Boatman Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which is dedicated to protecting the rights and well-being of refugees and displaced persons. Established in 1950, UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, providing assistance and support to millions of people worldwide. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another country, and it works to promote durable solutions for refugees, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, or resettlement to a third country. UNHCR is committed to upholding international refugee law and advocating for the rights of displaced individuals, ensuring their safety and dignity in the face of adversity.

Job Overview:
The Boatman Assistant position is crucial for supporting the Mocoa Field Unit's river missions, which are essential for managing the protection of individuals experiencing forced displacement or at risk of displacement in remote areas. The role involves assisting the Boat Driver in the care and maintenance of the boat, ensuring that all safety protocols are followed during missions. The Boatman Assistant will be responsible for transporting UNHCR officials and materials to specific locations, reacting to emergencies, and ensuring the safety of passengers and equipment. This position requires a commitment to the operational needs of the field office, with the duration of missions varying based on these needs. The Boatman Assistant will also be evaluated after each mission to ensure compliance with established safety and operational standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Boatman Assistant will carry out a variety of duties, including: assisting in the transportation of UNHCR officials and materials for specific missions; responding to emergencies to protect both the target community and passengers; ensuring the proper functioning of communication and safety equipment on the boat; providing logistical support for the maintenance and regular cleaning of the boat; supplying oil and fuel as needed; cleaning and organizing the boat before and after missions; assisting in maneuvering the boat in case of grounding; monitoring safety on the boat to ensure passenger integrity; safely docking the boat; strictly adhering to safety and accident prevention protocols established by UNHCR; and storing the boat in secure locations as directed by the mission leader.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a valid river navigation license. It is desirable for candidates to have knowledge of the types of boats used for river navigation and the necessary elements for safe navigation. Experience in river navigation with international organizations or UN agencies is also desirable, particularly in the rivers of the Putumayo and Caquetá departments and their riverside communities. Candidates should have at least one year of continuous experience in river navigation to be considered for this position.

Educational Background:
No specific educational degree is required for this position, but candidates must hold a valid river navigation license. This indicates a level of competency and understanding of the responsibilities associated with operating a boat in riverine environments.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of one year of continuous experience in river navigation. This experience is essential to ensure that the Boatman Assistant can effectively support the Boat Driver and manage the safety of passengers and equipment during missions.

Languages:
The required language for this position is Spanish. While knowledge of English is desirable, it is not mandatory for this role. Proficiency in Spanish is crucial for communication with team members and the communities served.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a local entry and mid-level support role, with a target start date of March 1, 202

• The contract is not home-based and is subject to operational needs, meaning that the duration of missions may vary. The position does not require functional clearance and is not remote, indicating that the candidate will be expected to work on-site in Mocoa.