Field Associate

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, to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members dedicated to helping those in need. The organization focuses on providing protection, assistance, and solutions for refugees and displaced persons, working closely with governments, NGOs, and other partners to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Field Associate position is a critical role within UNHCR, primarily focused on field activities that support the organization's mission to assist refugees and displaced persons. The incumbent will be supervised by a (Senior) Field Officer or Head of Office and will be responsible for a variety of functions related to field operations. This includes monitoring the situation in the Area of Responsibility (AoR), collecting relevant data, and reporting findings to the supervisor. The Field Associate will also engage with local authorities, partners, and the refugee community to ensure effective communication and coordination of services. The role requires strong communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders. The Field Associate will play a vital role in assessing the needs of vulnerable groups and ensuring that assistance is delivered effectively and efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Field Associate include monitoring the situation in the AoR, collecting data and information relevant to UNHCR, and reporting findings to the supervisor. The incumbent will monitor the implementation of UNHCR programs, including the delivery of assistance items and infrastructure monitoring. Regular visits to various sites will be required to assess the needs of persons of concern, particularly vulnerable groups. The Field Associate will maintain regular contact with local authorities and implementing partners, act as an interpreter when necessary, and contribute to the preparation of status and progress reports. Administrative tasks such as report preparation and assisting authorized personnel during field missions will also be part of the role. The Field Associate will inform and act on reports received regarding persons of concern and assist in the reception, registration, and provision of assistance to these individuals. Negotiating with local authority counterparts and representing UNHCR in physical monitoring of projects are also key responsibilities. Additionally, the Field Associate will support the identification and management of risks and seek opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires essential criteria including 3 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma or 2 years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Candidates must have experience in fieldwork, including monitoring, assessments, or community engagement. Strong communication and reporting skills are essential, as well as the ability to coordinate with authorities, partners, and communities. Fluency in Arabic is mandatory, and a working knowledge of English is considered an asset. Desirable criteria include experience with UNHCR, UN agencies, or NGOs, familiarity with the operational contexts of Homs and Hama, experience with data collection tools such as Kobo or Excel, and knowledge of protection principles and reintegration processes.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a High School Diploma or a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Law, or Political Science. Certifications in these areas are also beneficial and may enhance a candidate's application. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of the position, ensuring that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge to perform effectively in the role.

Experience:
The level of experience required for this position is at least 3 years of relevant experience for candidates with a High School Diploma or 2 years for those with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. This experience should be directly related to fieldwork, monitoring, assessments, or community engagement, demonstrating the candidate's ability to perform the duties outlined in the job description effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in the operational area. A working knowledge of English is considered an asset, particularly for written and verbal communication. Knowledge of additional languages may be beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA6 category and is not remote. The target start date for the position is February 1, 2026, and the deadline for applications is February 9, 202

• The role is categorized under a hardship level E, indicating a challenging working environment. The position is non-family, meaning that staff members are not permitted to bring family members to the duty station. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a written test and/or oral interview as part of the selection process.