Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer

Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

February 24, 2026April 10, 2026DakarSenegal
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization is UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), which was established in 1950 with the mission to protect and support refugees and displaced persons worldwide. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and employs 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 it strives to promote durable solutions for refugees and displaced persons.

Job Overview:
The Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer will play a crucial role in implementing the strategic vision of UNHCR to align livelihoods and economic inclusion efforts with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). This position emphasizes the importance of mobilizing various actors and adopting a comprehensive approach to enhance refugee self-reliance and alleviate the pressures on host countries. The officer will be responsible for promoting economic inclusion for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), which is vital for achieving the objectives outlined in the 2030 Agenda's Sustainable Development Goals. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Senior Development Officer in the Regional Bureau and the Sustainable Responses Services, focusing on improving the enabling environment for refugees to work, strengthening partnerships with various stakeholders, and enhancing ongoing livelihoods programming through evidence-based approaches. The officer will also support country operations in mainstreaming the GCR and leverage pledges to advance solutions for displaced populations, collaborating with multi-functional teams on various matters including protection, education, cash, partnerships, and more.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer will lead the technical coordination of regional projects aimed at improving access to livelihoods and employment opportunities for refugees. Key responsibilities include facilitating the economic inclusion of refugees in collaboration with external partners, strengthening partnerships with stakeholders, conducting assessments to inform programming, and ensuring that livelihoods interventions are market-based. The officer will maintain regular communication with country operations, coordinate technical assessments, and mobilize resources for economic inclusion initiatives. Additionally, the officer will advocate for the inclusion of displaced populations in labor markets and business, monitor legal and policy developments, and ensure that the participation of displaced populations is integrated into all activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Business Management, Socio-Economic Development, Economics, Rural Development, Financial Management, or a related field. Essential qualifications include technical competencies in relevant sub-sectors such as financial inclusion, employment, and entrepreneurship, as well as experience in facilitating economic inclusion for vulnerable groups. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing partnerships with various stakeholders, conducting sector assessments, and managing development processes. Desirable qualifications include familiarity with UNHCR policies and sustainable programming approaches.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree is required for this position, with a focus on fields such as Business Management, Socio-Economic Development, Economics, Rural Development, or Financial Management. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of livelihoods programming and economic inclusion.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in livelihoods programming, particularly in facilitating economic inclusion for marginalized groups. Essential experience includes working with private sector partners, NGOs, and government authorities, as well as conducting assessments and developing strategic plans for livelihoods support. Desirable experience includes familiarity with UNHCR's policies and standards.

Languages:
The position does not specify mandatory languages, but proficiency in English and French is likely beneficial given the operational context in Senegal. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified under UNOPS IICA2 and is not remote. The target start date for the position is March 1, 2026, and the application deadline is March 4, 202
  • The role is categorized under a family type staff member, and the hardship level is classified as A, indicating the least hardship.
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