Assistant Durable Solutions 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, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of international protection and humanitarian assistance, focusing on providing support and solutions for displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Assistant Durable Solutions Officer plays a crucial role in the UNHCR's efforts to implement durable solutions for refugees and other persons of concern (POC). This position involves working closely with protection and program staff to ensure that the strategies for durable solutions are effectively executed. The incumbent is expected to foster partnerships and enhance the involvement of refugee communities in the design and implementation of solutions strategies. The role requires a deep understanding of the challenges faced by forcibly displaced populations and the ability to navigate complex socio-political environments to promote inclusive policies. The Assistant Durable Solutions Officer will also be responsible for providing counseling to refugees, preparing documentation for voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement, and ensuring that all processes are conducted in accordance with UNHCR's policies and procedures. This position is vital in contributing to the overall mission of UNHCR to provide protection and assistance to those in need, while also working towards sustainable development and solutions for displaced populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Durable Solutions Officer include:

• Providing counseling to refugees and other persons of concern to identify the most appropriate durable solution and enabling them to make informed decisions.
• Conducting interviews with candidates for voluntary repatriation and preparing the necessary documentation for their return.
• Interviewing candidates for local integration and preparing the appropriate documentation for submission to local authorities or partners.
• Assisting in updating the electronic database for resettlement, voluntary repatriation, and local integration in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Processing documentation to ensure that persons of concern receive the necessary documents for their durable solutions in a timely manner.
• Preparing statistical and ad-hoc reports to ensure accurate information is available and shared with relevant offices and partners.
• Advising on the appropriate durable solution to be provided to persons of concern and preparing related documents.
• Entering information into available databases in accordance with SOPs.
• Supporting the identification and management of risks and seeking to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. 1
• Raising risks, issues, and concerns to a supervisor or relevant functional colleagues. 1
• Performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Assistant Durable Solutions Officer position include:

• A minimum of one year of direct work experience in a large international development institution in a relevant position, including experience in field operations.
• Demonstrated experience in either the education or protection sector.
• Practical experience working with refugees and forcibly displaced populations, with an understanding of economic growth, governance, fragility, and conflict.
• Expertise in engaging with government entities at regional and local levels to promote inclusive policies.
• Strong reporting and writing abilities, with good knowledge of refugee issues and human rights doctrine.
• Familiarity with ProGress database software is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes:

• An undergraduate degree in Political Science, Social Science, Law, International Relations, or another relevant field.
• Candidates with a graduate degree or doctorate may be considered without prior experience. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of refugee issues and the legal frameworks that govern them.

Experience:
The level of experience needed for the Assistant Durable Solutions Officer position is at least one year of relevant experience with an undergraduate degree. Candidates with a graduate degree or doctorate may be considered without prior experience. The experience should ideally be in a large international development institution, with a focus on field operations and direct engagement with refugees and displaced populations.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements for this position include proficiency in English and the UN working language of the duty station, which is Arabic in this case. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under the UNOPS LICA8 category and is not remote. The target start date for the position is March 1, 2026, and the deadline for applications is March 1, 202

• The role is full-time and may involve working in a challenging environment due to the ongoing humanitarian needs in Iraq. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, reflecting UNHCR's commitment to gender equality and diversity in the workplace.