Senior Needs Assessment Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 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 workforce of more than 18,000 employees. Its mission is to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily. UNHCR also works to ensure that refugees can access education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, and it advocates for their rights and protection.

Job Overview:
The Senior Needs Assessment Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the integration of residents at the Kofinou Reception Centre. This position involves working closely with the Protection Officer of UNHCR to facilitate the transition of forcibly displaced persons into the community. The assistant will be responsible for mapping the skills and needs of the residents, creating individualized integration plans, and ensuring access to essential services such as healthcare and education. The role requires maintaining contact with various stakeholders, including government departments and civil society organizations, to enhance the integration prospects of the residents. The assistant will also contribute to the development of Standard Operating Procedures for effective communication and coordination among residents, authorities, and service providers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Protection Assistant will undertake a variety of tasks, including: mapping the skills and specific needs of residents at the Kofinou Reception Centre; creating individualized integration plans to facilitate self-sufficiency; supporting residents in accessing social support schemes; assisting with healthcare access through the issuance of hospital cards; facilitating enrollment in vocational and language-learning opportunities; monitoring school attendance for children; helping residents find dignified and affordable accommodation; identifying employment opportunities; creating and updating Standard Operating Procedures for protection activities; supporting management in coordination and communication; and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have completed secondary education, with an undergraduate degree in Psychology, Social Science, Social Work, Law, or a related field. A graduate degree or doctorate in these fields may also be accepted. Additionally, at least 2 years of relevant work experience is required. Key competencies include proficiency in computer skills (MS Office and People Soft), excellent writing and analytical skills, planning and organizing abilities, interpersonal skills for working in diverse environments, strong communication skills, client and result orientation, stakeholder management, and political awareness.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a secondary education completion, with a preference for an undergraduate degree (equivalent to a BA/BS) in relevant fields such as Psychology, Social Science, Social Work, or Law. Advanced degrees (Master’s or Doctorate) in these areas may also be considered acceptable qualifications.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of previous work experience that is directly relevant to the responsibilities of the Senior Needs Assessment Assistant. This experience should ideally involve working with displaced populations or in a similar social support context, demonstrating the ability to manage integration processes effectively.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, and Greek is also required. Additionally, knowledge of Arabic and French is considered desirable, which can enhance communication with a broader range of residents and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
Candidates must have the right to work in Cyprus. UNHCR is committed to diversity and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital status, race, or other characteristics. The recruitment process may include a written test and/or oral interview, and late applications will not be accepted. This position requires physical presence at the Kofinou Reception Centre, and it is not a remote position.