Inter-Agency Coordination Associate

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 refugees and internally displaced individuals 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, and resettlement to third countries. UNHCR is committed to upholding international refugee law and advocating for the rights of refugees and displaced persons, ensuring their safety and dignity in the face of adversity.

Job Overview:
The Inter-Agency Coordination Associate plays a crucial role in supporting the coherence and effectiveness of the response to refugees and the Humanitarian-Development-Peace (HDP) nexus. This position is essential for facilitating coordination among various partners, including humanitarian organizations, development agencies, civil society, and Cameroonian authorities. The associate will assist in the collection, analysis, and sharing of information, including updating the mapping of actors and their interventions, which is vital for advocacy efforts. The role also involves strengthening interactions between regional and national coordination structures for refugees and the HDP nexus, supporting strategic and operational planning, and promoting an inclusive response based on reliable data and regular consultations among stakeholders. The associate will be responsible for organizing regular coordination meetings, following up on recommendations, and sharing reports, all of which are critical in a dynamic and evolving operational environment where innovation and inter-agency collaboration are key to making a significant impact on affected populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Inter-Agency Coordination Associate include providing support to inter-agency processes, particularly in refugee contexts and the HDP nexus. This involves including partners in any inter-agency response led by UNHCR, ensuring that their mandates and program priorities are respected. The associate will assist in operational planning and prospective coordination of humanitarian and development responses, contribute to adequate emergency preparedness measures, and establish mechanisms for new emergency situations. They will rigorously monitor strategic, operational, and daily issues related to coordination platforms, analyze key humanitarian and development trends in close collaboration with the information management team, and conduct regular analyses of programmatic and funding gaps. The associate will also support the development of harmonized assessment, monitoring, and evaluation activities, draft correspondence, documents, reports, and briefing notes for meetings and workshops, and conduct regular field visits to support and strengthen coordination structures. Additionally, they will liaise with external partners and local organizations on behalf of the inter-agency coordination unit and UNHCR, lead and facilitate ad hoc working group meetings, prioritize tasks, and organize their work autonomously while collaborating with all stakeholders to identify inter-agency coordination activities. The associate will formulate recommendations on inter-agency coordination issues and work closely with government counterparts on protection, assistance, and durable solutions for refugees, while also identifying and managing risks and seeking opportunities that impact objectives within their area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a bachelor's degree, two years with a master's degree, or one year with a doctoral degree. Relevant fields of study include social sciences, development studies, economics, international relations, law, political affairs, or any other pertinent field. Essential qualifications include a minimum of three years of relevant experience in implementing humanitarian or development programs, including experience in facilitating inter-agency coordination for refugees. A good understanding of the UN system, NGOs, and related planning and coordination practices is necessary, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Knowledge of refugee protection principles and frameworks is also essential, as is experience in public speaking and presentation.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as social sciences, development studies, economics, international relations, law, political affairs, or a related discipline. A master's degree or a doctoral degree in these fields may substitute for some of the required experience, with one year of relevant experience for a master's degree and two years for a bachelor's degree. The educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of humanitarian and development issues, particularly in the context of refugee assistance and coordination.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience in humanitarian or development program implementation, with a focus on inter-agency coordination for refugees. Candidates with two years of experience and a master's degree or one year with a doctoral degree may also be considered. Experience in emergency management and inter-agency coordination in emergency contexts is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in planning and monitoring emergency interventions, as well as strong management and facilitation skills within a diverse team. Familiarity with humanitarian coordination processes and the evolving inter-agency landscape is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
For national professional positions, proficiency in English and the working language of the United Nations at the duty station, if different from English, is required. Additionally, knowledge of the local language is essential. While English is mandatory, familiarity with French or other languages may be advantageous, particularly in a multilingual environment such as Cameroon, where both English and French are official languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a UNOPS LICA6 level role, which indicates a mid-level professional position within the UN system. The target start date for this position is April 1, 2026, and the application deadline is March 16, 202

• The role is not remote and requires the candidate to work on-site in Bertoua, Cameroon. The position is full-time and may involve working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and international organizations. Compensation and benefits will be in accordance with UN policies and may include allowances for hardship levels, family type, and other relevant factors.