Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is UNHCR, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which was established in 195

• Its mission is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries, employing more than 18,000 staff members. The organization works to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, and to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. UNHCR's work is guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, and it aims to provide protection and assistance to those in need, while also advocating for durable solutions to displacement.

Job Overview:
The Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant will play a crucial role within the livelihoods unit of UNHCR, focusing on operationalizing the strategic vision that aligns with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). This position emphasizes the importance of mobilizing various actors and adopting a comprehensive approach to enhance the self-reliance of refugees and alleviate the pressures on host countries. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Officer, collaborating with UNHCR partners, government agencies, and private sector stakeholders to improve economic inclusion for both persons of concern (PoC) and host community members. The role involves exploring collaborative opportunities across various UNHCR sectors, documenting best practices, and facilitating knowledge sharing among humanitarian and developmental stakeholders. The assistant will also be responsible for mobilizing refugees from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that all stakeholders recognize the potential benefits of economic inclusion for both refugees and host communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Senior Livelihood and Economic Inclusion Assistant include exploring partnerships with stakeholders to enhance economic inclusion for UNHCR PoC, adapting economic development programs to be inclusive, and working with private sector entities to integrate PoC into their labor forces. The assistant will support the implementation of socioeconomic surveys to inform targeting and monitoring of development programs, provide technical assistance for market-based livelihoods interventions, and prepare field reports with recommendations for enhancing refugee economic inclusion. Additionally, the assistant will assist in organizing meetings, workshops, and training sessions related to livelihood programming, draft routine documents, and participate in inter-agency meetings. The role also involves identifying and managing risks, making informed decisions based on risk assessments, and performing other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or 1 year of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Essential qualifications include experience in facilitating economic inclusion for vulnerable groups, collaboration with various stakeholders, and knowledge of refugee protection principles. Desirable qualifications include completion of UNHCR learning programs or specific training relevant to the position's functions. Functional skills required for this role include strategic planning and advocacy for refugee socioeconomic rights.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a High School Diploma as a minimum, with a Bachelor’s degree or higher being preferred. Relevant fields of study include Business Management, Socio-Economic Development, Development Economics, International Economics, Rural Development, and Financial Management. Certificates in these areas are essential for the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have relevant experience in facilitating economic inclusion for marginalized groups, ideally in diverse field contexts. Candidates should have experience working in partnership with private sector entities, NGOs, UN organizations, and government authorities in areas related to livelihood programming such as financial inclusion, employment, and poverty reduction. Desirable experience includes knowledge of refugee protection principles and frameworks, as well as completion of relevant UNHCR training programs.

Languages:
For this position, knowledge of English is mandatory, along with the UN working language of the duty station if it is not English. For General Service jobs, knowledge of English and/or the UN working language is required. Proficiency in Spanish is also expected, with an overall ability of at least B2 level being desirable.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as a temporary assignment with a hardship level of A (least hardship). The target start date is March 12, 2026, and the target end date is December 31, 202

• The role is categorized under the General Service grade GS5, and it is a full-time position. The organization encourages a working environment that is safe and empowering for all staff members, promoting zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment, and discrimination.