideally be in an international context, demonstrating the ability to navigate complex legal and operational frameworks. Candidates with a graduate degree may qualify with two years of relevant experience, allowing for some flexibility in the required experience based on educational qualifications.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary working language. Additionally, a working knowledge of another EU or UN language is advantageous and may enhance the candidate's effectiveness in liaising with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a Junior Level Professional role within the UNHCR framework. The target start date for the position is February 1, 2026, and the application deadline is set for February 8, 202

• The role is based in Warsaw, Poland, and does not require functional clearance. The position is not remote and involves direct engagement with various stakeholders in the field of border management and refugee protection.