Field Assistant

Field Assistant

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

January 27, 2026March 13, 2026DamascusSyria
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), which was established in 195
  • The organization is dedicated to saving lives and protecting the rights of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR works in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The mission of UNHCR is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and to return home voluntarily. They also work to ensure that refugees can rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.

Job Overview:
The Field Assistant position is crucial for supporting the operational activities of UNHCR in the field. The incumbent will be supervised by the Field Officer/Associate and will engage in various field activities that are essential for the effective functioning of the office. The role requires maintaining regular communication with both internal staff and external stakeholders, including local authorities, implementing partners, and the refugee community. The Field Assistant will be responsible for collecting and reporting data relevant to UNHCR's operations, assisting in the registration and provision of assistance to persons of concern, and acting as an interpreter when necessary. This position demands a proactive approach to problem-solving and risk management, ensuring that any issues are escalated to the supervisor when they cannot be resolved independently. The Field Assistant will also be expected to contribute to administrative tasks and support field missions, making this role integral to the success of UNHCR's mission in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Field Assistant include: assisting in administrative tasks such as preparing reports and meeting authorized personnel; acting as an interpreter for routine information exchanges; collecting and reporting data relevant to UNHCR operations; maintaining regular contact with local authorities and implementing partners; assisting in the reception, registration, and provision of assistance to persons of concern; liaising with local authority counterparts and populations of concern; directing unresolved incidents and problems to the supervisor; supporting risk identification and management; and performing other related duties as required. The Field Assistant must ensure that decision-making is informed by risk assessments and that any significant risks or issues are communicated to the supervisor or relevant colleagues.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma, or a Bachelor's degree or equivalent higher education. Essential qualifications include skills in drafting and documentation, multi-stakeholder communications, and IT literacy. Candidates should also have a strong understanding of the operational context of UNHCR and the ability to work effectively in a challenging environment. Desirable qualifications include completion of UNHCR learning programs or specific training relevant to the functions of the position.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a High School Diploma or a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Law, or Political Science. Certifications in these areas are considered essential for the role. The educational background should equip candidates with the necessary skills to perform the duties of the Field Assistant effectively.

Experience:
Candidates are expected to have at least 1 year of relevant experience in a similar role or field. This experience should ideally include working with UN agencies or in humanitarian settings, where the candidate has developed skills in administrative support, data collection, and stakeholder engagement. Experience in emergency response and inventory control is also highly valued.

Languages:
Knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station, which in this case is Arabic. For national professional jobs, proficiency in the local language is also required. Candidates who possess additional language skills may have an advantage in the selection process, particularly in communicating with diverse populations of concern.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA4 category and is not remote. The target start date for the position is March 1, 202
  • The role is categorized under a hardship level of E, indicating a challenging working environment. The position is non-family, meaning that staff members are expected to work independently without accompanying family members. UNHCR emphasizes a commitment to creating a safe and respectful workplace, and all staff members are expected to uphold the organization's core values and contribute to a positive work environment. Applications must be submitted before the deadline of February 2, 2026, and late applications will not be accepted. Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written test and/or oral interview as part of the selection process.
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