Refugee Reception Area Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the UNHCR was established on December 14, 1950, by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. The UNHCR operates in numerous countries around the globe, focusing on providing assistance and protection to millions of refugees and displaced persons. The organization is committed to upholding international refugee law and advocating for the rights of refugees, ensuring they receive the necessary support and services to rebuild their lives.

Job Overview:
The Refugee Reception Area Assistant position is a crucial role within the UNHCR's operations in the Zaatari camp, which is one of the largest refugee camps in Jordan. The assistant will serve as the first line of staff addressing community needs and will be responsible for managing various camp-related issues. This role requires a proactive approach to assist the UNHCR Field unit in reporting and addressing the needs of refugees. The assistant will need to demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, as the working conditions can be challenging and require a service-oriented mindset. The position also involves engaging with refugees and community members, ensuring that their needs are met and that they receive the necessary support. The assistant will be expected to maintain a high level of professionalism and diplomacy while performing their duties, which may include working night shifts and participating in community engagement activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Refugee Reception Area Assistant will have a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: conducting all administrative matters in the UNHCR Reception Area in Zaatari camp, monitoring the site, and keeping inventory records. The assistant will perform daily checks of the Reception Area's readiness according to standard operational procedures and address any arising issues. They will support prioritizing and reviewing response actions for cases referred by different UNHCR units, assist with data entry, and help contact camp refugees to collect field-related information. The assistant will also follow up on the waiting list for caravan distribution and report any empty or closed shelters to the Field Officer. Additionally, the assistant will be encouraged to engage in community activities and promote volunteerism as part of their role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess secondary education, with a diploma being desirable. Work experience in the UN or non-governmental organizations within a refugee camp context is preferred. Excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work collaboratively with various partners are essential. The candidate should be self-motivated, able to work with minimal supervision, and capable of adapting to a challenging environment. Sound security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security awareness and an affinity for UNHCR volunteerism are also required.

Educational Background:
The minimum educational requirement for this position is secondary education. A diploma in a relevant field is considered an asset, as it may enhance the candidate's ability to perform the duties effectively.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant volunteer or work experience, preferably in a refugee camp or similar environment. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to work effectively in a multicultural team and adapt to challenging situations.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is required, along with basic knowledge of English. Proficiency in both languages will facilitate effective communication with refugees and team members.

Additional Notes:
This position is a UN Volunteer assignment based in the Sub Office Mafraq, which is classified as a B category duty station. The working conditions in this area can be harsh, characterized by a hot and dry desert climate with significant temperature fluctuations. The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials, and candidates residing close to the camps will be preferred for quicker response times in emergencies. The assignment is for a duration of 11 months, with the possibility of extension based on operational needs and performance. The role is open exclusively to individuals with refugee status, and applicants must provide official documentation of their status during the application process.