UN Associate Volunteer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization established to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees, asylum-seekers, stateless persons, and other persons of concern. UNHCR's mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of these individuals and to seek durable solutions to their displacement. The organization operates in numerous countries around the world, providing essential services and support to vulnerable populations. In Thailand, UNHCR works closely with local partners to deliver protection services, community-based initiatives, advocacy, and capacity-building efforts aimed at supporting stateless individuals and refugees. The organization is committed to ensuring that the rights of these individuals are upheld, despite the challenges posed by the lack of a national asylum framework in Thailand.

Job Overview:
The UN Associate Volunteer position is designed to support UNHCR's outreach and protection efforts in Thailand, particularly in the context of urban refugees and asylum-seekers who face significant challenges due to the absence of a domestic asylum system. The volunteer will work under the direct supervision of the Associate Protection Officer and will receive day-to-day guidance from the Senior Protection Assistant. The role involves contributing to community-based protection activities, managing data and referrals, building partnerships, and enhancing communication with refugee communities. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience in a humanitarian protection setting while actively participating in initiatives that aim to improve the lives of vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UN Associate Volunteer will undertake a variety of tasks, including:

• Organizing and implementing community-based protection activities, providing logistical and material support to the Outreach Volunteer (OV) programme.
• Contributing to Communication with Communities activities by preparing basic information materials and supporting feedback and referral mechanisms.
• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date case information in UNHCR systems, adhering to data protection and confidentiality principles.
• Supporting advocacy and capacity-building initiatives through background research, briefing notes, and documentation of meetings.
• Identifying and documenting emerging protection trends and needs within the community.
• Reviewing and processing emails received through the protection email channel, identifying protection-related issues, and referring them to the relevant units.
• Conducting research on country-of-origin information to support protection efforts.
• Performing other related support tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the UN Associate Volunteer position should possess a strong commitment to humanitarian principles and values. They should demonstrate accountability, adaptability, and flexibility in their work. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, creativity, and the ability to empower others. A commitment to continuous learning and respect for diversity is essential. Additionally, candidates should exhibit professionalism, integrity, and strong judgment and decision-making abilities. The ability to work effectively in teams and manage performance is also important for this role.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for the UN Associate Volunteer position. Candidates should ideally hold a degree in social sciences, international relations, human rights, or a related field. A strong understanding of refugee protection principles and the challenges faced by displaced populations is highly desirable. Educational qualifications should reflect a commitment to humanitarian work and an understanding of the complexities involved in providing support to vulnerable communities.

Experience:
While specific prior experience may not be mandatory, candidates should demonstrate a genuine interest in humanitarian work and a willingness to learn. Any previous volunteer experience, internships, or academic projects related to refugee protection, community outreach, or social work will be considered an asset. The position is suitable for individuals looking to gain practical experience in a humanitarian context and contribute to meaningful initiatives that support refugees and asylum-seekers.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of UNHCR. Knowledge of Thai or other relevant languages spoken by refugee communities in Thailand would be considered an advantage, as it would facilitate communication and enhance the effectiveness of outreach efforts.

Additional Notes:
The UN Associate Volunteer position is a full-time role based in Bangkok, Thailand. The living conditions in Bangkok are generally favorable, with access to healthcare, international services, and a diverse expatriate community. The cost of living may vary based on individual lifestyle choices. The position is part of UNHCR's commitment to providing support to vulnerable populations in Thailand, and the volunteer will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work that contributes to the protection and well-being of refugees and asylum-seekers.