Field Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting is for a position within the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), an organization established in 1950 with the mission to protect the rights and well-being of refugees. UNHCR operates in over 130 countries and has a workforce of more than 18,000 employees dedicated to providing assistance and support to displaced individuals and communities. The organization aims to ensure that everyone has the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another state, as well as 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 collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and the private sector, to fulfill its mission.

Job Overview:
The Field Associate position is a critical role within the UNHCR, primarily supervised by a Senior Field Officer or Head of Office. The incumbent is responsible for a variety of functions related to field activities, which include monitoring the situation in the Area of Responsibility (AoR), collecting relevant data, and reporting findings to the supervisor. The Field Associate plays a vital role in ensuring the effective implementation of UNHCR programs, including the delivery of assistance items and monitoring of infrastructure. Regular visits to various sites are required to assess the needs of persons of concern, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups. The position also involves maintaining regular contact with local authorities and implementing partners, acting as an interpreter when necessary, and contributing to the preparation of status and progress reports. The Field Associate is expected to inform and act on reports received regarding persons of concern within the refugee community and to assist in the reception, registration, and provision of assistance to these individuals. This role is essential for advocating for the rights and needs of refugees and ensuring that their voices are heard in relevant discussions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Field Associate include monitoring the situation in the AoR, collecting data and information relevant to UNHCR, and reporting findings to the supervisor. The incumbent will monitor the implementation of UNHCR programs, including the delivery of assistance items and infrastructure monitoring. Regular site visits are required to assess the needs of persons of concern, particularly vulnerable groups. The Field Associate will maintain regular contact with local authorities and implementing partners, contribute to the preparation of status and progress reports, and assist in administrative tasks such as report preparation and support during field missions. The role also involves informing and acting on reports received regarding persons of concern, negotiating with local authority counterparts, and representing UNHCR in physical monitoring of projects. Additionally, the Field Associate will support the identification and management of risks, ensuring decision-making is based on risk assessments, and perform other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience with a High School Diploma, or two years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Essential qualifications include knowledge of English and the UN working language of the duty station, as well as proficiency in local languages. The candidate should possess strong communication and analytical skills, with attention to detail and proficiency in relevant software. Completion of UNHCR learning programs or specific training relevant to the functions of the position is desirable, as is UNHCR field experience. Functional skills required include IT literacy, drafting and documentation, multi-stakeholder communications, and program management.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a High School Diploma or equivalent, with a preference for those holding a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as Business Administration, Law, or Political Science. Relevant certifications in these areas are also beneficial. The educational background should support the candidate's ability to perform the duties associated with the position effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have several years of experience in areas related to refugee protection, humanitarian aid, social work, or community development. Experience working in field settings is essential, as the role requires strong interpersonal skills to engage effectively with the refugee community, state institutions, local NGOs, and other stakeholders. The ability to work in challenging environments, both independently and as part of a team, is crucial, along with a willingness to travel outside the duty station as needed.

Languages:
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. Fluency in Turkish is essential, and knowledge of Farsi is desirable to enhance communication with the refugee community.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary appointment initially for three months, with the possibility of extension. The role is classified at the GS6 level, and candidates should be aware that recruitment as a UNHCR staff member is subject to successful reference checks and integrity clearance. A break of at least 31 days is required before a staff member with a Fixed-term or Indefinite Appointment may be rehired on a Temporary Appointment. UNHCR does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, and only short-listed candidates will be notified. The recruitment process may include written tests and/or oral interviews. External candidates must be legally present in Turkey at the time of application, recruitment, and hire.