Assistant Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer

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, ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to promoting durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons, advocating for their rights, and providing assistance to those in need. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and it aims to foster partnerships with governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders to enhance the lives of refugees and displaced communities.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer plays a crucial role in operationalizing UNHCR's strategic vision to align livelihoods and economic inclusion efforts with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). This position focuses on mobilizing additional actors and adopting a whole-of-society approach to strengthen refugee self-reliance and alleviate pressure on host countries. The officer will contribute to promoting the economic inclusion of refugees, which is essential for achieving the objectives of the GCR and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda. The role involves working closely with multi-functional teams and external stakeholders to enhance ongoing livelihoods and economic inclusion programming through evidence-based and market-driven approaches. The officer is expected to be proactive in seeking new opportunities and persuasive in mobilizing donors and partners around innovative models of economic and social integration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Assistant Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer will be responsible for exploring partnerships to facilitate the economic inclusion of refugees, advocating for their rights to work and access to economic opportunities. This includes collaborating with line ministries, private sector actors, and development organizations to ensure that UNHCR persons of concern (PoC) are included in support services such as business development, micro-finance, and vocational training. The officer will work with the multi-functional team to assess the legal framework for the right to work and recommend advocacy initiatives for policy reform. Additionally, the officer will support information sharing and coordination among stakeholders, conduct assessments to identify investment opportunities, and provide technical assistance on livelihoods interventions. The role also involves managing risks and seizing opportunities that impact the objectives in the area of responsibility, as well as performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in facilitating the economic inclusion of vulnerable groups, with experience in collaborating with various stakeholders, including private sector entities, NGOs, and government authorities. Essential skills include strategic planning, project management, networking, and advocacy for refugee socioeconomic rights. The officer should have excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, strong communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Familiarity with the UNHCR program management cycle and emerging trends in livelihoods programming is also important.

Educational Background:
The position requires a minimum of an undergraduate degree in fields such as Business Management, Socio-Economic Development, Economics, International Economics, Rural Development, or Financial Management. Candidates with a graduate degree or doctorate in relevant fields are also encouraged to apply, as they may be considered with no prior experience.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least one year of relevant experience for those with an undergraduate degree, or no experience required for candidates with a graduate degree or doctorate. Experience in facilitating economic inclusion for marginalized groups and working in partnership with various stakeholders in livelihood programming is essential. Familiarity with the latest developments in the livelihoods sector and UN processes related to the SDGs and the Global Compact on Refugees is desirable.

Languages:
For this position, proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of the local language is preferred. Candidates should also be familiar with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for engaging with internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a local UNOPS position in Nigeria, and candidates must demonstrate proof of residency and/or work permit at the time of application. The position is classified at the LICA8 level, with a target start date of April 1, 202

• UNHCR encourages qualified female applicants to apply and is committed to achieving workforce diversity. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request. A written test may be administered for this function.