Asylum Liaison Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The UNHCR Liaison Office to EUAA in Malta is part of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which was established in 195

• The organization is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a mission to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country. The organization works to safeguard the rights of refugees and assist in their resettlement and integration into host communities. The UNHCR Liaison Office in Malta specifically focuses on collaboration with the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) to enhance asylum processes and policies within the EU.

Job Overview:
The Asylum Liaison Officer position is a critical role within the UNHCR Liaison Office to EUAA in Malta. The selected candidate will be responsible for supporting UNHCR's cooperation with the EUAA, focusing on the Common European Asylum System (CEAS) and related EU policies. The officer will engage in policy analysis, advocacy, and coordination with EU institutions, ensuring that UNHCR's perspectives and recommendations are effectively communicated and integrated into EU asylum policies. The role requires a deep understanding of asylum regulations, the ability to analyze complex policy documents, and the capacity to produce high-quality written outputs that support UNHCR's advocacy efforts. The officer will work in a dynamic team environment, contributing to the organization's mandate and adapting to evolving asylum policy developments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Asylum Liaison Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Analyzing EUAA reports, policy documents, and asylum trends to prepare high-quality written outputs that support UNHCR's advocacy.
• Drafting policy notes, reports, meeting summaries, and analytical briefings to communicate UNHCR's positions effectively.
• Reviewing asylum guidance and training materials to ensure quality assurance and relevance to current practices.
• Supporting coordination with EU institutions and international stakeholders to enhance collaboration and information sharing.
• Representing UNHCR at EUAA meetings, providing accurate reporting and follow-up on discussions and decisions.
• Managing multiple workstreams, prioritizing tasks, and supporting planning processes to ensure timely delivery of outputs.
• Maintaining excellent organizational skills and attention to detail in all aspects of work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Law, Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration, or a related discipline. Additionally, a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in asylum, refugee protection, EU institutions, policy work, or international organizations is required. Candidates with an undergraduate degree must have at least 3 years of experience. Preference will be given to those with experience in EU institutions and/or asylum systems in Europe, as well as familiarity with EU legislative processes and the Common European Asylum System (CEAS).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a university degree in a relevant field such as Law, Political Science, International Relations, or Public Administration. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of asylum policies and international protection standards.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in areas related to asylum, refugee protection, or EU institutions. Candidates with an undergraduate degree must have at least 3 years of experience. Experience with EU institutions and asylum systems in Europe is highly preferred, as it will provide the necessary context for the role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and spoken communication skills. Knowledge of a second EU language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and documents.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position will commence on April 1, 2026, and will run until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of renewal in 2027 based on performance and budget considerations. The selected individual contractor will be responsible for their own taxation and social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security obligations in Malta, as UNHCR will not sponsor work or residency permits. The remuneration will be based on the net annual salary scale established by the ICSC for the Professional category (P2 grade) at the duty station in Malta. The position is not remote, and candidates must hold a valid EU passport or permit to work in the EU. UNHCR is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, ensuring a fair and confidential recruitment process.